Rio Ferdinand fumes ‘France ruined the game’ and demands shock rule change as Les Bleus set dubious record
RIO FERDINAND accused France of “ruining the game” as they beat Portugal in the Euro 2024 quarter-final.
Didier Deschamps’s side progressed after a penalty shoot-out where they converted all five spot-kicks.
France produced just four shots on target across 120 minutes of football, and sat back during extra-time as they held on to a 0-0 draw.
BBC pundit Ferdinand accused France boss Deschamps of negative tactics, claiming he was relying on a moment of magic from one of his players.
Ferdinand said at the end of extra-time: “I think France ruined this game I’ve got to be honest with you. Two great sets of players but the way France approached this game.
“We talk about England not performing the way we want them to perform but Deschamps set his team up to sit there and wait and hope for an individual to break this game open.
“It didn’t happen for them today but they’re still in it. It’s a way it’s a route and that’s the route that Deschamps chooses.”
He then went on to demand a rule change, suggesting extra-time ought to be scrapped as players are made to play too may minutes.
Ferdinand proposed a penalty shoot-out should follow immediately after 90 minutes is up.
France are in the Euro 2024 semi-final despite not scoring a goal of their own from open play.
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In the five matches they have played they have scored one penalty, while two own goals helped them beat Belgium and Austria.
They will meet Spain in the semis after Luis de la Fuente’s side knocked out Germany with a late extra-time winner.