The Good:
- You can never sneeze at getting a result against another international size - especially one of Portugal's reputation. France follow up their victory a month ago against Euro defending champion Spain with another victory over their Iberian peninsula neighbor. France, since that miracle of a game against Ukraine in Paris, have been building back their mojo. While I am not ready to say they have arrived, they are clearly progressing in the right direction.
- Benzema finding the back of the net. Remember when Karim had gone what felt like a life time since he scored for Les Bleus? Since the end of qualifiers and through the World Cup it feels as if the Real Madrid striker has regained his form. His goal was not one the most technically beautiful goals, but it was a true strikers goal. After a great rush from Griezmann, who cut the ball back through the penalty box onto the on rushing Sagna, who hit a heavy shot. The former Arsenal man was unfortunate to not have opened his account with France, the shot asked for an outstanding save from Patricio. Unfortunately the keeper was only able to deflect the shot onto the the foot of Benzema. Who, for once, had camped out on the 5 yard box and was in the perfect position to clean up the garbage and put the ball in the back of the net. A true center forward's goal. With players such as Griezmann and Valbuena bombing down the flanks, it is important for Benzema to get into those positions to take advantage of the crosses and pace from his wingers.
- Speaking of Real Madrid, Varane is quickly becoming a center piece for the defensive back 4 as well as France. The youngster shows positional awareness beyond his youth but also the physical assets to make up for mistakes and take on players 1 on 1. Just look at how he was able to shoulder off Ronaldo in the second half on a delicate 50/50 ball in the French penalty box. The future is bright for Varane. Amazing that Real Madrid is so stacked that he is not a regular starter.
- Another youngster - Pogba - is quickly becoming an anchor for Les Bleus. The Juventus man
is the boss for the French midfield. The likes of Cabaye and Matuidi do yeoman's work, but it is the France #19 that is the metronome for Les Bleus. As was stated during the game, he can also play any style of play that may arise - fast paced, he can distribute and add to the attack, defensive, he can easily lie deeper on the field. He also contributed with a smart goal from a nice lay off from Benzema. As the saying goes, the spin of the team is where the strength needs to be - with the likes of Varane at center back and Pogba at central midfield, you have the foundation of a world class spine.
Midfield control tower for Les Bleus
- Speaking of Pogba...he is a player with tremendous talent as well as confidence. And why not. He is not even 22 yet and he already has captained the U20 French side to an U20 World Cup, where he also won player of the tournament award. He has played in a World Cup and been to a 1/4 final, scoring along the way. Pogba has already played for 2 of the world's biggest clubs - Manchester United and Juventus where he is currently. The one negative about confidence is it sometimes makes you think you are invincible. At times Pogba does things that on the pitch that are the result of youthful exuberance. For example - in the second half, after nursing the lead he plays a ball in his half, doing a few nifty step overs and pirouettes he has the chance to make an easy pass out to his right or even back to his center backs. Instead he tries one more step over, loses the ball and allows a Portuguese break. He needs to be better aware of the situation. Something that will, hopefully, come with maturity as he grows in the game.
- Did France have anyone on the right side? Okay I realize this is a regular criticism in my post France posts. I could probably just copy and paste from the dozens of other posts about this. But seriously...at times I wondered if France forgot they were allowed to attack down the right. Surprisingly the first goal came from Sagna coming down the right flank. Otherwise the right flank was almost entirely ignored. Much of this is, once again, because the right winger, Valbuena, cannot resist drifting back to the middle of the park and even out to the left. I realize that the plan is for Valbuena and Griezmann are suppose to swap wings during the game, but that only works if the other winger goes to the opposite wing! Too often Valbuena and Griezmann found themselves on the same side of the pitch - the left side - and at times almost on top of one another. While the right side was lonely. France must find a way to better balance their attack. For once I cannot critique Sagna since he did all once could hope for as he pushed up when appropriate - he also had the defensive responsibility to keep Ronaldo in check. But without a right wing...that stays the majority of the time on the right, it is a lot to ask of your right back. What is even more frustrating is that playing against the likes of Ronaldo, who will not track back, the right winger could hope for space to open up. Alas the French attack leans so far left we never found out.
- The Officiating...left much to be desired. The penalty for Portugal? Really? Not sure how that was even given. One could argue that the officials missed the off sides on Evra on France's
second goal (granted on replay it showed that the play did come off a Portuguese defender so no offsides, but impossible to see that in real time). Not that the game was out of hand, but the officials didn't really seem to make calls consistently.
Enjoy your minute of action... - Deschamps substitution patterns. Yes I am being knit-picky but why bring Gignac on in the 90th minute? What does that gain you? You need to at least let him get 10 - 15 minutes of time on the field. Even the commentators said as much. Not sure about the introduction of Payet, at least what were his instructions? He came in and right away camped out on the left...why not tell him to stick on the right wing, as he has done in the past, and see if you can finally balance your attack?
Allez les Bleus!
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