Following their secured qualification for EURO 2024 with a 2-1 win against the Netherlands, France survived an early scare to cap off the international break with an emphatic 4-1 victory against Scotland at the Stade Pierre Mauroy in Lille.
Brighton midfielder Billy Gilmour gave Scotland a surprise lead after 11 minutes. Eduardo Camavinga made a mess of playing out of the back and played the ball straight into the former Chelsea midfielder’s path. Gilmour made no mistake as he beat Maignan with a low-curled finish from just outside the 6-yard box to give the visitors the lead.
However, Scotland’s lead was short-lived with France equalising 5 minutes later. Antoine Griezmann whipped in one of his trademark set pieces from a corner and the Bayern Munich defender was first to the delivery at the near post to head beyond Liam Kelly in the Scottish goal.
Les Bleus were in front after 25 minutes with Benjamin Pavard on the scoresheet again. Mbappé glided past two Scottish defenders into space after being fed by Konaté before picking out the onrushing Pavard who gave France the lead with a diving header – a wonderful goal.
Mbappé soon had his say on proceedings as he smashed home from 12 yards to make it 3-1 to France and score his 43rd goal for his country. Les Bleus were awarded a penalty after Olivier Giroud was pulled over by his shirt in the area. The hosts were deservedly in front going into the break despite their early blunder.
Les Bleus continued to assert their dominance in the second half and Kingsley Coman gave Les Bleus a 3-goal lead, as he rebounded home. Greizmann somehow managed to miss from 3 yards as he hit Dembélé’s cross onto the crossbar but the Bayern Munich winger was there to save his blushes. Ultimately, the class between the two teams was apparent and France were officially in cruise control.
It really should’ve been 5-1 but Dembélé could only hit the crossbar as he brought down a long ball with ease in the final ten minutes but couldn’t apply the finishing touch. The score remained 4-1 as Les Bleus produced a controlled performance to see off Scotland despite their best efforts.
France player ratings:
Mike Maignan – 6
Jonathan Clauss – 6
Benjamin Pavard – 8, The Bayern Munich defender was composed at the heart of the defence but also showed his goalscoring prowess in the other box with two expertly taken headers. He should’ve had a hat trick but nonetheless the difference maker for France.
Ibrahima Konaté – 6
Theo Hernández – 7
Aurélien Tchouaméni – 6
Eduardo Camavinga – 5
Antoine Greizmann – 7, Griezmann played a crucial role in linking the play between the midfield and attack. His intelligence to shift his position in different phases of possession is so important. Besides his glaring miss, he was vital.
Ousmane Dembélé – 6
Olivier Giroud – 6
Kylian Mbappé – 7, The captain’s genius to create the second goal was brilliant. He wasn’t as emphatic in front of goal as he was against the Netherlands but played the role of France’s chief creator all evening and scored from the spot.
GFFN | Liam Wraith
