The fervor of the Croatian public, the presence of PSG’s Titis, the difficulties of Ben Yedder or the failing mentality of the Blues… Find the favorites and claws of our special correspondent during the Croatia-France match (1-1).
Special Envoy to Split
Our favorites
Maignan-Kimpembe-Nkunku: the Parisian Titis at the rendezvous
Who said that PSG did not train any young person worthy of the name? At kick-off, in the makeover operated by Didier Deschamps Monday evening in Split with ten changes, there were six former Paris SG present from the start. Mike Maignan, Presnel Kimpembe, Mattéo Guendouzi, Adrien Rabiot, Moussa Diaby and Christopher Nkunku. As much to say it right away, the first two cities shone in the hell of the Poljud stadium, with two successful performances and the assurance of a reinforced status with the coach. A verdict that also prevails for Nkunku, solid and sometimes brilliant in the absence of the attacking stars. For the others, it was more debatable, but the formation of PSG grew out of it despite everything.
Read alsoThe notes of the Blues: Imperial Maignan, Ben Yedder (still) too fair
The Croatian public played their role perfectly
An old-fashioned Poljud stadium, in its own juice, with outdated stands, which breathes full nose of the former Yugoslavia, a sound system which spits out local music played by 34,000 people… The pre-match of the reunion between Croats and French were there on Monday evening with a great evening atmosphere. And the tribute to Luka Modric, for his 150th selection, was also worth attending. If the support was more timid during a boring first act, the Dalmatian fans gave voice to melt the enclosure of Hadjuk Split after the equalizing goal. The sequel speaks for itself. Noise, a sometimes deafening din and unfailing support to try to bend the Blues, on the verge of breaking. A public at the height of its reputation.
Our scratches
Ben Yedder, the glass ceiling
The selections follow each other and look alike for Wissam Ben Yedder. Admittedly, he is a decisive passer on Adrien Rabiot’s goal, but his overall performance remains tasteless. His pass saves his evening, let’s be clear. Like lost, jostled in the duels, ghostly during the first act (8 balls hit, including 4 in his camp and the kickoff of the match), the Monegasque did not meet expectations. In this gathering, “DD” has repeated it many times, the objective is to give playing time to the usual substitutes. Ben Yedder ticks that box. And he’s not about to get out. In the shadows, Olivier Giroud prowls more than ever.
SEE ALSO – Ben Yedder’s best goals with Monaco this season
The failing mind of the Blues
Whether against Denmark on Friday or against Croatia on Monday, the France team gave in, after leading, in the last minutes of the match. In Split, the end of the match was suffocating for the Blues close to breaking. Agreed, the XXL turnover of Deschamps, the fatigue and the pressure of the Croats are all valid reasons to explain, in part, this repetition. However, when it happens almost the same way three days apart, the questions remain. Doubts that will have to be dispelled on Friday in Vienna against Austria.