The Blues launched their rich year 2022 with a victory (2-1) against Côte d’Ivoire in a friendly match on Friday in Marseille. Olivier Giroud took the opportunity to score his 47th goal for the France team.
France fell on a solid and concerned Ivorian formation, despite the lack of stake in the meeting. Particularly applied, the teammates of the ex-Parisian Serge Aurier were able to offer a good opposition to the reigning world champions and managed to open the scoring thanks to Nicolas Pépé (19th).
First selection for Nkunku, Saliba and Clauss
Indestructible, Olivier Giroud equalized three minutes later with a header, following a remote-controlled cross from Théo Hernandez (22nd). In additional time of the second half, Aurélien Tchouaméni gave the victory to the French team (93rd).
As expected Didier Deschamps took advantage of this preparatory meeting to rotate his squad. Substitutes at kick-off, William Saliba and Jonathan Clauss were still able to celebrate their first selection in A, as was Christopher Nkunku, holder.
The French will face South Africa on Tuesday in Lille, still in a friendly.