The tops
Benzema was everywhere
In a meeting where the French struggled to weigh at the forefront, Karim Benzema was the main source of danger. The Madrilenian, back at the Stade de France, six days after winning his fifth Champions League there, had fire in his legs, as evidenced by his high-class action which resulted in a strike on Vestergaard (13th).
He took his part in the offensive animation and was logically rewarded with a goal where we could admire his ball sensitivity. His evening could have been perfect if he had shown more realism in the area.
Tchouameni gets thicker
At each outing to the A, Aurélien Tchouaméni demonstrates that he has the makings of a starter. Associated with N’Golo Kanté in the absence of Paul Pogba, the Monegasque showed authority in his interventions, as on this ball recovered from the feet of Eriksen (31st). Very clean when he tried to guide the game. Satisfaction.
A full Stade de France again
It had been more than two and a half years that supporters of the Blues had been waiting to meet at the Stade de France. There were no hiccups around the enclosure, unlike the Champions League final six days earlier, and the atmosphere remained good-natured until the end despite the defeat. With some great flights, especially when opening the score for Benzema (51st). It’s nice to see a living Stade de France again.
The flops
First defeat in competition for three years
We were no longer used to seeing the France team lose a competitive match. So, of course, there was the elimination in the round of 16 of the Euro against Switzerland on penalties, last summer.
Or even this friendly defeat against Finland on November 11, 2020. But we have to go back to the trip to Konya, against Turkey, on June 8, 2019, to find the trace of a setback in a match at stake. The series ended after three years…
A defense still to roam
As we know, the 3-4-1-2 gives pride of place to offensive elements. The Blues are still looking for a defensive balance in this system and the Danish transitions have shown them all the progress they still have to make in this sector.
Without a vigilant Hugo Lloris, the bill could have been even more salty. The Hernandez brothers side is not all-risk insurance. And there are still crippling positioning issues at the top level.