the essential
The Blues were disturbed and without shining, won for their entry into contention (1-0). Facing tough Austrians, France was able to count on Mbappé, Kanté and Maignan to take the three points. Who shone, who failed… La Dépêche takes out the notebook.
MAIGNAN (7/10). He didn’t have much work but responded when necessary, notably by winning his face-to-face in the first half by bursting into the feet of Baumgartner (36) as well as at the end of the match against to the Austrian (79).
KOUNDE (5.5). Less visible than his friend in the left lane, Koundé was particularly reassuring defensively. His three interventions in the penalty area were perfectly executed. He would benefit from projecting himself more offensively.
UPAMECANO (6). He missed two raises, one of which could have been very expensive (36th). Fortunately, Maignan was keeping an eye on things. He then recovered afterwards and proved impassable, especially in the aerial game.
SALIBA (6). Great ease with the ball thanks to which he got out of a delicate situation in front of his surface before restarting cleanly (16, 20). Not put in difficulty afterwards. Strong.
HERNANDEZ (6). He was untenable in his left lane throughout the first half, multiplying dangerous climbs. He slowed down in the second half and we logically saw him less. Be careful though of taking risks at 30m.
KANTE (7). He may have exiled himself to the exotic Saudi championship, but he has lost none of his talent. The pocket midfielder recovered countless balls and even had the luxury of making his opponent dance on the edge of the area thanks to an unsuspected quality of dribbling.
RABIOT (6.5). He returned to training late but it didn’t show. Forgotten by Mbappé at the entrance to the area (9), he felt the blows allowing the Blues to project themselves (19) without success. CAMAVINGA took his place (71) fighting like hell to keep the score.
DEMBELE (4). Far too discreet, he did not contribute enough offensively by missing most of his dribbles and not adjusting his passes for his partners. A harmless strike (64) and an unnecessary foul which earned him a yellow… before being replaced by KOLO MUANI (71).
GRIEZMANN (5.5). Time passes but the game of the elegant playmaker does not change. Bright openings (45), sliding tackles 70m from his goal (31), number 7 is still just as valuable. Replaced by FOFANA (90).
THURAM (5). Lots of waste and bad choices in the last gesture. Too bad because certain offensive situations could have been better negotiated. However, he was valuable defensively on corners.
MBAPPE (6). We expect more from him but he was still the most dangerous Frenchman on the pitch. It is he who, by his overflow, leads to the opening of the score for the Blues (38) but he misses the inevitable goal alone against the goalkeeper (55). Replaced by GIROUD (90) after being broken following a duel with Danso.
