The France team won against Scotland this Tuesday in a friendly match (4-1). The Blues conclude this gathering in the best possible way.
It was an evening when Didier Deschamps’ French team had to force its nature a little. A relevant test where the stakes, which always pull the Blues upwards, had to leave a little room for play. For the coach, a France-Scotland was an awakening to a sweet personal memory, since the British nation had was Deschamps’ first opponent with the Rooster jersey during his first life as a player. In a country of ovals, the Tartan Army has often blown hot and cold in its past, but it had real assets to show on a pitch at Pierre-Mauroy, in Lille, damaged by the Rugby World Cup.
Unprecedented, the starting lineup was the first curiosity of the evening. Deschamps had opted for a reasonable rotation, with a few executives called upon to continue, starting with captain Mbappé, brilliant in Amsterdam last Friday and still as hungry for his personal conquests. Antoine Griezmann, Aurélien Tchouaméni also continue, as do full-backs Théo Hernandez and Jonathan Clauss, confirming the idea that the Marseillais scored points against the Netherlands. Especially since Benjamin Pavard, reluctant on the right side, found the central defense alongside Ibrahima Konaté.
Pavard, the perfect evening
The tactical configuration of the match quickly took shape. The Blues sought to gain speed by holding the ball against a dense block which reduced the spaces. A photograph as old as time. To make things easier, Mbappé and his gang had to break the Scottish barrier as soon as possible. But against all expectations, it was the visitors who amazed the Lille public. And they were made easier by the Blues. Camavinga’s poor delivery actually benefited Gilmour, who adjusted Maignan with a first-intention curled shot (0-1, 10th).
In hindsight, perhaps it wasn’t a bad thing to see the Blues put in the necessary ingredients. Stung, the Deschamps gang raised their voice during a pleasant, even surprising, first half given the field of potatoes reserved for the actors. A man then took the light: Benjamin Pavard. The 2018 world champion had visibly kept his bearings within the confines of his training club. This put the Blues back on track with a nice uncrossed header from a corner well kicked by Griezmann (1-1, 16th). It was he, again, who allowed the tricolors to get back in front by placing a new diving helmet shot on an offering from a thunderous Mbappé (2-1, 25th).
A double in two steps, three movements, to free the Blues and confuse Scottish minds. Mbappé continued to distill his caviars for Pavard, surprisingly inspired in both areas. Griezmann was once again admirably accurate in giving time, directing, delaying or accelerating. And Giroud, eternal, weighed on the front of the attack. The top scorer in the history of the Blues allowed his probable successor to get a little closer to his mark by obtaining a penalty converted under eyebrows by Mbappé (3-1, 40th).
The second act was a little more messy, as fatigue gained ground and changes multiplied. But some entrants have also benefited, like Kingsley Coman. Untenable on his side, more structured in his game than Ousmane Dembélé, the Bayern winger scored the 4th goal for the Blues with a powerful half-volley that hit the bar after a billiard shot where Griezmann had already hit wood (4-1, 70th). Marcus Thuram, also thrown into the mix, also found the bar on a good recovery (80th). And Pavard, over the moon, even finished the evening as captain with the armband around his arm, alongside the promising Castello Lukeba, a newcomer to the family. A job well done to close a successful gathering in all respects.
