Quickly bounce back to forget the debacle against Germany. This is what was at stake for Didier Deschamps' Blues on the pitch at the Vélodrome against Chile this Tuesday evening. The coach made 9 changes compared to the last meeting, only Mbappé and Tchouameni continuing. But it started as badly as against the Nationalmannschaft. Not as quickly of course, but from the 6th minute, Marcelino Nuñez cooled the stadium, after a splendid collective movement on which the French defense was late. The player from Norwich, an English second division club, was served behind and released a beautiful cross shot which deceived Maignan (0-1, 6th).
Picked cold once again, the French had the merit of reacting quite quickly, and with a bit of luck, Youssouf Fofana equalized. Following an exchange between Mbappé and Kolo Muani at the entrance to the area, the Monegasque was shifted, and unleashed a shot sufficiently diverted to surprise Claudio Bravo, who looked his age on his dive (1-1.19th). The Blues therefore raised their heads and this was confirmed with the goal of Kolo-Muani. On a perfect cross from Théo Hernandez, the Parisian striker dominated his opponent in the air and crucified Bravo with his head (2-1, 26th). Didier Deschamps could breathe a sigh of relief, even if two bad news had marred the first period, with the injury exits of Clauss, from the 10th minute, then of Camavinga, shortly before the break.
Kolo Muani delivers the Blues
Returning from the locker room, Chile gave the Blues another scare, with Vargas' header hitting the post (50th). Kolo Muani immediately offered a new rush with the ball, before serving Koundé, who played the personal card and shot above the left foot (51st), when there was perhaps better to do. But apart from rare moments of brilliance, France struggled to create dangerous situations and did not offer enough movement in the heart of the game.
Visibly tired, Deschamps' men managed their advantage without shining, and the coach, penalized by the changes made in the first period, waited before using his last window. It was ultimately necessary to have another ride from a Kolo Muani on the right side for France to take cover. The Parisian mystified his defender before crossing back for Giroud, who finished the job (3-1, 72nd). Fortunately, because Osorio, on a loss of ball from… Kolo Muani (not helped by Giroud), sent a mine into the small net of Maignan (3-2, 82nd). Without reassuring, the Tricolores found their way to victory. We will still have to show more during the Euro, to avoid disillusionment.
