The France team won without impressing against the modest Gibraltar team (3-0) on Friday.
The opposition was not necessarily the toughest but the band in Deschamps did the job. The vice-world champions won against Gibraltar (3-0), Friday June 16, during the third day of the Euro 2024 qualifiers. On the lawn of the Algarve stadium in Faro (Portugal), where the small enclave is forced to relocate its international meetings, the blue waves followed one another but were rarely sharp enough to give more scope to the score.
If Kylian Mbappé was behind two of the three French goals, he often appeared smug with his attitude. His performance will not manage to relegate to the background all the discussions around his future. For their part, the two Real Madrid midfielders, Eduardo Camavinga and Aurélien Tchouaméni, showed themselves to their advantage.
Brice Samba: 5/10
Going from a full Bollaert to an empty Portuguese shell could have shocked him, but the Lensois didn’t have much to do for his first in blue. Brice Samba still had a good scare when the Gibraltarian Ayoub El Hmidi tried a lob from the center line (33rd).
Benjamin Pavard: 4/10
The game leaned on the right flank but the former Lille resident did not have many opportunities to showcase himself (only one successful center). Guilty of an uncontrolled sole on the shoulder of an opponent, he could have received a red card before the break (40th), but got away with it without the slightest sanction.
Ibrahima Konate: 5.5/10
Regularly pressed by the center forward of Gibraltar, the Liverpool defender was content to oppose his imposing physique. An effective recipe. If Ibrahima Konaté sometimes seemed feverish, he only lost two balls for 14 recovered (the highest total of the match). Replaced by Axel Disasi (84th).
Wesley Fofana: 4.5/10
For its first cap in the A, the French defense will have the merit of not having conceded a pawn. The former Stéphanois had opportunities on the offensive phase like a header from a corner. He especially benefited from an offside whistled by the referee while Ayoub El Hmidi spun on goal (17th), the latter being however in a completely legal position.
Theo Hernandez: 5.5/10
Discreet but always clean on his left side, the Milan side was useful in the construction, in particular thanks to his ability to center back. Without a miss from Antoine Griezmann on his offering, Théo Hernandez could have boasted of having made his third decisive pass with the Blues (50th).
Aurelien Tchouameni: 7/10
Very present in the heart of the game, the Madrid player is the one who touched the most balls in the match (158). Precious during the rare hot moments in the French half of the field, like a good defensive helmet shot on a free kick, Aurélien Tchouaméni also hit the crossbar twice with his head (30th, 88th).
Antoine Griezmann: 4.5/10
An attempt from the head too uncrossed in the first period (7th), a shot from the left on the post in the second (50th) and that’s about it. The usual French playmaker found himself more than usual in the opposing area but never managed to conclude. Replaced by Christopher Nkunku (65th).
Eduardo Camavinga: 7/10
Finally holder in the middle, “Cama” was keen to score points. Irreproachable in the duels, he was enterprising and could even have been decisive, if Kylian Mbappé had been more effective at the reception of his openings (11th, 22nd) or if his rolling had hit the mark (28th). Replaced by Youssouf Fofana (79th).
Kingsley Coman: 6.5/10
Decisive only eight times in his first 47 games with the Blues, the Bavarian took advantage of this hot evening to improve his statistics. His speed of execution in dribbling wreaked havoc on his wing and allowed him to drop a perfect cross on the head of Olivier Giroud from the start (1-0, 2nd). Replaced by Ousmane Dembélé (65th)precious on the third goal.
Olivier Giroud: 6.5/10
Author of his 54th goal in selection, the oldest outfield player to play a match with the Blues since 1954 was concerned. Inspired to the point of attempting a bicycle (16th) and combining in small spaces with his attacking partners, he continued his races to bring danger when the Blues were looking to double the bet (38th). Replaced by Randal Kolo Muani (65th).
Kylian Mbappe: 5/10
Often too easy (17 balls lost in the first 45 minutes), the captain of the Blues saved his weak first period by scratching and scoring a penalty (2-0, 45th + 2). He also pushed the unfortunate Aymen Mouelhi to score against his side (3-0, 77th) but we will especially remember his 22% of duels won (2/9), the lowest ratio of tricolor holders.