It is done. The France team validated its qualification for the 2022 World Cup by correcting Kazakhstan, Saturday, November 13 (8-0), at the Parc des Princes. The Blues killed the suspense in thirty minutes flat against an opponent much inferior and already guaranteed to finish last in the group. The quadruplet of Kylian Mbappé and the performance of Kingsley Coman marked an evening where many participated in the party.
Hugo Lloris: 5.5 / 10
A quiet evening for the captain, who had only one real stop to make on a distant coiled strike, well placed but not powerful enough to deceive his vigilance (19th). Noted because it was necessary to give it a note.
Jules Koundé: 7/10
His 6th selection was the right one. For the first time in his young career with the French team, the Sevillian defender has made a copy without the slightest ink stain. Its engagement in the duels nipped in the bud the rare attempts of opposing counterattacks. Above all, he is the origin of the 2nd and 3rd goals by throwing the decisive passer Kingsley Coman in the depth after fixing the defense by carrying the ball.
Dayot Upamecano: 6.5 / 10
His true face took 40 minutes to reveal itself. After lacking accuracy and sharpness in his interventions, the defender of Bayern reigned with authority not to leave the slightest crumb to his opponents. He ends the match with 12 balls collected, at least 4 more than any other teammate.
Lucas Hernandez: 6/10
Undoubtedly not the night that saw him shine the most, but no error to report for the defender of Bayern. A small fright after a shock in the second period, which undoubtedly precipitated his replacement by Clement Lenglet (79th). No goal conceded and still no defeat for the Blues when he holds (26 matches, 0 defeat). All-risk insurance.
4 – Kylian Mbappé scored the 1st quadrupled by a player of the France team since Just Fontaine on June 28, 1958 against West Germany (also 4). Sniper. #FRAKAZ pic.twitter.com/lrBA2sfN1g
– OptaJean (@OptaJean) November 13, 2021
Kingsley Coman: 8/10
His tenure on the right side, in a role of piston, was the attraction of the evening. It is an understatement to say that the absence of Benjamin Pavard was not regretted. Coman had fun in his hallway and showed the extent of the offensive palette he can offer the France team. He played a big part in the party by offering two assists to Kylian Mbappé – once from a back pass and the other from a perfect cross – both times after being found in the back of the defense. It remains to be seen whether the result will be the same in the face of greater adversity. Replaced by Benjamin Pavard (79th).
N’Golo Kanté: 6/10
It feels good to find him. More seen in the jersey of the France team since the sour outcome of the round of 16 of Euro 2021 against Switzerland, the Chelsea midfielder has regained his usual place in the midfield. He did not force his talent and even was rather messy in his first period transmissions, but his counter-pressing activity allowed him to redeem himself almost every time. Replaced by Aurélien Tchouaméni (72nd) still at ease with the tricolor jersey.
Adrien Rabiot: 7/10
In a match where the opposing pressure was not intense, Rabiot was able to play at the tempo he liked. Serene, his head constantly raised, the midfielder of Juventus Turin made a very clean copy with the added bonus of his first goal for the France team, with a header after a corner from Antoine Griezmann (75th). What to score precious points in the absence of Paul Pogba and despite the emergence of Tchouaméni.
Theo Hernandez: 7.5 / 10
Being decisive three games in a row with the France team is not given to any defender. After his goal against Belgium and his assist against Spain in the League of Nations, Theo Hernandez added two assists to his collection. He is the one who offers the first goal of each period, first on the opening scoring of Kylian Mbappé (6th), then on the 4-0 of Karim Benzema (56th). Four selections and already like a fish in water.
35 – Karim Benzema scored his 34th and 35th goals with the France team, equaling and then overtaking David Trezeguet as the 5th top scorer in the history of the Blues. Cap. pic.twitter.com/if2JUb9Eju
– OptaJean (@OptaJean) November 13, 2021
Antoine Griezmann: 7/10
Rather discreet, in the shadow of his teammates, he waited for the last twenty minutes to fully participate in the party. First by perfectly kicking the corner from 6-0 (75th), then from a superb outside pass for Kylian Mbappé (79th), and finally by obtaining and transforming the penalty from 7-0 (84th). Enough to equal Michel Platini in 3rd place in the ranking of the best scorers in the history of the France team.
Karim Benzema: 7.5 / 10
He joined and overtook another French legend, David Trezeguet, thanks to a brace in the second period. Author of two goals that only asked him to conclude, the Real Madrid striker – who made his comeback last June after five years in prison – took the opportunity to beat his record of goals in a calendar year with the Blues (8). His bond with Mbappé continues to flourish. Replaced by Moussa Diaby (72nd), who thought he scored his first goal in the selection less than 20 seconds after coming into play, but the VAR decided otherwise. His smile returned when he found Mbappé on the eighth and last goal of the evening (87th).
Kylian Mbappé: 9/10
He was at home and he made it clear. The Parisian strolled with insolent superiority leaving his opponents at bay, slamming a hat-trick in the first period and concluding the meeting with a four goals and an assist. He enjoyed the services of his pistons, first with Theo Hernandez (6th), then with Kingsley Coman (12th, 31st), scoring the third goal with a header – a small event. First hat-trick and therefore first quadruple with the Blues. First time he found the net in three consecutive caps too, and always this feeling that he can deliver the final blow with every catch. Replaced by Wissam Ben Yedder (88th).
Didier Deschamps: 7/10
But where has the coach gone so pragmatic, obsessed with victory before anything else? In 2021, Didier Deschamps agreed to review his positions to get out of his comfort zone with the Blues. If he was not rewarded at the Euro, his offensive choices, especially in the identity of his pistons, played a big part in the perfect evening against modest Kazakhstan (4 assists given by a piston). He was also able to spare N’Golo Kanté and Lucas Hernandez. He is the first coach to qualify the Blues for a major international competition even before the last match since 1981.