France 1-0 Germany: Hits and flops as Les Blues get off to a winning start with a narrow victory | UEFA Euro 2020

#3 Hit: Paul Pogba

Paul Pogba delivered an excellent performance in midfield for France.

It is no secret that while Pogba’s performances in the Manchester United midfield might not always be of the standard expected of him. However, the Frenchman is a player transformed when he suits up for his national side. This game was a shining example of the contrast in Pogba’s performances for club and country, as the midfielder was one of the stars for his side on the night.

🌟 Paul Pogba scoops the prize after an impressive display in Munich 🔥@Heineken | #EUROSOTM | #EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/ayaDQu0tKP

— UEFA EURO 2020 (@EURO2020) June 15, 2021

Playing on the right of a midfield three, Pogba was imperious both in attack and in defense. While his excellent positioning and string shielding of the ball nullified many a German attack, his incisive passing regularly got his side moving upfield. In fact, it was one of several excellent passes Pogba played on the night that led to the opener for the French.

France are touted as one of the heavy favorites to lift the trophy. Similar impressive performances from Pogba would go a long way towards helping the world champions deliver on those expectations as the tournament progresses.

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#4 Flop: Joshua Kimmich

Joshua Kimmich did not seem to enjoy his outing at right-wing-back for Germany.

Kimmich has been extremely effective playing in the middle of the park for Bayern Munich. However, an abundance of quality central midfielders has forced the versatile German to play slightly out of position at right wing-back for the national side of late.

Kimmich's admirable adaptability and tenacity has served him well off the right flank. However, it can be argued that this tactical decision somewhat limits the amount of influence he can have on the game.

Kimmich started the game off on the wrong foot, picking up a booking inside seven minutes for an ill-timed challenge on Lucas Hernandez. Following that offense, he was always walking the proverbial defensive tightrope, with the threat of a second booking looming over his head.

And while he never let his efforts to get his side back into the game flag, Kimmich was extremely well marshaled by his Bayern team-mate.

As such, his attacking contributions were limited to a few hopeful crosses into the box. Furthermore, with the formidable threat of Kylian Mbappe to contend with on his flank, Kimmich did not provide his defenders adequate cover. His failure to track back allowed the Frenchman to make merry down the left-wing.

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#5 Hit: N’Golo Kante

Kante (L) excellent in midfield for the victorious French side.

Having been an integral part of several title-winning sides over the course of his career, it is a widely-held opinion that the appreciation that N’Golo Kante’s midfield displays have been receiving in recent times has been long overdue.

The seemingly indefatigable Kante is often the man doing the dirty work in the middle of the park, shielding his defenders while affording his fellow midfielders much-needed space to play freely.

This is a role he has virtually perfected for club and country over the past few years. It was evident once again as the diminutive Frenchman quietly and effectively bossed the midfield against Germany.

Showcasing his seemingly endless reserves of energy and superb positional sense, Kante popped up all over the field to make vital interceptions at just the right moments.

His efforts, combined with a superb performance from the French defenders, meant that Hugo Lloris barely had a save to make all game. The French backline repelled attack after attack with consummate ease and professionalism.

Like with Pogba, if France are to go deep into the tournament, they will be relying heavily on Kante to continue performing at the high level he is currently operating at.