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World Cup winners France made a happy homecoming in Paris on Sunday, defeating the Netherlands 2-1 thanks to goals from Kylian Mbappe and Olivier Giroud.
It was not a straightforward encounter for the world champions, though, as Ryan Babel surprisingly got the guests back on terms during the second half.
However, the individual and team quality of Didier Deschamps’ men shone through in the end as they moved to the top of League A Group 1.
#1 Kylian Mbappe is already France’s go-to man
Kylian Mbappe had the honour of scoring the world champions’ first goal after lifting the trophy at Russia 2018 – but perhaps that should have come as little shock given his double in the 4-2 win over Croatia in Moscow. His strike on Sunday was an altogether more straightforward affair, tapping home from close range after good work from Blaise Matuidi.
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Once again, it was an elite display from the teenager, whose performances continue to make him a leading contender for the Ballon d’Or. He had it all in this game, cheeky flicks to bamboozle opponents, the blistering turn of pace that has become such a trademark, and of course the wherewithal to get into goal scoring positions, despite playing out on the flank.
His goal was a case in point, timing his run perfectly into the box to steer him from close range.
In the second half, when France were sitting back, he was the perfect outlet to launch counterattacks and on several occasions nearly added to his personal tally or helped others have chances to open theirs. And when Les Bleus needed a goal after being pegged back, he was the player that they primarily sought for their inspiration.
Already, he has become France’s go-to player, more so than more experienced stars like Antoine Griezmann and Paul Pogba.
#2 De Jong shows signs of promise
Much has been made of the talents of Ajax youngster Frenkie de Jong, whose performances at club level have lifted him into the sights of several of Europe’s biggest clubs, most notably Barcelona.
However, the 21-year-old, who has also attracted interest from Manchester City and Tottenham, has had few opportunities to show what he is made of on the big stage. Given the opportunity in Paris, he showed glimpses of what he is capable of, most notably with a blistering run through the heart of the field early in the second half.
His willingness to take the ball from the defence in deep areas and build from the back suggests that he has the mentality to play the role at an elite club, and he largely coped with the pressure of this occasion well. He looks capable of playing a smart passing game or a more direct running game when the opportunity arises.
It was a tough night overall for the youngster on the occasion of just his second cap. He was not aided by the fact his team-mates were heavily outgunned in the area he was patrolling, so the jury remains out on just how much an impact he can have but the signs are certainly promising.
With more opportunities against such quality opponents, his game will surely come on rapidly, and his suitors will not have been put off by what he showed in the French capital.
#3 Ryan Babel: Forgotten but not gone
Regardless of the outcome of the game at Stade de France, it would have been impossible to miss Netherlands winger Ryan Babel. With his hair dyed flame-red, he stood out for his unusual fashion choice, which clashed against the orange of his shirt.
However, he was still inconspicuous enough to sneak in ahead of Benjamin Pavard to steal the Netherlands level midway through the second half, just when they were starting to get a grip on the game. His finish was an unorthodox but smart one, allowing the ball simply to ricochet off his shin and into the corner of the goal from a driven cross.
Now at Besiktas in Turkey, he seemed destined for greater things when he exploded onto the scene at Ajax and was promptly snapped up by Liverpool. It never worked out for him at Anfield and a string of moves followed before he eventually settled in Instanbul.
Since then, he has occasionally flashed back into the vision of the mainstream, and tonight was one of those telling contributions. He was, however, largely peripheral to proceedings aside from his goal and was withdrawn later on as the Dutch chased a second equaliser.
At 31, it’s too late for him to fulfil his potential, but he showed that he remains a force who is dangerous to write off – as Deschamps’ side very nearly found to their cost.
#4 Eleventh time lucky as Giroud eclipses Zidane
Olivier Giroud came into the match a player under fire yet departed it the match winner, sealing the points for Les Bleus with a powerful volley off a cross delivered by Benjamin Mendy. It certainly wasn’t the finish of a man who had gone 10 international matches without a goal, particularly as he outfoxed in-form Virgil van Dijk to get to the ball in the first place.
With the goal, Giroud has gone clear as France’s all-time fourth top scorer, moving clear of Zinedine Zidane by scoring his 32nd goal. Now David Trezeguet (34) and Michel Platini (41) are in the Chelsea’s striker’s sights.
He was a key player in the World Cup victory thanks to his link-up play and defensive work, but became renowned as the ‘non-scoring striker’ at the tournament. Indeed, he failed to muster even a shot on target over the tournament in Russia, prompting him to admit that he would happily trade his 31 France goals for just one at the World Cup.
Giroud, however, is a consummate team player. His efforts were appreciated massively by both Deschamps and his team-mates, who have shown an unwavering support for the forward in difficult moments.
They will be as pleased as anyone that he ended his long international drought when the spotlight was on both him and the team upon what was an important occasion. He has proven that he can indeed still produce the goods.
#5 Tactical flexibility wins the day for France
Ronald Koeman will be pleased what he saw from his Netherlands team, particularly in the light of their 4-1 defeat in Paris when they last visited, but while they threatened briefly to cause a scare in this encounter, they were ultimately outclassed by the world’s top team.
France showed why they are the world champions in this encounter. Though often lamented as a dour and defensive side during their run at Russia 2018, they showed their capabilities as an attacking unit in this game, dominating the opening period, during which they should have opened up a greater lead.
The Netherlands improved after the interval, and though it was still a shock when Babel drew the visiting side level, there were signs that it was coming.
France did not dally and were soon back in the lead when substitute Benjamin Mendy set up Giroud with a delicious cross, prompting another switch in tactics.
Deschamps’ men were able to become the pragmatic side that was evident in Russia, shutting the game down and, though ceding territory and possession, rarely allowing their opponents scoring opportunities.
The Netherlands could not boast the breadth of depth of options their hosts had and were unable to find a route back into the match for a second time, despite exerting pressure.
Perhaps this was not the masterclass that was on display just a few short weeks ago, but it was enough for the home side to take the points.
