Les Bleus, after a convincing first half, signed a prestigious victory versus a good team of Ronaldo’s Portugal. Didier Deschamps’ players showed their good form in front of a packed Stade de France and a big Portugese audience.

The encounter could have not had a better start with Benzema scoring very early in the game (3th) after some good work of Griezmann on the left side.

Ronaldo’s team, supported by a large number of Portuguese fans in the stadium, responded in the second half by testing GK Mandanda. Pogba scored the second goal (69th) well served by Benzema. Finally the break, but not really… After Pogba’s  unintentional foul, Portugal scored on penalty( Quaresma, 77th) A minute before, Ronaldo was benched to treat his injured knee.

Ronaldo’s sore knee.

The french team had some difficulties to finish the game, but they resisted till the end and kept their record of victories in their Parisian garden intact. Next friendly will be against Armenia on Tuesday, 17.50 local time.

Man of the Match: Karim Benzema  8/10

Lyon’s former star had a great game, producing a goal and an assist.He was the most important player in front but he was also present to help his teammates.

Steve Mandanda (GK)  6.5/10

Marseilles first choice keeper has found his former self, after losing several unwanted pounds.He didn’t have much to do, but he was decisive saving Ronaldo’s header.

Bacary Sagna  6/1O

It’s not easy to replace Debuchy(injured) but he accomplished some good defensive interventions, one of them early in the game.

Raphael Varane 8/10

The young defender could be Man of the Match as his Real’s Madrid teammate Benzema(if he only scored !) He was everywhere, covering his teammates, got the better of Ronaldo, every time! He was strong, clean, top-level.

Eliaquim Mangala 5/10

The Manchester’s City player, the defender who cost 60M euros wasn’t on his top form tonight. He won some balls but he also lost some important ones. Need another test.

Patrice Evra 6.5/10

The new bianconeri player, showed some good deeds in defense and secured his place as Les Bleus first choice.

Paul Pogba 7.5/10

The Juventus player, delivered a good game and he was awarded by scoring the second goal. Unfortunately he made also some (could be costly) mistakes; the penalty he conceded was not intentional; he just need to grow up and then he’ll be one of the best.

Blaise Mathuidi 7/10

Captain for tonight’s game(Lloris was out injured) the Parisian player was himself during the whole game; serious, generous, harassing his opponents.

Yohan Cabaye  5.5/10

PSG’s midfielder doesn’t have lots of playing time with his club; is this the reason for a second poor half? During the first one he was useful in the ball’s recovery and had some quality passes.  Replaced in the 71th minute by Moussa Sissoko(not rated)

Mathieu Valbuena 5.5/10

The former Marseillais started the game well, but lost his stamina quickly; he was subbed by Dimitri Payet (not rated) early in the game (58th)

Antoine Griezmann 6/10

Atletico’s Madrid striker, showed some interesting things on the left side ; he served Sagna for Benzema’s goal, but surely he can do better. Replaced by Morgan Schneiderlin (not rated) in the 84th minute.

Karim Benzema 8/10 ( read the comment above)

PORTUGAL

Portugal’s players aren’t rated; they have a very important meeting in three days time and the game in France could only be a prestigious warm -up. France is already qualified for Euro 2016( host country) so  rating Portugal’s performance is not easy. They gave a good performance in front of their numerous supporters and showed some good football in the second half.

Here’s the game’s highlights :

Ronaldo, the Captain!

Friends and opponents

Benzema fighting for the ball …

Categories: Analysis, EURO 2016, opinion

Tags: EURO 2016, France, Portugal