Paul Bathurst runs the rule on the French performances during the national side’s 2-0 victory over Germany on an otherwise horrendous night in France.
Hugo Lloris – 7
Despite not having a save to make, the French number one was confident and assured when it came to claiming balls into the box. An easier night than he would have anticipated, but the little he had to do, he did well.
Patrice Evra – 6
Not the Juventus mans best game in a blue shirt. He was average in his defensive work but rather poor going forward. He was dispossessed on multiple occasions far to easily. Allowed Ginter to run past him and get behind in the second half, thankfully the German fired over.
Laurent Koscielny – 7.5
A performance we have come to expect from Koscielny. Typically solid at the back he kept one of the best players in the world quiet in Thomas Muller. Also up against the wily veteran Mario Gomez, the Arsenal man didn’t give an inch. His partnership with Varane is a real positive for the finals in the summer.
Raphael Varane – 8
No one in a blue shirt made more tackles than Varane with 4. Yet another excellent performance from the youngster, his quality was once again there for all to see. His biggest asset arguably being his pace,was exhibited twice in the first half when making two timely last ditch challenges. Such calmness on the ball allows France to build efficiently from the back.
Bacary Sagna – 7
Sagna was the best full back on the pitch tonight. An experienced defensive contribution was supplemented by various bursts down the right wing. A mazy dribble in the opening minutes set the tone for yet another good display from the veteran. His experience could be vital at the finals.
Paul Pogba – 7.5
Much like Varane, Pogba is proving to be a major influence despite his tender age. His consistency is always improving and we seen that again tonight. He had a pass success of 93% which is particularly impressive against a high pressing, hard working German side. He had a few efforts on goal including a powerful dipping strike from 25 yards, which almost caught Neuer out.
Lassana Diarra – 8.5
Solid as ever in the midfield, the Marseille man protected his back four in an exemplary fashion. A lot of his work may go unnoticed, but he is certainly an ‘unsung hero’ in this French side. Didier Deschamps decision to bring him back into the fold after 5 years out could prove inspired. My man of the match tonight.
Blaise Matuidi – 8
Undoubtedly one of the best box to box midfielders in world football, Matuidi was at his best again tonight. Always available to receive the ball and drive France forward, the PSG man is certainly a vital player in this side. He provided the assist for Gignac’s goal with an excellent cross following one of his typical forward bursts.
Antoine Griezmann – 7
After a quiet start to the game Griezmann became more and more influential. He tested Neuer midway through the first half with a well struck left footed effort. In the second half his link up play was productive. The Atleti forward had a goal correctly ruled out due to Giroud straying offside in the build up.
Olivier Giroud – 7.5
A good all round performance from the big striker seen him rewarded with the opening goal. With the last kick of the first half Giroud struck with an easy finish after great work from Anthony Martial. With the uncertainty surrounding Karim Benzema, Giroud’s return to form has come in a timely manner.
Anthony Martial – 7
Another positive display from one of the brightest talents in the game. He assisted Giroud’s opener after one of his trade marks dribbles from the left into the box. A player with such pace and close control, Martial will be a threat to any defense. Drifted in and out of the game, but when he got the ball, he caused problems.
Substitutes
Andre-Pierre Gignac – 7
Came on to the pitch with 20 minutes to go, and did what is expected of a striker. Displaying excellent hold up play whenever required, the former Marseille striker was eventually rewarded with a chance. A sublime cross from Matuidi found Gignac unmarked in the box, he made no mistake and headed past Neuer powerfully.
Kingsley Coman – 6
Entered the field at the same point as Gignac, the youngster struggled to make a significant impact. Trading players with the impressive Martial, the only moment to note was a confident run out of defence resulting in him being crunched by Kevin Volland.
Hatem Ben Arfa – 6
After having his career reignited at Nice, Ben Arfa came on with just 10 minutes to go replacing Griezmann. He was dispossessed quickly but eventually found his feet. With little time to make an impact, Ben Arfa will hope for more minutes against England.
Morgan Schneiderlin – 6.5
Despite coming into the game late on, the Man Utd midfielder managed to complete 2 tackles in just 10 minutes. A decent little cameo from a man who is becoming more influential in the national side.
Yohan Cabaye – 6
Replaced the industrious Matuidi, Cabaye only had 5 minutes to make an impact. Another one who will hope for more minutes next week.
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