France’s opening match at Euro 2020 went a long way to boost morale around the camp and also confirmed the general consensus that Didier Deschamp’s men were favorites to continue and lift the trophy on 11 July.
They were actually strong, composed and managed their 1-0 victory over Germany to perfection. Mats Hummel’s first half own goal – forced by Paul Pogba’s brilliance and the quality of Lucas Hernandez – put Les Bleus ahead in Munich and from that moment on they would never lose.
Smiles after France’s victory over Germany / Markus Gilliar / Getty Images
Faced with a German side that would inevitably strive for possession and look to create opportunities, a game plan to sit down and contain the pressure was good enough. And Descamp’s men performed it to perfection. But for the majority of France’s games throughout this tournament, the obligation to “play” will be on them – just as it was on match day two against Hungary.
In this 1-1 draw against Marco Rossi’s side, the world champions did not look at ideas. During the first half of the year, the top three were, as usual, very fluid and creative, while Pogba behind them presented opportunities to those around him with his typical simple style.
But les Bleus simply failed to take their chances. Antoine Griezmann released what was practically an open net after Karim Benzema’s rebound effort, while the Real Madrid man himself skewed an effort just outside Peter Gulacci’s post a few minutes later.
Despite their dominance and with the permission of missed opportunities, France ended up behind in the half-time battle through a wonderfully taken Attila Fiola – who by the way is a national hero – goal. Inevitably, the Hungarians aimed to soak up the press and see the result – a real test of France’s bottle.
Attila Fiola rolls away in celebration / Tibor Illyes – Pool / Getty Images
What is encouraging is that Deschamp’s side continued to create scoring opportunities with good movement up and a creative spark that was maintained for most of the match – but only one went in the back of the net. Griezmann equalized after the hour mark and even if it gave France a point, they should have had much more.
Deputy Ousmane Dembele hit the woodwork a few minutes after coming in, Kylian Mbappe – while he was fantastic on the day – saw a one-on-one opportunity wasted while Gulacsi came to the host’s rescue and a wave of pressure at death was not enough for to force the ball into the net – Raphael Varane dropped a chance on his head that signaled the final action.
France is back in the game thanks to Antoine Griezmann!
They are on the same terms after going route 1⃣. # HUN 1-1 #FRA
??? Watch: https://t.co/TrUauNiyxt#bbceuro2020 # euro2020 pic.twitter.com/10WYROTYKV
Today’s match (@BBCMOTD) June 19, 2021
It was a huge disappointing result for everyone who wears Tricolore on Saturday afternoon. But there should be no panic stations yet. After all, Les Bleus have picked up four points from their first two Euro 2020 matches and look like a new look in the knockout phase.
But if they confirm their status as favorites for success and eventually continue to win the tournament, they must find a more clinical streak to compliment the abundance of creativity within their ranks – starting with Fernando Santos’ defensive set Portugal on matchday three.
