At Parc OL,
Back to the wall after five unsuccessful matches in a row, the Blues have refreshed themselves with the manner, this Tuesday in Décines (Rhône). In view of its success (2-0) controlled and even sometimes exciting against its (tender) Finnish dolphin (dropped at seven points, like Ukraine), it is difficult to imagine the French team in difficulty to validate his ticket to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, in such a qualifying group.
Another tactical test for DD
Three days after the first disastrous 4-3-3 period in Ukraine (1-1), followed by a more convincing 4-2-3-1, Didier Deschamps released a new formula on Tuesday for the reception of the Finland, with a 5-2-1-2. The choice of a five-a-side defense may at first glance return to the still open wound of elimination against Switzerland at the Euro, this time it paid off. And this more thanks to the complicity of the attacking trio Griezmann-Benzema-Martial than because of the strength of Kimpembe, Varane and Zouma behind, never really endangered by a weak Finland.
“Grizou” – “Benz”, what a delicious connection!
For four months and the long-awaited return of Karim Benzema, we systematically remained hungry for his technical relationship with Antoine Griezmann having a priori everything, on paper, to transcend the attack of the Blues. In fact, it was enough for the natives of Lyon and Mâcon to meet near their homes, at the Parc OL de Décines, to find the click. After a first one-two while spontaneity concluded with a strike from Benzema slammed by Lukas Hradecky (22nd), we were entitled to the jewel of this international break. Namely a shift of “Grizou” for Anthony Martial, then a delight of deviation of “Benz” in the direction of the ex-neo Colchonero.
He then slipped between two defenders, before sending a clinical “exter” (1-0, 25th). In this period of doubt, collectively and personally for Griezmann, it felt good to hear the Song 2 of Blur to greet an opening of the tricolor score. And what about this second goal, with a love of control oriented from the French number 7 to go mystify Daniel O’Shaughnessy then Lukas Hradecky in a closed angle (2-0, 53rd), after an action initiated … by Karim Benzema. This Tuesday, this connection sounded obvious.
1st selection, 1st victory! ✅ #ProuddetreBleus pic.twitter.com/CourSFZzMz
– France team ⭐⭐ (@equipedefrance) September 7, 2021
Theo Hernandez, what a first!
The chef’s surprise in Didier Deschamps’ starting 11 was the presence, in left piston, of Theo Hernandez. Preferred to Lucas Digne, the 23-year-old Milanese brought a punch of madness for his first tenure in the blue jersey. Nerve to spare, a powerful strike from 25 meters narrow (11th), and even a mad raid à la Alphonso Davies unconverted by Anthony Martial (56th), we could see how Lucas’ little brother was a credible option in the France team. Another good news at the heart of this international evening with the appearance of winning back a large audience at Parc OL (57,057 spectators).