He finally found a starting place with the Blues. After a long period on the bench, following the French team’s first match at the World Cup against Australia, Benjamin Pavard was put in the starting lineup by Didier Deschamps, in place of Jules Koundé, to face Ireland on Monday. A golden opportunity for the former Lille resident, author of an excellent season with Bayern.
But, as often in this position of side in selection, Benjamin Pavard had a complicated first period. Behind the few Irish accelerations, he also experienced placement problems, fortunately without consequence. If he is often mounted, his centers, except on a header from Griezmann, have rarely brought danger.
And then, everything changed in the middle of the second half. Pavard took advantage of a poor Irish recovery, anticipating wonderfully, to find himself near the penalty area. And, magic of the moment, he sent a wonderful shot which touched the bar before spinning into the Irish goal. Almost as good as his half-volley against Argentina at the 2018 World Cup. All is forgiven, Benjamin.