Kylian Mbappe’s first World Cup ensured France’s progression to the last 16 of the World Cup as they beat Peru 1-0.
It was hardly vintage, but Les Bleus showed their quality at the right time and got the job done. Peru will head home after a second defeat in succession despite another bright display.
Here are four talking points.
France did just enough after taking control once they scored
There was something unique about the game in Ekaterinburg even before it kicked off; the stadium had been completely taken over by the Peruvian fans. Reports suggest that 40,000 people have gone across to Russia to support the team at their first World Cup for 36 years. Defeat to Denmark in their first game meant they were staring at an early exit from the tournament, but they were determined to enjoy the experience on and off the pitch. They continued to play with the same pace and bravery; Christian Cueva, who missed a penalty against Denmark, and Andre Carillo, were lively again out wide, while Paolo Guerrero, starting for the first time since his drug ban was lifted, squandered the best chance of the first half for his side, shooting straight at Hugo Lloris after opening his body expertly to get past Samuel Umtiti.
France were finding it tough to find their rhythm early on, despite Didier Deschamps changing the side that narrowly beat Australia, bringing in Blaise Matuidi and Olivier Giroud. Paul Pogba was struggling to make an impact on the game, too, with Peru pressing particularly hard on him. As the half went on, though, Matuidi and Giroud began to grow into the game; the former picked up the pace of the passing in the middle while the latter set up Antoine Griezmann for the first chance of the game before playing a part in Mbappe’s goal, seeing his shot blocked as it fell into the path of the teenager.
N’Golo Kante was France’s not so secret weapon once again
Everybody knows what N’Golo Kante is all about, and as he proved in the first half particularly, he is as effective in starting his side’s attacks as he is at stopping the opposition’s. Peru were looking to play with great energy, continuing to press in the middle, but France soon gathered themselves and that came from Kante’s performance. The Chelsea midfielder was everywhere as normal, providing a great screen in front of the defence. His value to the team simply cannot be underestimated; once Deschamps found a better system in attack, which he may well have done with Griezmann and Mbappe causing havoc running off Giroud, France were always going to look at their best because Kante keeps the shape so well. Not only does that give them great freedom, but it also means they rarely get caught on the counter attack.
Perhaps there will be greater challenges to come, but the French defence, much criticised for their lack of experience, enjoyed a solid game. Umtiti was much more assured than against Australia on Saturday, when he gave away a penalty, while Raphael Varane did have a momentary lapse when he gave away possession in the build up to Pedro Aquino’s superb effort from distance, which struck the post just five minutes after the break. Given the solidity and protection Kante offers, it may be worth Deschamps giving more natural fullbacks Benjamin Mendy and Djibril Sidibe. Lucas Hernandez and Benjamin Pavard are centre backs by trade, and their lack of support in attack is both unnecessary and frustrating.
Peru found a second wind after the break but they couldn’t make it count
The game began to fluctuate more as it entered the final quarter; Kante continued to patrol his area brilliantly, but the passing became sloppy as France looked to kill the game off; the intensity dropped again and that allowed Peru back into it. Cueva began to get on the ball a little more, while Edison Flores found some space up against Pavard. But they weren’t able to break through the defence and test Lloris. Jefferson Farfan, a substitute at half time, went close after goof linkup play with Carillo, but his volley could only find the side netting.
Just one shot on target told its own story, and that came from Guerrero in the first half with the chance he really should have put away. France need to kill off their opponents, rather than keep them at arm’s length, if they are to fulfil their potential and even win the World Cup this summer, but right now they are too inconsistent within games.
France take hold of Group C with gears to find
One major issue many people have with this France side is that they do not seem to be able to play as a team, rather a group of supremely talented individuals. Their two performances may not do much to gather momentum, or silence the critics, especially those calling for Deschamps’ head, but they have shown glimpses of what they are capable of, particularly after Mbappe’s goal on Thursday. Now they have confirmed their progression to the next round, they have time to find the much-needed consistency.
Peru, meanwhile, have entertained on their return to the biggest stage and deserve credit for their attitude. But there really is a sense of what might have been.
