Kylian Mbappe and the French representatives from the Serie A starred in their country’s 4-1 win over Australia. After allowing a shocking early goal, the French team regrouped and dominated the Socceroos with ease. Several key players, including Adrien Rabiot, Ousmane Dembele and Antoine Griezmann, put in quality performances in the statement victory.
Hugo Lloris – 7
Lloris, who is nearly France’s most-capped player, had very little to do in this one. He had no chance at stopping the Aussies’ early goal, and he distributed the ball well.
Dayot Upamecano – 7.5
In just his eighth ever start for his country, the 24-year-old impressed with his physical brand of football. As France played from the back, Upamecano distributed the ball fantastically and won challenges as needed.
Ibrahima Konate – 8
Alongside his fellow centre-back, Konate put on a dominant display. He used his height to win several aerial duels and allowed striker Mitchell Duke practically no time on the ball.
Benjamin Pavard – 7
The outside-back lost his man on Australia’s opening goal, but his defending improved as the match progressed.
Lucas Hernandez – N/A
In the first half, the left-back went down with an unfortunate leg injury as Australia scored the opener. His brother, Theo, replaced him as a like-for-like change in the 13th minute.
Adrien Rabiot – 9
The Juventus man had a day in the midfield, responding well to the Socceroos’ physicality. On a recycled corner, he lost his marker and headed the ball into the net to equalize for Les Bleus. Later, he won a ball in the attacking third and provided a fine assist to give France the lead.
Aurelien Tchouameni – 8
The midfielder was quietly a key cog for the French, playing a reserved role and helping his side retain possession.
Antoine Griezmann – 8
Griezmann put in a great shift in the midfield, facilitating France’s incessant attacking movement. The Athletico Madrid player found the ball in literally every zone of the pitch, providing a crucial presence for Les Bleus.
Ousmane Dembele – 8.5
After a quiet start to the match, Dembele found his rhythm late in the first half. He created several chances for France and did well when cutting inside and looking to fire off crosses.
Kylian Mbappe – 9.5
Mbappe was electric on the left wing, creating chance after chance while giving right-back Nathaniel Atkinson fits. He showed wonderful chemistry with Theo Hernandez, as both were able to drive the ball into the opposition’s defensive third with ease.
Olivier Giroud – 8.5
After years of service, the longtime French national has tied Thierry Henry as France’s all-time leading scorer. His first goal was an easy finish after a turnover, and the striker managed a second in the second half.
Olivier Giroud equals Henry as France all time topscorer: 51 goals.
He’s still doing incredible also with AC Milan as he scored 22 goals in 55 total apps, winning Serie A title.
Milan invested less than €2m to sign him in 2021. New deal to be discussed soon.
Special player ?? pic.twitter.com/b5Ax8PbE8X
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 22, 2022
Substitutes
Theo Hernandez – 8
After his brother left the match early with an injury, the AC Milan star came on for the remaining 80 minutes. The full-back left his mark immediately, working well with Mbappe on the wing and playing in a wonderful ball to Rabiot for France’s first goal.