Reigning world champions France dismantled lowly Poland 3-1 at the Al Thumama Stadium to reach the 2022 World Cup quarter-finals. Les Blues’ arguably best performance in Qatar so far will serve to lift the spirits in the camp ahead of the tournament finale.
France became the first nation in Qatar to qualify for the knockout stages as Didier Deschamps’ men won both opening Group D matches against Australia and Denmark. In doing so, Les Blues netted six goals and conceded two in return before a second-string line-up fell to a shock 1-0 defeat to Tunisia on the final group-stage matchday.
Deschamps’ lads have already defied the ‘reigning champion jinx,’ becoming the first nation since Brazil in 2006 to avoid group-stage elimination in the following edition. Looking to become the first defending World Cup champion since the Sleecao in 1962 to win back-to-back tournaments, France entered this clash as overwhelming pre-match favorites.
France (4-2-3-1)
Hugo Lloris – 7
An almost impeccable performance from the Tottenham Hotspur veteran as he came up huge to deny several decent chances for Poland and even stopped Lewandowski’s penalty at the first time of asking.
Jules Kounde – 7
Equally present on both ends of the pitch, Kounde didn’t put his wrong at the back, while he had several exciting forays into the attacking third.
Raphael Varane – 7
There’s not much you can expect from a household center-back, who only recently recovered from a long-term injury. Solid with the ball at his feet as he was at winning it back.
Dayot Upamecano – 6.5
Showed signs of insecurity from time to time, especially at the second balls, but still made up for occasional lapses of concentration with some firm tackling.
Theo Hernandez – 7
An assured performance from the Milan left-back, who had plenty of freedom to push forwards as he combined well with Mbappe, putting the Poland backline through a world of pain.
Adrien Rabiot – 7
If anyone thought the improving Juventus midfielder couldn’t fill Paul Pogba’s shoes at the national team, Rabiot’s sublime display in the engine room must have silenced his critics for good.
Aurelien Tchouameni – 7
As the last line of defense before the backline, Tchouameni used his physical and aerial strength to avert the danger long before Upamecano and Varane had a chance to react.
Kylian Mbappe – 8
This guy is absolutely world-class! After serving up Giroud with a delightful assist in the first half, the 23-year-old bagged a quick-fire brace to win the game on his own. Each goal was a piece of art.
Antoine Griezmann – 7.5
Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone may want to consider using Griezmann as a playmaker. The left-footed star was pulling all the strings up front, distributing the ball with pinpoint precision.
Ousmane Dembele – 6.5
While it’s hard to compare him with the rest of France’s frontline, the Barcelona man had a decent game, tormenting Bartosz Bereszinsky with his pace and tricky feet.
Olivier Giroud – 7
In addition to breaking down Poland’s defense with a classic ‘Giroud finish,’ last season’s Milan hero enjoyed a superb match, winning numerous aerial duels while bringing his other teammates into play with smart first-touch lay-offs.
Substitutes
Youssouf Fofana – N/A
Kingsley Coman – 6
Another lively cameo performance from Bayern Munich’s speed demon as he took advantage of his blistering pace to create all sorts of trouble for tired Poland defenders.
Marcus Thuram – 6.5
He might not have been as active as Coman, but the Borussia Monchengladbach talisman still delivered an assist to Mbappe to round off a decent showing.
Axel Disasi – N/A