Tops
Pogba, a capital performance
In line with his friendly performance against Bulgaria (3-0), Paul Pogba delivered a royal performance against Germany (1-0).
Striking entry, the Manchester United player shone in the midfield, extinguishing the activity of the opposing midfielder and not content only to rake balloons.
Offensively, we have seen him ensure the offensive transitions with some good transmissions, including a decisive reversal of play towards Lucas Hernandez who brings the French goal.
Still passing on Mbappé's refused goal (66th), he seems to have returned to the level to which we saw him during the last World Cup.
Read also: Magistral, monstrous, indefatigable, Paul Pogba touched by grace in Munich
Varane, symbol of an infallible defense
The captain of the French defense responded well. If he did not really have a direct opponent, Gnabry, Müller or Havertz dezoning a lot, that did not pose a problem for Varane, who was able to win the duels he needed. He especially made appreciate his reading of the German game on the many centers sent. Well placed, it pushed back everything in its path, especially in the air sector. A boss match.
France has regained its defensive virtues
Known for having built most of their successes thanks to a good defense (World Cup 1998 and 2018), the Blues were "bluffing" in this area during this first match of the Euro.
Voluntarily choosing to undergo in their camp, the French showed a lot of solidarity with tight lines and a very compact block.
Serious in defense, they were also in high spirits in the middle.
Beyond the performance of Pogba, Kanté and Rabiot covered ground to plug the spaces.
Flops
The Blues less inspired in front
If defensively, the French were at the level, they were less impactful offensively. Much was expected of the Griezmann-Benzema-Mbappé trio but the three men did not ultimately combine much and above all defended. On the counter-attack, they could have made the difference but they sometimes lacked lucidity, Mbappé being often reported offside in particular. We will still have to adjust the automatisms. These Blues therefore still have room and it is promising.
A harmless Germany
10 shots and only one on target: such is Germany's poor record in this match. Adept at the possession of the ball (62% on Tuesday evening), the Mannschaft did not necessarily make good use of the ball, by not finding the key to force the French lock. The German attack was no more inspired than its counterpart, Thomas Müller not finding relays at his side, Gnabry and Havertz appearing too tender. As for the defense, it seemed to the limit on some French offensives and the experienced Hummels, author of a goal against his camp, somewhere represents this lack of safety.
