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France-Switzerland: Karim Benzema, the only satisfaction

2021-06-29T12:20:31.311Z


Despite a magnificent double, Karim Benzema did not allow France to qualify for the quarter-finals of the Euro against Switzerland.


Didier Deschamps must surely say to himself that he made bad choices in his list with players who perhaps did not deserve to participate in the Euro in view of their very insufficient performance, synonymous with a humiliating elimination from the 8th of final. A unique case for reigning world champions. But one thing is certain, the national coach does not regret a single second of having selected Karim Benzema after six years of absence. The Madrid goleador has fully justified his confidence even if that was not enough to send the Blues to the quarter-finals of the Euro against Spain this Friday. This Monday against Switzerland, he should have been the man of the match thanks to his magnificent double in the space of two minutes which had put the Blues back in the saddle.

As we were heading towards a break for the Helvetians following a penalty from Ricardo Rodriguez, Karim Benzema came to speak to Hugo Lloris to tell him the preferential side of the Swiss player.

Bingo!

Hugo Lloris deflected the penalty and it transfigured the Blues.

In the following minute, well served by Kylian Mbappé, the Real Madrid goleador equalized closely after an exceptional ball control (1-1, 57th).

In the process, Kylian Mbappé sends a brilliant heel to Griezmann, who serves on a plateau at the far post Karim Benzema who does not miss the mark (2-1, 59th).

Read also France team: what Benzema brings to the Blues

"Benzema, Benzema, Benzema" sang the supporters of the Blues after this magnificent double.

During extra time, Benzema, who was limping, was replaced by Giroud.

The Merengue striker was on track to seek the title of top scorer in the Euro, with four goals in four games (2nd behind Cristiano Ronaldo).

Useful at the forefront with his technique and his passing quality, he showed his efficiency in front of goal during the tournament.

In short, a perfect outfit for an attacker.

A team that is too irregular

One thing is certain. Karim Benzema is in no way responsible for this failure at the Euro. It is even one of the rare satisfactions within a team too irregular and disorganized to go further in the competition. While some wondered before France - Portugal, however, the merits of the tenure of Benzema in attack, after a missed penalty against Wales in a friendly, an injury exit before the break in the next match against Bulgaria , a goal refused for offside in the first match of the Euro against Germany, then an average match against Hungary. But the former Lyonnais is a very experienced player. You don't play 12 seasons at the biggest club in the world by chance. Under pressure against Portugal,Benzema had shown authority by taking the penalty late in the first act to equalize, then scoring a brisk double at the start of the second half.

This Monday evening, while the Blues were at the bottom of the precipice, Karim Benzema had transfigured his team, before it lost its footing in the last minutes. At 33, he's in the shape of his life. Thanks to an impeccable lifestyle, the striker breaks records with his club. Author of 30 goals and nine assists with Real Madrid in all competitions this season, the native of Lyon is at the peak of his career. Despite the elimination, we will probably see him again at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. To the delight of the Blues!

Source: leparis

All sports articles on 2021-06-29

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