Published on :
The French football team beat that of Croatia 4-2 in the League of Nations, this September 8, 2020 in Saint-Denis, as it had done in the final of the 2018 World Cup. A lively evening, despite the absence of spectators at the Stade de France because of the Covid-19.
Too bad there was no public in the stands of the Stade de France, this September 8, 2020, for the football match between the teams of France and Croatia. Because it was a “remake” of the 2018 World Cup final won 4-2 by the French against the Croats. Because the striker Olivier Giroud scored his 40th goal in Blue and got closer to the 41 achievements of Michel Platini. Because Eduardo Camavinga, a midfielder of Angolan origin, took the opportunity to become the third youngest player in the history of the selection, at 17 years, 9 months and 29 days. Or quite simply because the proteges of Didier Deschamps delivered a more pleasing performance than their sad 1-0 victory in Sweden, still in Group C of League A of the League of Nations.
The world champions, deprived of a Kylian Mbappé tested positive for Covid-19, however started this meeting very badly, in Saint-Denis. The first half hour was even clearly to the benefit of the visitors. In the 17th minute, Dejan Lovren opened the scoring with a series of high class. On a corner from the right, the ball is deflected towards the defender who feigns a volley. Lucas Hernandez and Moussa Sissoko let themselves be fooled. The Croatian controls the ball then continues with a cross half volley: 0-1.
An unexpected turnaround
The evening seemed to take a bad turn, the defensive errors multiplied. Especially since at the other end of the field, Antoine Griezmann, served ideally in the penalty area by Anthony Martial, loses a duel against the opposing goalkeeper (33rd). The striker is clearly lacking in confidence after a disappointing first season at FC Barcelona. But he has the merit of not giving up. And, when Martial gives him another opportunity to score, Griezmann converts it into a goal with a volley from close range: 1-1, 43rd.
An equalizer followed by an unexpected turnaround. During the stoppage of play, Wissam Ben Yedder manages to overflow to the right, thanks to a superb combination with Moussa Sissoko. The attacker then crosses towards his teammate Martial whose shot hits a post. But the ball bounces off goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic and crosses the line: 2-1, 45th + 1.
An even more lively second half
The second period is as lively if not more. In the 55th minute, Josip Brekalo equalized very well. The young striker, who started dribbling, resisted Ferland Mendy, Dayot Upamecano and Clément Lenglet, to deceive Hugo Lloris with a cross shot: 2-2.
Vexed, Dayot Upamecano, however, gives the advantage to the Blues with a powerful header, from a corner: 3-2, 65th. Then, in the 77th minute, Giroud closed the festival with a penalty awarded to the Habs for a hand fault by Marcelo Brozović in his penalty area: 4-2.
Shortly before the final whistle, Nikola Vlasic sent a strike that left no chance for the goalkeeper of the France team, Hugo Lloris. But the latter is saved by his post (89th). The score will stay there. A hell of a wink for the French.
.
