Published on : 19/06/2021 – 16:56
In a glowing Puskas-Arena, the French world champions suffered against Hungary on Saturday, June 19, as part of their second match of Euro 2021 (group F). Surprised before the break, the Blues managed to resurface thanks to Antoine Griezmann (1-1). France will have to wait for their third match against Portugal to qualify for the round of 16.
An international match in a full and boiling stadium: it had been a long time since the French team had played in such a configuration. In accordance with the sanitary rules in force in the country, the Puskas-Arena was filled for the match between Hungary and France in this Euro 2021.
A meeting more complicated to approach than it seemed. On the one hand because of the heat – around 33 ° C – and the sun in Budapest on Saturday. And secondly because Hungary does not suit the Blues. It is even the opponent against whom they have the highest percentage of defeats (55%), underlines the organization Opta. A warning not useless with regard to the scenario of the afternoon.
Benzema misses, Fiola colds the Blues
After one ” laborious start “, Of the admission of Didier Deschamps at the break at the microphone of TF1, the world champions found their rhythm in the first period. Hungary lost striker and captain Adam Szalai, replaced by Nemanja Nikolics after a shock, and suffered several waves after the half hour mark.
Ideally found by Kylian Mbappé, Karim Benzema had a big opportunity to open the scoring in the box. But the Madrilenian, so usually killer in these situations, took the ball from the outside of the right foot and did not catch the frame (31st). Then, Mbappé, not precise with the head earlier, dribbled three Hungarians in the box before crossing his shot too much (33rd).
With so much lack of realism (7 shots, only one on target in the first period), France exposed itself to the danger of the cold shower. And it did not fail: forgotten then released by Benjamin Pavard, Attila Fiola escaped in the left lane and went to deceive Hugo Lloris closely (45 + 2nd). A big blow of bamboo on the head of the Blues.
Griezmann relieves his family
In the second half, Didier Deschamps quickly took out Adrien Rabiot to launch Ousmane Dembélé. The attacker, installed on the right side, only needed a few seconds to light the first fuse. But his violent strike from the right crashed on the post of goalkeeper Peter Gulasci (59th).
French salvation finally came from his Barca teammate Antoine Griezmann. The Hungarian rearguard did not appreciate a long release from Hugo Lloris and Kylian Mbappé was able to recover the ball in the box and cross. The defender Willi Orban could only push back in the axis, and “Grizou” appeared to equalize in force and mark in passing his 38th goal in Blue (66th).
Slightly domineering against a folded Hungary, the France team insisted on scoring a second goal synonymous with qualification. Olivier Giroud and Corentin Tolisso came to make their contribution. But Hungary has not cracked. Gulasci was present against Mbappé and Tolisso (82nd). A final header from Raphaël Varane fled the frame (90 + 4th). It was the 16th attempt of the game. The French only scored 4.
With 4 points on the clock after this draw which sounds like a poor performance, France has not yet qualified for the knockout stages of this Euro. We will have to wait for the Portugal-Germany shock this Saturday, then the last day of this group F on June 23 – Portugal-France and Germany-Hungary – to know the outcome. After the success against the Germans, the Blues are coming back to earth.
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