Giroud breaks his duck to seal Nations League victory for homecoming heroes

The game was France's first on home turf since winning the World Cup in Russia and there was a party atmosphere present throughout in the French capital, starting with an impressive pre-match display.

Aided by their backing, the hosts raced out of the blocks, with Mbappe twice seeing efforts saved by visiting goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen in the first 10 minutes.

The prodigal son of French football wasn't to be denied for too long though and he made the breakthrough with just 14 minutes on the clock.

The visitors failed to convincingly clear Blaise Matuidi's ball in from the left, with a terrible defensive header from Quincy Promes giving the Juventus midfielder the chance to deliver once again.

He duly accepted, sending in a low ball that was perfect for Mbappe to tap home unmarked at the far post and crank the noise levels up a few more notches.

France continued to dominate the ball from there on out, with Lucas Hernandez blazing high and wide after being slipped in by the impressive Antoine Griezmann and Samuel Umtiti unable to generate enough power on a header from a Griezmann set-piece.

The game continued in the same vein after the break, with France showing little urgency in their search for a second despite their dominance.

They were made to regret that lack of intensity with 67 minutes gone as a momentary lapse in concentration allowed the visitors to level against the run of play.

Memphis Depay sped away from his marker down the right and crossed low, with Ryan Babel showing all his experience to dart across the front of Benjamin Pavard and bundle an effort beyond Alphonse Areola with what appeared to be his knee.

However, 'Les Bleus' were not to be denied their victory, with Giroud stepping up to the role of hero on the night with just 15 minutes to play.

Substitute Benjamin Mendy was given space to cross down the left and he picked out Giroud in the middle, with the Chelsea man doing brilliantly to guide a first-time volley into the far corner with his left foot, despite the close attentions of Virgil van Dijk.

Another comeback proved beyond the Dutch as France held out to secure their first victory in the UEFA Nations League. The victory leaves Didier Deschamps' men top of their group with four points from two games, though Germany and Holland have both only played once.

 

September 9, 2018