After France’s uninspiring 0-0 draw with a 10 man Ecuador, we give each of the individual French players a rating out of 10 and a comment about their performance.
Hugo Lloris – 7
Did not have very much to do all game, but made some important saves when it mattered, especially from Ener Valencia in the first half.
Lucas Digne – 6
Looked very active going forwards, especially in the opening exchanges of the game, but was slightly suspect defensively, bringing down his marker on the break on more than one occasion.
Mamadou Sakho – 6
Was relatively solid defensively, although he and Koscielny struggled against some of the Ecuadorian counter attacks. Threw an elbow early in the first half, and lucky to avoid action.
Laurent Koscielny – 6
Would have a higher rating based on his first half performance, but when Ecuador went down to 10 he looked far more exposed, being beaten by both Ener Valencia and Montero when exposed.
Bacary Sagna – 7
Astute defensively as always, and actually was effective going forwards, producing some pinpoint crosses to the likes of Benzema and, when he came on, Olivier Giroud.
Morgan Schneiderlin – 8
Probably the best Les Bleus performance out there, especially considering it was his first start. Was flawless in breaking down Ecuador’s attacks, and was assured in possession.
Paul Pogba – 7
As ever, a mixed bag from Pogba. Some moments of genius, like the late drag-back that took him past a defender, mixed with some poor moment, like his missed header and some sloppy misplaced passes.
Blaise Matuidi – 6
Not his usual self for some reason. Gave the ball away cheaply on multiple occasions, allowing Ecuador to break quickly, and was substituted before the end of the game.
Antoine Griezmann – 6
Was quiet throughout most of the game, but hit the post after a fantastic near post run early on in the second half. Probably needs to do more to justify his place. Remy looked livelier when he came on.
Karim Benzema – 6
Very subdued in the first half, and when he did get into the game in the second period, his finishing was poor. Should still take confidence from his earlier performances going into the knockout matches.
Moussa Sissoko – 5
Almost invisible today, so much so that you almost forgot he was playing. Was on for the full 90 minutes, but did not really make any significant attacking contributions. Much more suited to a midfield spot.
Substitutes:
Olivier Giroud – 7
Was very lively going forwards, and tried to get on the end of anything that crossed the half way line. Brings great energy to the team, but needs to control his temper a little better, or risk being benched again in the knockouts.
Loic Remy – 7
Not on for long, and against a tiring Ecuadorian defence, but was never afraid to take on his man, and did so on two notable occasions in his 10 minutes on the field. A very good option from the bench for Les Bleus.
Raphael Varane – 6
Did not have too much to deal with after he came on for Sakho, as most of Ecuador’s attacks came down Koscielny’s side after Valencia’s sending off. On the bright side, he looks to have fully recovered from a stomach bug.
