Ligue 1 McDonald’s Gameweek 2 23/08/2024

PSG 6-0 Montpellier – THE MATCH

A first game at home in the 2024-2025 season for Paris Saint-Germain in the post-Mbappé era, and with a relatively serene atmosphere surrounding the Parc des Princes, Les Parisiens blew apart a clearly struggling Montpellier side in spectacular fashion. Luis Enrique’s side certainly made it two out of two wins in style…

Les Parisiens got off to the perfect start when Joao Neves released Bradley Barcola down the left side, and the winger used his pace to charge into the box and provide an inch-perfect finish which rebounded off the post and into the back of the net. PSG’s new recruit Neves would grab his third assist in two games, and his header only minutes later flashed just wide of Lecomte’s right post. Barcola provided another dangerous run down the right side, as La Paillade’s combined double-down on the France U21 international was clearly not going to plan.

As the first half wore on, it turned into an attack vs defence scenario akin to a training drill – PSG holding onto the ball in typical Enrique fashion, but with most of their attacking chances coming down the left side with some great inter-play between Vitinha, Neves, and Barcola. It was a lovely constructed move which gave Paris the second goal through Marco Asensio, as Barcola played a wonderfully-driven ball to Neves on the edge of the box who cushioned a disguised ball for Asensio to finish from close range.

If Les Parisiens looked like they were running away with the result, Téji Savanier would offer a reminder of his ability from dead-ball situations with a dangerous ball into Nordin and Donnarumma had to be quick on his line to parry away the danger. With PSG back on the attack, Marquinhos would blast a header just over the bar. Whabi Khazri would have the best chance for Montpellier in the first half as Nordin fed a superb cross into the Tunisian international.

Following the break, a similar pattern of play would ensue to the first half, as Ousmane Dembélé was let loose down the right side and provided a straightforward square ball for Bradley Barcola to grab his second of the evening. Les Parisiens would add a fourth only minutes later, this time Nuno Mendes provided an inch-perfect cross for Achraf Hakimi to volley first time.

By the hour-mark, Luis Enrique’s side were well and truly running away with it: this time Dembélé fed Warren Zaïre-Emery into the box and the 18-year-old gleefully nutmegged Kouyaté before slotting home past Benjamin Lecomte for PSG’s fifth. After a relative lull, it wouldn’t take much longer for PSG to get a sixth goal: this time Lee Kang-In fired an unstoppable strike past Lecomte, who stood simply astounded on his goal.

PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN PLAYER RATINGS

Giunluigi Donnarumma, 7

Achraf Hakimi, 7

Marquinhos, 6

Willian Pacho, 6

Nuno Mendes, 6

Warren Zaïre-Emery, 7

João Neves, 9 – A sensational Parc des Princes debut for the 19-year-old who has now grabbed four assists in 68 minutes played with PSG against Le Havre and Montpellier. He was the beating heart of Les Parisiens’ midfield, forming a productive partnership with fellow countryman Vitinha and Warren Zaïre-Emery. His first assist released Bradley Barcola down the left for PSG’s opener, before the pick of the bunch with his second: a lovely cushioned effort which laid the ball on a plate for Marco Asensio to finish.

Vitinha, 7 – He was PSG’s midfield leader last season, but along with his compatriote Joao Neves the Portuguese duo are sowing the seeds of what could be a fruitful partnership in midfield in tandem with Warren Zaïre-Emery.

Ousmane Dembélé, 6

Marco Asensio, 7

Bradley Barcola, 8 – One of his best performances in a Rouge & Bleu shirt and a confidently dispatched brace to show for it. The Frenchman was a constant menace down the left side, with a frightening pace akin to a certain winger who recently departed the club for Real Madrid.

SELECTED MONTPELLIER PLAYER RATINGS

Boubakar Kouyaté, 3

Joris Chotard, 3

Téji Savanier, 4

GFFN | George Boxall

Emirates Cup Final, 11/08/2024

It was a huge pre-season test for Pierre Sage’s men at the Emirates Stadium, with Arsenal fielding a strong XI that has dominated the Premier League in recent years. The quality showed from the first minute, as the Gunners dominated the ball and logically opened the scoring within the first ten minutes via William Saliba. Declan Rice provided a superb delivery for the France international to rise highest and head home for the hosts.

The Premier League runners-up held the ball for much of the first half, with Saka and Martinelli getting close to doubling the lead. Arsenal have made set-pieces a huge part of their offensive play, and it was clearly hurting Sage’s side as they managed to double their lead via another header from a corner – this time from Saliba’s defensive partner Gabriel.

With a two-goal deficit, Sage began to instruct his players to play with a bit more freedom during the first-half water break. It almost paid-off right away, with Benrahma and Mikautadze combining well down the left side and Tolisso letting off a strike which was cleared to the feet of Martinelli – who bore one on one with Perri. Yet Niakhaté would steal away the chance with a brilliant sliding challenge. OL living dangerously. Maitland-Niles was freed down the left and fizzed a lovely driven cross which had to be diverted by Saliba, Mikautadze couldn’t quite get on the end of it.

An improved second half for Les Gones

The second half would come, and so would another chance for Mikautadze on the swivel, but his strike was blasted over the bar. It marked a more positive period for OL, which saw Les Gones hold more of the ball. 

Yet the danger wasn’t over: Perri saved well to flick Saka’s header onto the post, before Thomas Partey’s strike went wide. Saïd Benrahma would try his luck from afar, and his strike went a few inches above Raya’s bar. The changes would ring for Les Gones, as Gift Orban, Moussa Diawara, Mama Baldé and Ernest Nuamah came on. 

Baldé would do well to inject some pace into the game and his winding run down the right would see him storm into the box, yet his final ball across couldn’t find a black OL shirt. New faces seemed to inject new life for Les Gones, who managed to temporarily nullify Arsenal’s threat. Ernest Nuamah would get the best chance to score one on one with David Raya, but the Ghanian’s chip was saved instinctively by the Spanish goalkeeper.

With the tone of the game dying down at the end of the match, the final whistle would blow as focus switches to an away trip to Rennes next Sunday for Les Gones.

GFFN | George Boxall

Whilst the France captain has chosen to continue his playing career in Spain, Mbappé has decided to take the plunge into the boardroom and take financial control of a side that finished 6th in Ligue 2 last season. Paris Saint-Germain’s record goalscorer almost made a move to Caen in 2012, before opting to join AS Monaco’s prestigious academy. But fast forward over a decade later, and the Frenchman looks to complete a deal to take control of the club by the end of 2024.

According to Le Parisien, the former PSG man now intends to take his first steps as a club owner “with moderation”. He reportedly aims to preserve the DNA of SM Caen, proceed step by step, and avoid the excesses often associated with high-profile new owners. Given his career, Mbappé will likely be very rarely present in Normandy in the coming years.

Ziad Hammoud, former Director of Strategy and Investments at BeIN Media Group and now CEO of Kylian Mbappé’s image company, is set to become the club’s president.

GFFN | George Boxall

After seven years at Chelsea, Kanté moved to Saudi Arabia in the summer of 2023, joining fellow France international Karim Benzema. Yet, following a successful Euro 2024 campaign with France, the defensive midfielder showed his ability to still play at the highest level.

In a press conference attended by Get French Football News, the 2018 World Cup winner opened the door to a return to European football ahead France’s final Euro 2024 group game against Poland.

“No it’s not finished yet,” replied Kanté when asked whether he was done with European football. “In Saudi, a new kind of football, a new experience,” added the former Leicester City and Chelsea man. “But I’m enjoying my return [to this level]. It’s great to be back with the French team and I’m touched by it. But that’s not a question I’m asking myself today,” finished the Frenchman.

Kanté was named as UEFA’s man of the match in his first two Euro 2024 matches with France, following a surprise call-up to the national team by manager Didier Deschamps. It had been thought that Kanté’s international career was over when he made the switch from Chelsea to Al Ittihad on a free transfer last summer. The move to Saudi Arabia came after an injury-hit 12 months at Chelsea, during which he struggled to maintain fitness.

GFFN | George Boxall

Having already signed two players so far this window, Red Star are hoping for a prestigious third signature in the former AS Roma, Sevilla, Stoke City, and Blackburn Rovers man. Le Parisien report that Red Star – who won the French third tier convincingly last season – have began discussions with the midfielder. Whilst nothing has been finalised between the two parties, there is concrete interest from both sides over a deal.

Nzonzi, who grew up in the Parisian region and played at fellow historic side Racing CFF, could be close to a return to his native region. For Red Star, Nzonzi offers much-needed reinforcement and experience for their return to France’s second division for the first time in six years; especially since the departure of former club captain Cheikh Ndoye.

GFFN | George Boxall

UEFA Euro 2024 Semi-final 09/07/2024

Spain 2-1 France – THE MATCH

Les Bleus’ adventure at Euro 2024 would come to an end as a stunner from Lamine Yamal combined with a devastating finish from Dani Olmo would see Spain mount a comeback in a matter of minutes. Randal Kolo Muani opened the scoring for France on the seventh minute, but Didier Deschamps’ side couldn’t recover from conceding in quick succession in the first half.

Spain would begin the game on the front foot, with a huge first chance for Paris Saint-Germain man Fabian Ruiz who headed over the bar from Lamine Yamal’s inch-perfect cross. Kolo Muani would respond with a quick surge forward, threading the ball through to an unmasked Kylian Mbappé but Laporte would intervene to clear. The two Bondy boys would combine once more, and this time it led to France’s first goal from open play in the tournament. Mbappé edged into the box, shifted his body and then provided Randal Kolo Muani with a sumptuous cross which was emphatically headed into the back of the net. (8′)

The minutes that followed would be the best that it got for Les Bleus in the tournament, finally looking confident on and off the ball and managing to deal with Spain’s quality in attack. But a moment of quality from Lamine Yamal would turn the game on its’ head. The 16-year-old found some space on the edge of the box and curled a superb effort past Maignan, hitting the post on the way in. (20′)

Perhaps a feeling of shock would be a factor in the ensuing chaos, as France would see themselves go behind in quick fashion after Dani Olmo’s two excellent touches in the box set up a devastating finish which cannoned off Jules Koundé into the back of the net (23′). Les Bleus would head into the second half, somewhat stunned to be a goal down and with a lot of work to do to try and claw back any chance of qualifying for the Berlin final.

Les Bleus tentative in second-half

The second half saw Didier Deschamps’ side tentatively turn the pressure valve to try and find an all-important equaliser. With a few chances created. Eduardo Camavinga would replace Rabiot, whilst Griezmann came on for Rabiot in a newly-shaped midfield. Mbappé moved centrally whilst Bradley Barcola came on the left side. Spain dropped into a heavily defensive shape, as Barcola injected some new energy down the left side and Mbappé began to drive in towards the box.

Yet, a red and yellow wall would stand resolute, defending in numbers and nullifying France’s attacking threat. A glorious chance would fall to Théo Hernandez following a failed clearance from Fabian Ruiz, but the defender’s effort would fly over the bar. Kylian Mbappé would also have a golden opportunity as he timed his run to perfection into the left side of the box, cutting in, and uncharacteristically blasting over the bar. It was a second half that mirrored much of France’s tournament so far: wasteful in all departments. Spain were technically and tactically superior than Les Bleus, and managed to see out their lead comfortably as they qualified for the final, winning their sixth straight game in Germany.

FRANCE PLAYER RATINGS:

Mike Maignan, 5 – There wasn’t much he could do about Yamal’s opener, but Maignan’s general play has been good. In possession, his distribution was second to none – providing some excellent balls into the channels to Koundé, Dembélé, on the right and Kylian Mbappé down the left. His ‘walkabouts’ moment to win the ball in midfield and calmly play down the channel at the start of the second half was another positive moment for the AC Milan man. Yet it would amount to little, as France couldn’t make the most of their chances in the second period.

Jules Koundé, 5 – Despite scrambling Olmo’s second goal into the back of the net, Koundé had a positive first period – enjoying a lot of the ball with a lot of confidence when France were in front. He was defensively resolute, but suffered when Spain scored their two quick-fire goals. Like much of the rest of the French side, he couldn’t re-find that level.

Dayot Upamecano, 4

William Saliba, 5

Théo Hernandez, 5

N’Golo Kanté, 3 – A quiet game from the Al-Ittihad man, who was being told to cut the first pass into France’s midfield. It was a plan which didn’t seem to work in the first half, with Kanté caught between his pressing and his tracking duties. It created an imbalance in France’s midfield which was perfectly exploited by the Spanish.

Aurélien Tchouaméni, 3 – The Real Madrid man struggled positionally, whether to follow Ruiz or Morata was a big question for the sitting midfielder in the first period when Spain looked to control the midfield areas which weren’t held decisively enough from France’s midfield three. On the ball his play was non-existent, with Kanté playing higher up the pitch and getting on the ball on more occasions.

Adrien Rabiot, 4 – A really difficult game for the former Juventus man, who was tasked with keeping Dani Olmo at bay. Yet France’s midfield was unbalanced in the first period, and it was clearly overrun by the superior quality in the runs of Olmo, Ruiz, and a solid base in Rodri. He would logically be substituted in the second period.

Kylian Mbappé, 3 – Unmasked, and finally unleashed at Euro 2024, but it was too little too late from the France captain. Playing with a renewed sense of urgency down the left channel against Jesus Navas, the France captain would quickly provide a quality cross to fellow Bondy native Randal Kolo Muani. Yet that was as good as it got for Mbappé, who was frustrated and wasteful in the final third in the second half, in the image of much of his performances at the tournament.

Randal Kolo Muani, 5 – A second start for the Paris Saint-Germain forward at Euro 2024, and certainly one of the best number 9 performances at the tournament so far for Les Bleus (which doesn’t necessarily say much). His movement was interesting, with some handy runs and combinations with Mbappé in the early period of the match. Of course, his header to put France in front was superb. His effectiveness did seem to fade further into the second half, prompting Deschamps’ switch-up on the hour-mark.

Ousmane Dembélé, 4

GFFN | George Boxall

The unwanted stat still stands for Didier Deschamps and Les Bleus: France have made it to the semi-finals of Euro 2024 without scoring a single goal from open play. Speaking at a press conference attended by Get French Football News, the France manager has reacted to clamour for France’s highest all-time scorer to see more action. Of course, that man is Olivier Giroud (37), who has only made three appearances off the bench so far.

“He’s come of the bench three times, you know. I have some choices to make. He wasn’t any more effective than the others in the three games he came on. It all depends on the match situation and the opponent. We’re not going to be effective if we only have strikers. We have the chances, but we need to be more effective.”

So far Deschamps has opted for Marcus Thuram and Randal Kolo Muani, with the latter involved in France’s late goal against Belgium with a snapshot on goal that was deflected off Jan Vertonghan. Olivier Giroud comes into the tournament after signing for MLS side Los Angeles FC earlier this summer.

GFFN | George Boxall

Will France’s captain be fit to face Spain? Deschamps and France supporters will certainly hope so. Speaking at France’s pre-match press conference ahead Les Bleus‘ Euro 2024 semi-final clash against Spain, manager Didier Deschamps gave an update on Kylian Mbappé after the former PSG man couldn’t continue into the second period of extra-time against Portugal.

In the presser attended by Get French Football News, Deschamps said “He came off after a complicated 110 minutes [against Portugal]. It was nothing, there’s no point in him staying on the pitch with a bad feeling. We did everything we could to get him back to full fitness, and I’m convinced he’s been at his best since the start.”

“It’s not just to do with the last match, it’s everything he had before that, with the end of the season,” said Deschamps when going into the reasons behind Mbappé’s struggling form at Euro 2024. “It’s everything he had before that, with the end of the season, a back problem, the trauma he suffered (to his nose). It could have stopped for him. He needs to digest and get used to the new conditions. He’ll do everything he can to be at his best.”

The new Real Madrid no.9 asked to be substituted against Portugal admitting openly to the press following the game that he was too tired to carry on. “He was struggling a bit before. He’s always honest with me and the group and he let us know,” said Deschamps following France’s qualification to the Euro semi-finals in Hamburg. “He knows that he’s not at the top of his form, with the trauma of the nose break and all the effort he’s put in. He’s very tired.”

GFFN | George Boxall

Kylian Mbappé cut a frustrated figure against Portugal. France’s star man was visibly struggling with fatigue in the latter stages of Les Bleus’ quarter final clash, which was finally won on penalties without the former Paris Saint-German forward’s on-pitch presence.

In his post-match press conference attended by Get French Football News, France manager Didier Deschamps pointed out it would have been ‘pointless’ to leave Mbappé on the pitch. “He was struggling during the first period of extra time, it was pointless.”

“Kylian has always been honest with me and the group, so it was only natural to bring some new blood,” said Deschamps, adding “He’s tired, obviously. Muscularly, it’s not easy with everything he’s been through and all the efforts that he has put in. He know’s that he’s not at the top of his form.”

‘I told him I wasn’t feeling it any more’

“At the end of normal time, we’d already spoken to the coach,” said Mbappé himself in the mixed zone after the game. “We decided to give it a go, but at half-time [of extra time], I told him I wasn’t feeling it any more, that I was too tired.”

“I think you have to get over that. When you’re captain, you have to above all always stay involved and be there for your team-mates. I’ve always said before competitions that whatever happens, the important thing is that we win. People thought it was a joke, but here we are. I only scored one goal, but we’re in the semi-finals and I’m still very happy.”

GFFN | George Boxall

UEFA Euro 2024 Quarter-final, 05/06/2024

Portugal 0-0 France (3-5 pens)- The Match

It wasn’t pretty, but Les Bleus found a way through. France booked their spot in the semi-finals of Euro 2024 with a dramatic penalty shootout win (5-3) over Portugal at Hamberg’s Volskpark Stadion. Now reaching the semi-final stage in four of their last five major tournaments, Didier Deschamps side held their nerve in the shootout without missing for the second time in their history.

Despite starting the game on the front foot with a spell of promising possession, Les Bleus started to retreat into their half as Portugal looked to get on the attack. With little of note being created before the 10 minute mark. It looked as if Les Bleus could come out of their shell and start to play, kicking off a pattern of cautiously looking forward to attack, but using a shifting midfield three between Tchouaméni, Kanté, and Camavinga to build a solid base off the ball.

On one of their first real forays forward, Théo Hernandez would strike from outside the box, stinging the palms of Costa and forcing a parry but no one was able to pick up a clear opportunity from the rebound. Kylian Mbappé drove into the box and provided a sumptuous ball which was again parried by Costa and almost fell the way of N’Golo Kanté. After soaking up some more Portuguese pressure, Kanté and Mbappé would combine well to break forward on the counter-attack, but when the ball fell to Camavinga the Real Madrid man couldn’t keep his shot down.

The first half break would conclude a quietly confident period for Les Bleus who looked defensively solid, and able to threaten a bit better than in previous outings going forward. The second period would start in similar fashion, with Kylian Mbappé cutting inside and firing off a warning shot at Costa. Théo Hernandez would flash a tempting low ball across the box but Kolo Muani didn’t anticipate in time to tuck home.

Portugal would get close to breaking the deadlock, after Raphel Leao fed a ball into Vitinha in plenty of space in the box and the PSG man would force a brilliant save out of Mike Maignan. Ronaldo would follow-up after a botched clearance by Théo Hernandez, and Magian once again managed to deny another clear goal-scoring opportunity.

Randal Kolo Muani had a glorious opportunity to put France in front – reminiscent of that 2022 World Cup final effort – when he was played over the top a wonderful weighted ball by Jules Koundé, but the PSG man’s effort was rushed an painfully floated wide of the post. It was Kylian Mbappé’s turn next to get involved, but his strike was sensationally blocked by Ruben Dias. Next up would be Camavinga, who received the ball on the turn only a yard from goal, but would strike excruciatingly wide of the post. A curling strike from Dembélé would conclude a dominent period fro Les Bleus as the game would enter into its latter stages. Chances limited, with the same sterile attacking play, France would finish another full 90 minutes without officially scoring from open play.

In extra time, Ousmane Dembélé would weave in and out and cause the Portugal defence some problems, but following the first period, but then Deschamps would make a drastic decision to haul off Kylian Mbappé and instead give fellow PSG man Bradley Barcola the chance to make the difference in the remaining time of open play. Yet, it would be too little too late, as Les Bleus had to face the daunting prospect of the penalty shootout for the first time since their 2022 World Cup failure.

Portugal 0-0 France (3-5 on Pens) – The Shootout

Les Bleus came through clean in the ensuing penalty shootout without Olivier Giroud, Kylian Mbappé, nor Antoine Griezmann on the pitch to face the spot kick. Ousmane Dembélé, Youssouf Fofana, Jules Koundé, and Bradley Barcola all stepped up to convert their spot kicks without error. Joao Felix would hit the post to give France the advantage, and Théo Hernandez then dispatched calmly to send his nation to the semi-finals of a major tournament for the fourth time in their last five attempts.

FRANCE PLAYER RATINGS:

Mike Maignan, 6 – After a quiet first half, the AC MIilan shot-stopper once again proved his worth for his national side, being on hand to deny Cristiano Ronaldo and Vitinha in quick succession to keep the game at bay at 0-0.

Jules Koundé, 5

Dayot Upamecano, 6

William Saliba, 7 – Outstanding again from the Arsenal man alongside Upamecano. His last two performances for Les Bleus have been the personification of calmness both on and off the ball, and in his timing in his duels with Cristiano Ronaldo especially. A classy performance from the French Rolls Royce of a defender.

Théo Hernandez, 6

N’Golo Kanté, 4

Eduardo Camavinga, 7 – Slotted very seamlessly into what was previously an area of the pitch where Les Bleus struggled. He worked well with Tchouaméni and Kanté in a very organised midfield three to stave off the Portuguese threat through the middle. Was vital in his defensive work off the ball, and provided stability on it. In the second half he was involved more in France’s attacking playt

Aurélien Tchouaméni, 6 – One of his better performances at the Euros so far. He looked more settled working in a fluid midfield shape with Kanté and Camavinga, and had the confidence to step up when needed. It was a confidence that then bred into his game on the ball, where he looked more at ease than in recent outings. He isn’t afraid to shoot, for sure, but perhaps a little restreint at times would be welcome.

Antoine Griezmann, 5

Kylian Mbappé, 4 – Another difficult performance for the ex-PSG man, once again offering limited glimpses of his potential in the pitch. Perhaps it’s the mask, perhaps it was his reported fitness issues. One thing is sure: a mix of the two is severely impacting his performances in the Euros, as he tries to grow his way back into the tournament.

Randal Kolo Muani, 4 – There was a clear opportunity for the PSG man to try and stake a claim in this France side, but it felt as if the Bondy native didn’t clearly grab it with both hands. Whilst improving on Thuram’s previous outings in the same position (which was admittedly not hard to do), he looked lacking in confidence and the big miss that was reminiscent of his World Cup final effort did not help one ounce.

Ousmane Dembélé, 5 – Was influential when introduced in the second period, and forced the occasion with his familiar pacey runs down the right channel – cutting inside on more than several times to give the Portugal defence something to worry about. Yet, on repeat, the same trick would prove less useful if his strike on goal was consistently blasted over the bar.

GFFN | George Boxall