[ad_1]
N’Golo Kante scored simply his second worldwide objective as World Cup holders France defeated European champions Portugal 1-Zero in Lisbon on Saturday to safe a spot within the Nations League finals. Chelsea midfielder Kante was quickest to react to a rebound as he netted the winner on 53 minutes that clinched France high spot in Group three forward of the ultimate spherical of matches.
France lead Portugal by three factors forward of Tuesday’s conflict with Sweden in Paris however are assured first place by advantage of their superior head-to-head document.
Didier Deschamps‘ aspect grew to become the primary staff to advance to the finals, which UEFA has pencilled in for October subsequent 12 months. Portugal received the inaugural version on house soil in 2019.
“It’s very nice to see them snatch the win. It’s deserved. We’ve fulfilled our objective of finishing first,” Deschamps instructed French broadcaster TF1.
“I’m very proud of the players, it’s a very difficult time. Some aren’t in the best situations at their club but when they get together there is this competitive spirit.
He added: “I’m very joyful for them as a result of they’ve proved their staff spirit and that they are rivals.”
With victory for either country enough to win the group, Deschamps made two changes to the team that drew 0-0 with Portugal at the Stade de France last month.
Kingsley Coman replaced the injured Kylian Mbappe in attack as Anthony Martial was preferred to Olivier Giroud, France’s all-time second leading scorer. Paul Pogba was the only starter to begin the 2-0 friendly loss to Finland in midweek.
Jose Fonte replaced the vastly experienced Pepe, sidelined by a foot problem, in a Portugal defence that had not conceded a goal in five matches.
– Lively Martial failed by finishing –
Coman forced Rui Patricio to tip over a firm strike as France made a bright start at the Estadio da Luz, with Martial denied by the legs of the Portugal goalkeeper after a neat ball through from Antoine Griezmann.
Martial’s only previous goal for France came four years ago, but the Manchester United striker was a constant threat against a Portugal side unbeaten in 21 matches at home.
Adrien Rabiot nodded wide from a corner and then inadvertently set up Martial at a free-kick when a header from the latter smacked against the crossbar.
Martial lunged to reach a dangerous Lucas Hernandez cross but was thwarted by a terrific Patricio block before Cristiano Ronaldo powered a header narrowly over on the stroke of half-time.
An inspired Patricio kept France at bay until he was unable to properly deal with Rabiot’s low angled strike early in the second half, pushing it straight to Kante who forced home from inside the six-yard box.
Pogba fluffed a header from a pinpoint Rabiot delivery as France sought a second and Martial was again frustrated by Patricio as he flicked the ball towards goal from a Hernandez pass.
Promoted
Portugal practically levelled when Hugo Lloris may solely parry a speculative try from Raphael Guerreiro, Fonte heading towards the publish because the hosts stored the assault alive.
The France captain then produced a superb cease to maintain out a long-range effort from Joao Moutinho because the guests efficiently absorbed late strain to punch their ticket to subsequent 12 months’s finals.
Topics talked about on this article
[ad_2]
Source hyperlink