The Roar
The Roar

Advertisement

France impress in 1-0 win over Peru

Roar Guru
21st June, 2018
Advertisement
France's Paul Pogba gets past a defender. (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)
Roar Guru
21st June, 2018
0

France have secured their passage through to the knockout phase of the World Cup with a 1-0 win over Peru.

In what was generally a fast-paced, high quality game, the decisive moment for the French came in the 34th minute, when Kylian Mbappe pounced open a loose ball in the Peruvian six yard box to tap in what proved to be the winner.

Peru didn’t back away from the attacking, enterprising game that ended in defeat against Denmark. But they found they’d met their match in France, who displayed plenty of individual talent and clever interplay to generate a number of good scoring opportunities in the first half.

The inclusion of Oli Giroud in Deschamp’s starting 11 made a significant difference, with the Chelsea striker a consistent target going forward, and getting his teammates into good positions with clever headers to advantage.

In contrast to their underwhelming performance in a dour game against Australia, Les Bleus shone in a more open, high tempo contest. Antoine Griezman, Giroud and Mbappe looked ever-present threats, while Paul Pogba came close to unpicking the Peru defenders with aggressive passes on several occasions.

Peru for their part tried to use the wings to attack, but while they got into good positions found it hard to craft clear chances throughout the evening.

Guido Carrillo, so impressive in Peru’s opening match on the right, was switched over to the left side for the majority of the first half and that’s where the bulk of the attacks came from. But the Incas didn’t quite look as cohesive with that setup.

Guerrero had Peru’s best chance of the first half, with a low hard attempt on Hugo Lloris’ goal. But most of the South Americans’ efforts were off target.

Advertisement

At half time the French led, and were well worth their lead after a very strong team performance across the entire pitch.

As the second half progressed, the French began to defend more deeply and their goal looked more secure as the Peruvian attackers tired.

Chances started to dry up and the France defenders grew more and more comfortable. By the last few minutes Peru were reduced to long hopeful balls into the box; not at all their natural game.

Many neutrals will no doubt be disappointed that the Incas bow out of the tournament so quickly, without having scored in their first two games. Their fans – so boisterous throughout both matches – deserve better after a 36-year absence from the World Cup, as do the players.

France will now go into their final group game against Denmark needing only a draw to top the group, while Peru will have only pride to play for against the Socceroos.

For Australia, this result means they now have to beat Peru and hope France beat Denmark to give them a chance to go through on goal difference – or goals scored.

close