Portugal’s landmark 1-0 win over hosts France came down to a number of variable factors, one of which was the star names simply failing to turn up on the day.
Here is the worst three performers, all of which are of a French persuasion.
Dimitri Payet (France)
After netting the decisive goal in France’s opening day 2-1 win over Romania in emotional circumstances, the back-end of the tournament failed to yield a notable highlight.
Portugal allowed France space on the left side early in the match, giving Payet a series of opportunities to create goalscoring opportunities but failed to find any sort of quality.
Didier Deschamps’ decision to haul the West Ham playmaker off after 58 minutes was wholly justified after a similarly anonymous performance against Germany. Kingsley Coman entered the fold in Payet’s place and produced two clear chances for his forwards.
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
Olivier Giroud (France)
The Arsenal no.9 did not grasp the opportunity to lead the line with aplomb while his side dominated the match after Cristiano Ronaldo’s substitution due to injury.
His best moment came midway through the second half when the striker collected Coman’s smart reverse pass, but Rui Patricio was equal to it and parried the shot to safety.
Paul Pogba looking distraught at the final whistle. #FRA pic.twitter.com/pMIaR6iZV6
— Squawka News (@SquawkaNews) July 10, 2016
Paul Pogba (France)
Disclaimer: the Frenchman was not poor by any of his own real doing – Deschamps was at fault for being too pragmatic and not allowing his midfield megastar to shine with Portugal setting up the stall at the defensive 18 yard line.
As a general rule, the best attackers should be in and around the box, not at the base of midfield.
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