Thursday, 7 July 2016

France 2 Germany 0 Player Ratings and Analysis

The home nation saw through a 2-0 victory against a lacking German side to set up a final with Portugal on Sunday in which France will enter as firm favourites, brimming with confidence. Two Antoine Griezmann goals, one from a penalty from a disputable Schweinsteiger handball, the other a tap in after a poor punch from the usually perfect Neuer saw France in a state of joy. Who starred for a jubliant France whilst which German's joined Neuer in the land of regret ?

Lloris - 9
An exceptional save from a hideously bobbling Emre Can effort early on however he had little else to do facing an unorthodox German attacking force for the majority of the match. The Tottenham man was called into action in the dying seconds of the match to brilliantly deny a powerful German header.
Evra - 7
A solid display from a 35 year old thought to be 'past it' and a liability.
Umtiti - 8
A marvelous performance on unbelievably only the Barcelona bound youngster's 2nd cap! Handled Muller phenomenally throughout with clearance after clearance.
Koscielny - 8
Similarly to Umtiti he played his part in keeping a French clean sheet and gave Muller little room to maneuver.  The Arsenal man was aided by the fact Germany lacked a true striker or focal point up front.
Sagna - 7
An admirable display from France's first choice yet City's second choice right back (behind Zabaleta)... for now. Sagna, similarly to Evra, has proved his capabilities despite his age, epitomised by the fact Draxler was largely anonymous.
Pogba - 8
On the day a £100 million move to Manchester United looked fairly certain the (current) Juventus midfielder showed his worth with his immense physicality yet flamboyant tricks to compensate. A startling skill show left Mustafi on the brink of retirement after he was left for dead by Pogba's feints and fakes in the build up to the second.
Matuidi - 8
Endless running. Endless desire. Endless applause. A positive stand out performance from the PSG midfielder which all but assures his place in the final.
Sissoko - 8
Previously seen as a 'championship player' who deserved no place in the squad has earned the appreciation of a nation. Sissoko seems to have inherited Pogba's physicality and Matuidi's endurance to make a nightmare opponent for the likes of Hector trying to bombard forwards. A £150 million offer from Manchester United inevitably inbound ?
Griezmann - 9
A Ronaldo-esque chop followed by a step over and flick almost saw Griezmann ghost through an invisible German defence all be it a comfortable save from Neuer early on. However Griezmann was not phased by the Bayern Munich keeper for the penalty and calmly slotted home. Griezmann was fortunate to be in the right place to slide in a second, or was it down to the forward's uncanny instinct ? All the same another fantastic performance from the Athletico Madrid man who is now undoubtedly one of the world's best CAMs. MOTM 

Payet - 7
Excluding a couple of immaculate step overs Payet was not on the ball as much as previously, nor was a Payet free kick special on the cards. Nevertheless Payet was confident with the ball at his feet with his sensational touch and was always an outlet on the counter attack.
Giroud - 6
An average Giroud display will be forgotten in the ecstasy of celebrations. Giroud has been outshone by Griezmann thus far however he provided some crucial knock downs at times. Giroud seemed out of place in a counter attacking French team, epitomised by a sluggish attempt to race through on goal.

Substitutions
Kante (Payet) - 6
Some important tackles from the ground covering midfielder which leaves Deschamps questioning whether or not he should start in the final.
Gignac (Giroud) - 5
Did very little to justify a starting spot.
Cabaye (Griezmann) - 5
Nothing to it.

Germany

Neuer - 5
Neuer prevented Griezmann at the first time of asking however the Atletico forward leaves Marseille the happier of the duo with two more goals to his name. Whilst Neuer was helpless to stop the penalty an uncharacteristic error resulted in France's 2nd, a defining goal. Perhaps a defining moment in Neuer's career ? FLOPPED

Hector - 6
The 26 year old had little to do and can't be faulted defensively.
Boateng - 7
Dealt very well with Giroud and seemed comfortable with France trying to break on the counter, forgetting a Giroud break away which enforced a brilliant recovery tackle from Howedes.
Howedes - 8
As mentioned previously Howedes made a remarkable challenge to cut out Giroud bounding through on goal. Howedes can't be faulted for either goal and from then on France were content to sit back and didn't test the Schalke man further.
Kimmich - 6
Put in some good crosses which Muller failed to convert. At the other end he dealt well to limit the majestic Payet yet will know an awful touch ultimately gifted France a win with ease .
Can - 7
A strong performance both physically and technically from the Liverpool youngster. A couple of flicks paid dividends for the German and he was unfortunate not to see a volley hit the back of the French net.
Schweinsteiger - 5
Stupid. Or unlucky. Varied opinions are offered on the game-changing penalty, as a result of a Schweinsteiger handball, a penalty claim which is more often ignored than given. Schweinsteiger failed to dictate the tempo of the game and was left behind by Pogba and Griezmann on numerous occasions.
Ozil - 7
Another performance oozing with technical quality from the impressive Arsenal man. Some lovely through balls were all too often unconverted which left the former Real Madrid man frustrated. As the game wore on Germany opted for long balls which left the trickster less and less effective.
Draxler - 5
Failed to get into the game despite promising performances against Slovakia and Ukraine. A vicious free kick just wide was a notable highlight.
Kroos - 6
Didn't apply his usual commanding role to at times a scrappy and tight game. Kroos was left comfortable in a further forward position.
Muller - 5
An abysmal record of no EURO's goals in an otherwise honorable career reflects Muller's underwhelming campaign. His shots and headers were all too often scuffed or off target, as a lone striker he could not fill the boots of the injured Gomez.

Substitutions

Mustafi (Boateng) - 6
Will be embarrassed at his feeble attempt to stop a dazzling Pogba which ultimately sealed Germany's miserable fate.
Gotze (Can) - 6
Some good bursts of pace saw him break away from the French midfield pack but could not test Lloris. A missed header at the end of play epitomised Germany's campaign as a whole, close, but no cigar.
Leroy Sane (Schweinsteiger) - 5
Lost.

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