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France recorded a 3-0 win over Bulgaria in an international friendly fixture tonight at the Stade de France. Antoine Greizmann scored the opening goal of the tie in a remarkably acrobatic fashion. Olivier Giroud came off the bench to replace Karim Benzema. He scored twice in seven minutes to seal a dominant win for the reigning world champions.
The game was one-sided, as Didier Deschamps opted for a full-strength starting XI, despite a showdown with Germany in the Euros next Tuesday. With Kylian Mbappe, Griezmann and Benzema starting in the attack, Bulgaria spent most of the time defending their goal.
It was pretty much a flawless performance from Les Blues, who had 70% possession in the game and recorded as many as 26 shots on goal. The attackers found it very easy to get the ball into the final third. However, a defense by numbers tactic and Daniel Naumov's smart saves meant Bulgaria were beaten just three times in the game.
There was nothing to take away from the visiting side after a 3-0 defeat but France's confidence ahead of the EURO 2020 looked sky-high. The only concerning fact from the game for the home side was a knee injury to Benzema, who had to be replaced in the 41st minute.
As France end their warm-up for the upcoming tournament with a commanding win, here we take a look at the five talking points from the game.
#5 Antoine Greizmann looks as sharp as ever for the France National team
Antoine Griezmann was on target yet again for France and it seems the all-white jersey brings out the best in him. In the game, France were able to move the ball with ease and plenty of chances were being created but they always came up short with the final touch.
While France were assured of scoring a goal in the first half, it took an acrobatic overhead kick from Griezmann to break the deadlock.
The Barcelona forward has scored four goals in the last five games across all competitions and has been a reliant servant of the national side.
#4 Olivier Giroud shows his class with a quick-fire brace
While everyone is happy with the inclusion of Karim Benzema in the squad for the Euros, France also have one of the best finishers in the box across Europe in Olivier Giroud.
Benzema had to be taken off early with an injury, which paved the way for the Chelsea star to step up onto the field in the 41st minute, way earlier than usual. While he took his time to adjust on the pitch, his instincts in the box came in handy in the second half. He doubled France's lead with the slightest of touches to direct Benjamin Pavard's cross into the back of the net.
The second goal was also in similar fashion, this time two substitutes in Ben Yedder and Giroud combined. The Chelsea target man guided Ben Yedder's cross home.
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#3 France faced no shots on target against Bulgaria
France were always the favorites against Bulgaria in this game but the way they dominated the Balkan team was a joy to watch. The home team were decisive in their distribution and operated with crisp, short passes in the buildup. Even when they lost possession, they recovered it back with ease.
France had an excellent outing in terms of attack, registering a barrage of shots on target. But the most interesting stat from the game was a defensive one.
France did not concede a single shot on target throughout the game and Bulgaria's only attempt came in the second half. Hugo Lloris had a very easy day at the office as he put in a routine shift in goal.
#2 Despite a wealth of talent at his disposal Deschamps is unlikely to make a lot of changes to his starting XI at EURO 2020
France have one of the strongest squads in world football at the moment. They have incredible depth in almost every position. For any manager, that would create a selection dilemma. Well, it seems that's not the case for Didier Deschamps.
The Frenchman used the same formation in two friendly games this month and only made one change to the starting XI tonight from their 3-0 win over Wales.
It is great that the manager has already shortlisted his options and will make plans accordingly at Euro 2020. Playing the same starting XI, who share solidarity together, is sometimes key to winning trophies.
#1 Karim Benzema picks up an injury and might not make his long-awaited competitive return next week
Karim Benzema looked sharp for France in the first half and was linking up well with Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann. He came close to scoring as well but was denied by Naumov. Before he could cause further problems for Bulgaria, he was forced off the pitch with an injury.
He was chasing a cross in the box when he jumped to meet it, only for his knee to slam against a Bulgarian defender. He landed awkwardly and instantly signaled for medical assistance.
One can only hope that the injury is not serious and just a knock. The player may not be able to make his much-awaited return to competitive fixtures with his national side. Though France would be okay without him, as Giroud is more than capable of deputizing for him.
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