Portugal 0-1 France: Player Ratings as world champions down Cristiano Ronaldo and co in Lisbon | UEFA Nations League 2020-21

France recorded a 1-0 victory against Portugal in Lisbon
France recorded a 1-0 victory against Portugal in Lisbon

France Player Ratings

Sweden v France - UEFA Nations League
Sweden v France - UEFA Nations League

Hugo Lloris - (8/10)

The France captain made a string of brilliant saves throughout the game to keep a quite static Portugal attack at bay. Marshaled his troops very well, which was evident in how they comfortably sat back and handled the pressure in the closing stages. Once again proved his underlying importance as a leader to this World-Cup winning side.

Benjamin Pavard - (6/10)

Not the best of returns for the 24-year old, who celebrated a Champions League triumph at the same venue a couple of months ago. Put in a decent shift defensively, but needs to work on the attacking side of his game, something which is expected of any modern full-back.

Raphael Varane - (7/10)

Had a good outing in France and didn't let the skillful dribblers in the Portuguese set-up to stamp their authority. Most of the chances Portugal had were from outside the box, a fact that highlighted France's quality at the back.

Presnel Kimpembe - (7.5/10)

The France defender seemed like a clear upgrade over Clement Lenglet and Kurt Zouma, given his physicality and aerial presence. He is slowly cementing his place in Deschamps' Euro 20 team, and rightly so. Has made great progress over the past season and a half and is looking the part of an elite defender, given how he neutralized the threat of Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Felix and the other Portuguese youngsters.

Lucas Hernandez - (6.5/10)

The 24-year old did his job for his side, restricting Bernardo Silva from making any runs. Did concede a free-kick near the edge of the box in the first half, which luckily didn't affect the game much.

Paul Pogba - (7/10)

Given coach Deschamps' recent statements on Pogba's club form, a lot of attention, as always, was on the midfielder. But Deschamps decided to play Pogba in the deep playmaker role, giving Kante and Rabiot more attacking roles. Pogba didn't entirely excel in the role, giving away the ball cheaply several times. But his chemistry with Kante was worth seeing, as they controlled the midfield battle and eventually ended up on the winning side.

N'Golo Kante - (9/10)

Man of the match performance. Back to his very best at his favored position, which is right in the middle. The Chelsea man's athleticism, which he is generally known for, was on full display against Portugal. France barely looked like the away side and a lot of the credit goes to Kante. Kept running around, won duels, made decisive tackles; prime Kante at his best!

Adrien Rabiot - (8/10)

Another surprise starter, the 25-year-old France midfielder excelled in his role. Kept penetrating the Portuguese penalty area, roughed up a couple of players and attempted to make slick passes throughout the game. Bossed the midfield battle and ultimately, it was his shot from distance that led to goal. Could be a surprise package for Les Bleus in the upcoming Nations League finals and Euros.

Antoine Griezmann - (7.5/10)

The poster boy of this star-studded team and one of the key reasons behind France's success, Griezmann certainly managed to put his terrible run at Barcelona behind him. He troubled the Portuguese defenders and sent in through-balls at will.

Created a couple of clear-cut chances, which were spilled by Martial. Overall, an outing he would remember, given all the hue and cry he is going through at FC Barcelona.

Kingsley Coman - (7.5/10)

A rare start for the right-winger, given his competition for the spot is none other than Kylian Mbappe. But considering how he took on Raphael Guerreiro and Ruben Diaz, dribbling around at ease, he could make the cut over Ousmane Dembele as Mbappe's understudy. Additionally, should Deschamps fancy an extra attacking outlet in any situation, Coman has proved his worth.

Anthony Martial - (7/10)

Had a host of chances in the opening exchanges, some of them he ought to have finished. Was lively going forward though, making some good runs past Jose Fonte without falling for the offside trap.

Although Giroud is more experienced, clinical and holds up play well, more such performances from Martial could see him knocking on the former's doors for a place in the side.


France substitutes

Sweden v France - UEFA Nations League
Sweden v France - UEFA Nations League

Marcus Thuram - (6/10)

One of the most sought-after prospects in world football, the Gladbach forward has had a mixed bag of results so far. Came on for Coman in the 59th minute and showed some glimpses of what he is capable of. But for the short term, still seems to be on the fringes of the France's plans.

Olivier Giroud - (6/10)

France's second-highest all-time goalscorer was brought on in the last 15 minutes to hold up play and see off the game from Portugal's grasp. As always, did what was asked of him. But with questions being raised about his age, declining goal ratio and playing time at Chelsea, Deschamps has more questions than answers when it comes to the veteran striker.

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