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Kylian Mbappe stole the show when he became the youngest player to score for France at a major tournament, at the mere age of 19. He also is the first teenager to score in this edition of the FIFA World Cup. His goal was enough to see the Frenchmen through to the last-16, along with Russia and Uruguay.
On the other side of the story, another team that fairly impressed has to hit the exit doors. Peru registered over 26 shots in their two games so far, but never found the back of the net.
They started the game with intensity, bringing their wingers into play and pushing the opposition defence further back.
However, France had the better chances in the half, with Griezmann testing the keeper off a sweetly-hit volley, Giroud asking questions and Varane leaping excellently well only to guide a header wide.
Probably inspired by a half-time pep talk from Ricardo Gareca, the Peruvians knocked France off their perch many a time in the second half, with little or no product more often than not. The final 45 minutes were played at a feverish, ferocious pace, with both sides bringing their quicker footballers into action.
In fact, captain Paolo Guerrero tested his opposite number once, which was one of the few realistic chances his side had on goal. The South Americans didn't have luck on their side either, as Pedro Aquino struck the outside of the post.
Although they weren't in top gear, Didier Deschamps' troops held on to claim three points.
Without further wait, let's look at the 5 best and worst players from the Group C clash between France and Peru
#5 Best: Olivier Giroud
In their first game, France were off-colour, to say the least. With loads of movement but little threat from the center, they scraped past the Aussies last time out to open their account in this World Cup.
This time around, they started with Olivier Giroud up front. Not only did he carve out a fantastic game for himself, but also added value and importance to the balance of this side. He offered his side a target man, a focal point in himself.
Giroud almost held everything that was played to him, with the right amalgamation of strength, ball control and composure.
Every touch of his was subtle and inch-perfect. He linked up beautifully with Mbappe and Griezmann, playing a couple of flicks inside the box, cushioning the ball for them to take a strike or laying them off.
It also looked as though it was the fastest we have witnessed Giroud play, as he turned sharply, got his shots away quickly and found space in dangerous areas.
#4 Worst: Blaise Matuidi
It's important to highlight Matuidi's name, as he was first picked ahead of high-profile quality wingers.
Take nothing away from him, but France could have added dynamism to their game had they included Fekir, Ousmane Dembele, Lemar or Thauvin in their starting XI, who are all capable of snatching headlines.
Coming into this game with high expectations, Matuidi was tasked with an opportunity to deliver high-octane passes into the box, get down the left flank and offer notable defensive contributions. To be honest, he didn't have any impact on the game.
None of his passes into the six-yard box were precise or purposeful. Compared to his compatriots, the 31-year-old was way off the pace. While defending too, he wasn't the cleanest while tackling.
This choice from the France manager is sure to be questioned by many.
#3 Best: Kylian Mbappe
Since entering the spotlight a couple of years ago, Kylian Mbappe hasn't been breaking records, he has been smashing and tearing them apart.
He took a while to find his feet in this encounter, but once he did, the teenager impressed all French supporters with his dazzling feet and sharp movements.
He didn't let the prestige of the occasion get the better off him. By playing simple, attractive and attacking football, the forward scripted history.
Mbappe put his head down and marched forward with the ball, whenever he saw an opening. With slick feet movement, step-overs and body-fakes, he weaved past opponents with aplomb ease.
He picked the best of passes and found a couple of moments here and there to entertain everyone at the Central stadium. His link-up play and one-twos with Giroud and Griezmann were praiseworthy too.
Most importantly, he scored the winning goal - a shot deflected goal-wards by Giroud, onto which Mbappe pounced by being at the right place in the right time.
My word, this kid has the brightest of futures ahead of him. Oh, at the age of just 19 years and 183 days!
#2 Worst: Anderson Santamaria
Anderson Santamaria came in for Alberto Rodriguez at the 45-minute mark to play the second half and try to restore parity.
But, nothing of that kind was showcased to the ardent Peruvian supporters. Having come off the bench in place of a center-back, his responsibility was doubled.
He struggled to weave passes all around the pitch or get into positions where a pass would be readily available. If not be a fox in the box, Santamaria was expected to create chances for his side, by playing around the edge of the 18-yard box.
Neither did he open up the resolute French defence, nor did he get into good goal-scoring positions. While defending too, he was way too easily beaten by the likes of Dembele and Giroud.
Most of his countrymen displayed energy without a final product, but the midfielder let them down to another level.
#1 Best: N'Golo Kante
Given the way the game was played at a high-tempo right from the first minute, it was clear that this would be a battle in midfield.
And this is where Peru missed the trick. They were outnumbered, outclassed and out-muscled in the center of the park. N'Golo Kante and Paul Pogba mauled them and their approach and forced them to play wider passes.
They complimented each other beautifully by hunting together as a pair, taking turns while going forward and placing themselves almost perfectly.
The former screened the defence blocked passing lanes and did almost everything. It was a typical Kante performance, full of energy, tactical intelligence and calmness. He intercepted quite a few passes, highlighting how well he reads the game.
Also to mention, the Chelsea midfielder skipped past players with ease, rescued the ball out of awkward positions and supported the attackers. Not many get past him, and today was certainly that kind of a day for him at the office.
What did you think about the performances of the players? Sound off in the comments section below!
