France scored two goals in three minutes in the second half at Donbass Arena to put Les Bleus in a strong position to qualify from Group D. Despite a short delay due to heavy rain, Laurent Blanc’s men put up a spectacular performance against an average
Ukraine side.
Thanks to second-half goals from Jeremy Menez and Yoan Cabaye, Les Bleus are on top of Group D on goal difference with one game to go.
Here, Bettor.com takes a look at the French players who took part in Friday's Group D encounter between Ukraine and France.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Hugo-Lloris-c16408 – 6.5
The French goalkeeper was a mere spectator in the match for the most partand had very little to do but was at his usual best when called upon.
Philippe Mexes – 6
The defender has attracted some criticism in recent weeks but Mexes answered his critics with a solid performance at the back for the French.
Adil Rami – 5
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Adil-Rami-c3639 was careless and gave the ball away rather cheaply on few occasions but the defender got back to his best in the second half and made some good clearances.
Gael Clichy – 6.5
Clichy was preferred over the experienced http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Patrice-Evra-c29231 and the Frenchman put in an amazing performance for the Les Bleus. The left-back was solid in defence and made several forward runs as well.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Mathieu-Debuchy-c24682 – 7
Better of the two full-backs, Debuchy showed why he is the first-choice right-back for the http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/France-c2899. The Frenchman put in a tremendous performance and his link-up with Menez was very effective for Laurent Blanc’s side.
Alou Diarra – 6.5
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Alou-Diarra-c5259 is giving a selection headache to Laurent Blanc. The Frenchman performed admirably in the match against Ukraine and now Blanc has to decide whether to stick with Diarra or call back M’Vila.
Yohan Cabaye – 8
France was untouchable in the midfield, thanks to http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Yohan-Cabaye-c37423. The midfielder was everywhere on the field and was rewarded for his efforts when the Frenchman scored his first international goal and was very near to score his second as his shot hit the woodwork.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Samir-Nasri-c32360 – 6
Nasri was the best player for France against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/England-c749 but the midfielder couldn’t perform to that level again against Ukraine. Laurent Blanc will be expecting more from the Manchester City man.
Franck Ribery – 7.5
Ribery was electrifying in the first half for the visitors and it was his move that lead to the first French goal. The Frenchman will be disappointed not to get on the score sheet despite having few opportunities.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Jeremy-Menez-c18345 (73' off) – 7
A great move by Laurent Blanc, Menez was preferred over http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Florent-Malouda-c13838 and the Frenchman repaid his manager’s trust with a goal. Although Menez wasted a golden opportunity but the Frenchman was very effective on the right side and posed several problems
for the hosts.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Karim-Benzema-c20350 - 8.5
Benzema was everywhere on the pitch against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Ukraine-c3032 and dropped very deep on certain occasions to help out his defenders. The striker was very effective for Les Bleus and provided assists for both goals.
Substitutions
Yann M'Vila (68' on) – 6
It was the first appearance for the Frenchman after his injury and M’Vila did not do anything wrong on his return. A decent game for the Frenchman.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Marvin-Martin-c24496 (73' on) – 5
Martin replaced Menez but failed to get involved in the game.
Olivier Giroud (76' on) – 5
Giroud replaced Benzema but would have liked more game time on the pitch as he failed to impress with his brief outing.
Disclaimer: Views and opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect bettor.com’s editorial policy
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