France and Colombia played out an entertaining game of football as the South Americans stunned their hosts with a comeback victory in Paris.
France looked like they were going to stroll through to an easy win in their friendly against Colombia, but things did not go as planned. The South Americans rallied back after going 2-0 down and scored three goals to stun Les Bleus in their backyard.
Didier Deschamps named a strong side, as did Jose Pekerman as both teams were seeking to test their squads as part of their preparations for the World Cup. France did take the lead and ably doubled it through Olivier Giroud and Thomas Lemar.
But, Colombia put in an impressive shift in the second half to down the French, courtesy a late penalty from Juan Quintero. But, that was only after Luis Muriel and Radamel Falcao had pulled things level for the visitors. Here are the player ratings from the game.
France
Hugo Lloris – 5/10
Not a great display from the experienced campaigner. Should have done better to save the first two goals. With the penalty, however, one cannot fault the keeper in most situations.
Djibril Sidibe – 5/10
Not the finest of nights for the AS Monaco man. Needs to be better at defending attacks, but did contribute when his team went forward.
Raphael Varane – 5/10
This was one chance for the defender to stake his claim ahead of the World Cup, but he didn’t take it well. Some poor defending on display, especially for Colombia’s first goal off the corner.
Samuel Umtiti – 5.5/10
Better than Varane on the night, but still needs to show his Barcelona form for France if his national side is to keep things tighter at the back.
Lucas Digne – 6/10
An excellent attacking outlet from the left and his cross forced the error off David Ospina for Giroud to open the scoring. There is a need to be better at defending if he is to stake claim for the left-back spot.
N’Golo Kante- 5.5/10
A game of two halves for the Chelsea man. Allowed Colombia too much space in the second half to carve out a comeback. Played the entire game, though.
Blaise Matuidi – 5/10
Gives France an edge going forward from midfield, although he lacked that edge against Colombia. Replaced by Paul Pogba in the 65th minute.
Kylian Mbappe – 6.5/10
Showed great, quick feet to trick Colombia defenders. Was a threat all night going forward.
Thomas Lemar – 7/10
Great goal to stake a strong claim for a World Cup berth. Was a constant threat with his pace and precision in the first half.
Antoine Griezmann – 6/10
Decent in attack and tried to create a few chances. Good play from the left side of attack.
Olivier Giroud – 7/10
A contrast to his current struggles in front of goal at the club level. Opened the scoring for France after an Ospina error.
Colombia
David Ospina – 6.5/10
A mixed bag game for the goalkeeper. His error led to the opening the scoring for France, but made some fantastic saves, especially from a one-on-one situation involving Griezmann.
Santiago Arias – 5/10
Not a great day for the full-back as Lemar and Griezmann threatened time and again from his side of the pitch.
Yerry Mina – 5.5/10
After the early goals from France, Mina was involved in tightening things at the back.
Davidson Sanchez – 5.5/10
Like Mina, Sanchez was instrumental in tightening things at the back after France’s early goal.
Frank Fabra – 5/10
Very few full-backs has a great time dealing with the threat of Kylian Mbappe, and Fabra was no different. But, he did make some crucial decisions in defence to keep the forward at bay entirely at times.
Abel Aguilar – 6/10
Kept the ball ticking, but was dispossessed by the French midfielders at times. Should do better to get a starting berth at the World cup.
Carlos Sanchez – 5/10
His lack of pace made him vulnerable against players like Matuidi, who just breezed past him from midfield. Was tidy when defending otherwise.
Luis Muriel- 7/10
Was on hand to head from the corner to get Colombia their first goal. A constant threat in attack.
James Rodriguez – 6/10
A bit rusty at times, but was playing in his preferred central role. Helped in attack and coped well with the absence of other key figures.
Mateus Uribe – 6/10
Came into the game late, in the sense of getting into the flow.
Radamel Falcao – 7/10
Still a potent threat in the striker’s role. Scored the Colombian equaliser before Quintero came off the bench the bench to score the winner for Colombia from the penalty spot.