Portugal vs France Player Ratings: 8/10 for Benzema, Pogba; Ronaldo makes history

Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo scored a brace each as Portugal and France played out an entertaining 2-2 draw in the UEFA Euro 2020 Group F.

It was Portugal who drew first blood on the night as Hugo Lloris gave away a penalty for a foul on Danilo Pereira, allowing Cristiano Ronaldo to step up and score his first-ever goal against France. However, the world champions drew level on the cusp of half-time with a penalty of their own with Karim Benzema scoring his first international goal in over five years after Kylian Mbappe was fouled by Nelson Semedo.

Early in the second period, France took the lead, with Benzema again finding the back of the net with a fine finish after being played through brilliantly by Paul Pogba. And, Ronaldo, having missed a decent chance immediately after, levelled things up for Portugal at the hour mark when he scored yet another penalty after Jules Kounde had handled the ball inside the box.

Both teams pushed in search of a winner, with France even having a strong penalty claim turned down late in the game as the game ended with the spoils shared. Germany’s draw against Hungary in the other Group F encounter meant France finished as the table-toppers while Portugal qualified for the knockouts as one of the best third-placed teams.

Here are our player ratings from what was an entertaining encounter at the Ferenc Puskas Stadium in Budapest.

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Portugal

Rui Patricio: 7/10

Good stop to keep Mbappe out in the first period and produced a stunning double save to deny Pogba and Antoine Griezmann after the break. Not a lot he could have done to stop Benzema’s efforts.

Nelson Semedo: 6/10

Harshly adjudged to have fouled Mbappe for the penalty in the first half. Otherwise, a solid outing from the former Barcelona man as he was resolute defensively and made some good forward forays.

Pepe: 7/10

Led the defence well, kept things tight at the back against the threat of the likes of Mbappe and Griezmann. Showed his experience throughout.

Ruben Dias: 5/10

The Premier League Player of the Year is just not getting going at the Euros. There were times when Mbappe had his number while he was also guilty of playing Benzema on and getting caught out cold for the second goal.

Raphael Guerreiro: 6/10

Not at his usual marauding best in attack but was sound and assured defensively, forcing France to mainly attack from the opposite flank. Could have been a bit more adventurous on occasions when he got forward, though.

Joao Moutinho: 6/10

Called in, in the place of William Carvalho, Moutinho delivered a dangerous free-kick leading to the first penalty for Portugal. Tried to keep things ticking along with his passing but his shooting from distance was wayward. Also wasn’t always able to keep Pogba in check.

Danilo Pereira: 6.5/10

Showed great heart and courage to go for a dangerous header which earned Portugal their first penalty of the night. Broke up play well and kept things simple on the ball before being taken off.

Renato Sanches: 7.5/10

Handed a start ahead of Bruno Fernandes, and the Lille star made it count. Bright and full of confidence, Sanches offered plenty of drive and energy from the centre of the park for Portugal throughout. May have done enough to start in the knockouts.

Bernardo Silva: 7/10

Lively down the right-hand side as he gave Lucas Hernandez plenty to think about in the first half. Some of his link-up play with Semedo was eye-catching. Did go quiet after the break but still a big positive for Portugal.

Cristiano Ronaldo: 8/10

Another record-breaking night for the 36-year-old Portuguese captain and talisman. Scored from the penalty spot in the first half to become the highest-scoring European player in major tournaments. Nerveless from the spot after the break to equalise, after he won the penalty, in the process going level with Ali Daei as the all-time leading goalscorer in international football (109). Did head a chance wide in between but clutch again.

Diogo Jota: 5/10

Anonymous display from the Liverpool forward who did little of note on the night, despite playing the whole ninety minutes.

SUBSTITUTES

Joao Palhinha: 7/10

Replaced Danilo Pereira at half-time and put in a good shift. Worked hard off the ball, showed good quality and eye for a pass when in possession.

Bruno Fernandes: 5/10

On for Silva in the 72nd minute. Almost gave away a penalty with a strong challenge on Kingsley Coman late on.

Ruben Neves: 6/10

Came on in place of Moutinho with a little over 15 minutes left. Solid at the back.

Diogo Dalot: N/A

Replaced the injured Semedo in the 79th minute to make his debut. Assured in his cameo.

Sergio Oliveira: N/A

Late substitute for Sanches.

France

Hugo Lloris: 5/10

Gave away the penalty for the first goal for a reckless punch on Danilo Pereira and got booked. Not forced into any saves but was beaten comfortably for both penalties by Ronaldo.

Jules Kounde: 5/10

Starting at right-back in place of Benjamin Pavard, the Sevilla ace looked uncomfortable in a makeshift role. Still managed to stay solid for large parts before giving away the second penalty for a handball. Offered next to nothing going forward.

Raphael Varane: 6.5/10

A sloppy header that fell to Ronaldo and gifted a chance aside, the Real Madrid star was largely solid at the back and did his bit to keep his former teammate at bay from open play.

Presnel Kimpembe: 7/10

Like his defensive partner, largely solid and reliable, the PSG defender did not give much away to the Portuguese attackers. Was outjumped by Ronaldo for a headed chance in the second half. Did little wrong otherwise and was assured with the ball at his feet.

Lucas Hernandez: 5/10

Back in the lineup after missing the last game, the Bayern Munich man was all at sea against the lively Bernardo Silva. Booked and whisked away at half-time as a result.

N’Golo Kante: 7/10

Did what he does best, constantly winning the ball back and playing it to his forward-thinking teammates. Not at fault for any of the goals and shielded the defence well for most parts.

Paul Pogba: 8/10

Another fine display from the French midfielder. Oozed quality and class each time he was on the ball, playing a lovely little dinked pass into the box leading to the penalty before setting Benzema up for the second with a peach of an assist. Had a shot saved himself. Quality.

Corentin Tolisso: 5.5/10

Preferred over Adrien Rabiot on the night, Tolisso wasn’t able to influence the proceedings as much as he would have wanted. Some of his passing was wayward on occasions, although he did help out a fair bit defensively.

Antoine Griezmann: 6/10

May not have done a great deal in the final third on the night, but did have some nice moments on the ball while his work-rate when not in possession was extremely commendable as well. Booked and had a shot saved.

Karim Benzema: 8/10

Ended his long wait to score in a French kit (five years and 258 days) when he slotted home a confident penalty in the first half. Great run and finish for the second goal as well. Hitting form just as the knockouts are set to kick off. Bodes well for Les Bleus.

Kylian Mbappe: 6/10

Caused some problems with his running but wasn’t his best outing. Should have done better when played in by Pogba to make it 1-0. Went down a tad too easily for the penalty.

SUBSTITUTES

Lucas Digne: N/A

On for Hernandez at half-time. Lasted just five minutes before an injury forced him off.

Adrien Rabiot: 6/10

Replaced Digne in the 52nd minute. Slotted in as a makeshift left-back, made a few positive runs forward and was also reliable at the back.

Kingsley Coman: 6/10

On for Tolisso in the 66th minute. Linked up well with those around him and also created a chance for Griezmann.

Moussa Sissoko: N/A

Late sub for Griezmann.