France celebrates Olivier Giroud's last minute equalizer. (Getty Images)
France came into today's World Cup Qualifier looking for some revenge for Euro 2012, and to prove to everyone that Spain isn't invincible. Did they accomplish either of those aims? Maybe. They took advantage of a late Spanish mistake to score a goal on virtually the last kick of the match. I for one came away thinking the wounds that led to Spain dropping points were more self inflicted than the result of anything France did.
France came out in a fairly conservative formation, but kind of clogged up the midfield blocking any direct route at goal for the Spanish possession offense. However Spain did find some joy on the wings, especially coming up the left side. This resulted in a corner kick in the 26th minute. It was sent in to the area and Sergio Ramos saw his first shot go off the post and seemingly away from danger. However, France couldn't clear, and the ball came back into the area. While Ramos was still standing there, literally with his head in his hands, the ball fell kindly to him and he smashed it into the top of the net to give Spain the 1-0 lead.
France struggled to create quality chances, but appeared to have equalized the match just prior to halftime. Jeremy Menez managed to poke home a ball from Karim Benzema at close range, but the goal was ruled out for offside. Replays seemed to suggest that while Menez was ahead of the last defender when the ball came across, he looked to actually be behind the ball. At any rate, the decision stood.
Spain had a golden chance to to go up 2-0 at the death of the first half. Laurent Koscielny cynically brought down Pedro in the area to concede a penalty kick. Cesc Fabregas stepped up to take it, but Hugo Lloris guessed correctly, diving to his right to save the kick and keeping it 1-0 going into the break.
France came out much more lively in the second half, but scrappy play from both sides dominated the match. Karim Benzema had a chance to even things up, but somehow missed the target after a great cross from Frank Ribery.
However in the 94th minute the French would take advantage of their literal last chance. Spain sub Juanfran turned the ball over in midfield and France came storming up the pitch. Ribery was on hand again to drop yet another pinpoint cross into the box, and this time France got it on target. Arsenal man Olivier Giroud rose and headed the ball past Iker Casillas into the back of the net to salvage a a point for France at full time.
No comments:
Post a Comment