Didier Deschamps' star striker was outshone by his Paris Saint-Germain team-mate as the Euros favourites ended the international break on a high
Randal Kolo Muani scored one and assisted another as France celebrated a 3-2 friendly victory over Chile on Tuesday, with Kylian Mbappe enduring a night to forget.
It was a familiar start for Les Bleus as they conceded early for the second successive game when a well-worked Chile move was finished coolly by Marcelino Nunez. Unlike against Germany on Saturday, however, France bounced back – and it didn't take long.
The home side got back on terms less than 15 minutes later thanks to Youssouf Fofana's deflected effort from range. From there, Didier Descamps' side appeared to turn the screw, and set about punishing Chile for their increasingly open back line. Theo Hernandez made the most of his acres of space to find Kolo Muani, who rose highest to marks his return to the France XI with a goal.
Chile came out flying after half-time but wasted their early pressure, with Eduardo Vargas inexplicably hitting the post with a free header from close-range. And he was made to pay shortly after, when man-of-the-moment Kolo Muani tied Chile in knots before setting up Olivier Giroud for his 57th France goal.
But Chile weren't done there, as 20-year-old Dario Osorio got his team back into the game with a stunning effort from long-range to make it a nervy finish for the two-time world champions. In the end, though, they held on to return to winning ways.
GOAL rates France's players from the Orange Velodrome…
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Mike Maignan (6/10):
Almost an impossible performance to gauge. Conceded twice but could do nothing about either goal, not really tested otherwise.
Jonathan Clauss (N/A):
Barely got into the game before being substituted on 11 minutes. Not an ideal return to the Velodrome for the Marseille man.
William Saliba (6/10):
Offered a rare start after Deschamps' criticism earlier in the week and hard to say he properly took it. Arguably should have scored from a first-half corner and was caught napping at the back at times. That said, he denied Brereton-Diaz at the death with a stunning last-ditch challenge.
Ibrahima Konate (5/10):
Made up a leaky defence alongside Saliba that was France's weakest area on the night. His poor positioning should have been punished by Vargas in the second half, who missed an absolute sitter to make it 2-2.
Theo Hernandez (7/10):
Crafted a superb assist for Kolo Muani's goal, even if he was afforded plenty of space. Regularly bombed forward as is the custom and constantly looked a threat. Almost scored a stunner off the back of a run spanning the length of the field, but was let down by a tired finish.
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Youssouf Fofana (7/10):
He is on fire at international level having scored his third goal in four games for Les Bleus. Was involved in much of his side's attacks going forward, linking defence and attack well with some fine passing.
Aurelien Tchouameni (5/10):
Surprisingly weak in defence when attacked by Chile directly, perhaps missing his Madrid team-mate Camavinga in support after his untimely injury. Miscued a number of simple passes, suggesting fatigue may be an issue.
Eduardo Camavinga (6/10):
Had played fairly well until his unfortunate injury that saw him substituted just before half-time after twisting his left leg awkwardly under a challenge.
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Randal Kolo Muani (8/10):
Talk about seizing your chance! Back in the XI after missing out against Germany, he certainly proved his worth. A towering header in the first half was followed by a stunning assist for Giroud in the second. Absolutely lightning on the break, with Chile resorting to countless fouls to try and stop him.
Olivier Giroud (6/10):
Typically efficient in the build-up, getting his more dangerous strike partners into decent positions. Left largely frustrated with his own efforts until Kolo Muani put it on a plate for him in the second half.
Kylian Mbappe (5/10):
Wasn't welcomed with the boos he had predicted pre-game but also didn't give the fans too much to cheer about either. Didn't hit the target from any of his three attempts, missing several from close-range. A wholly disappointing outing.
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Jules Kounde (6/10):
Brought on much earlier than anticipated after Clauss' injury. Showed great link-up with Kolo Muani but faltered in the final third at times.
Matteo Guendouzi (5/10):
Came on to rapturous applause, returning to his former home in Marseille. A categoric downgrade from Camavinga, though, offering much less support to Tchouameni.
Moussa Diaby (N/A):
Replaced Kolo Muani for his first cap in over a year, but too late to make an impact.
Marcus Thuram (N/A):
Came on alongside Diaby but, again, too late to affect the game.
Didier Deschamps (6/10):
After a sluggish start and with two injury-enforced changes to contend with, his side responded fairly well, but beating No.42-ranked Chile by a solitary goal will not entirely please the France boss. That said, Kolo Muani's display will surely give him food for thought ahead of Euro 2024, as he looks to make that left forward spot his own.
