World champions France tested a packed Stade Velodrome in Marseille on Friday night against Côte d’Ivoire on their way to defending their title. The home side won 2-1 with a very late goal
Leipzig’s Nkunku made his first appearance for France – and was immediately in the starting eleven. The attacking player, who has played an outstanding season in the Bundesliga so far, was also very committed at the start, showing himself time and again. He also had a great chance to score on his debut, in the 31st minute he headed over free, but was probably too surprised that the ball got through to him.
At this point it was already 1-1, Pepé had given the courageous visitors the lead with a strike from an acute angle into the corner of the goal, Lloris was surprised and did not cut the best figure (19th). A little later, Giroud nodded in a perfect Theo cross and quickly equalised (22nd).
Late goal after a corner
After the break, Côte d’Ivoire were closer to 2-1, with Konan (47th) and Aurier (57th) testing France keeper Lloris. After the break, the French found it very difficult to score offensively. The home side then had a great chance after the break, but Griezmann’s shot was saved with a great reflex save by the visitors’ keeper Sangaré. Just when everyone was expecting a draw, Tchouameni was on hand to head in a corner and give the world champions a late victory (90.+3).