France vs. Portugal: Score, Report and Reaction from International Friendly

France continued their preparations for the hosting of Euro 2016 with a 2-1 win over Portugal in Paris on Saturday.

Les Bleus coach Didier Deschamps will have to make do with friendlies due to his side qualifying automatically as hosts. But this was played at the pace of a competitive match against a side with plenty of questions to answer.

France took an early lead through Karim Benzema and looked set to run away with the game.

"

Le but de Benzema https://t.co/lWKY8mMQ26

— Football News (@FootNews_Fr) October 11, 2014"

Portugal improved as the match developed and fashioned a number of decent chances, but were rocked by Paul Pogba’s goal on 69 minutes.

A penalty from Ricardo Quaresma gave Portugal hope, but France stood firm to claim the spoils.

If Fernando Santos was not aware of the task facing him, it dawned on Portugal’s new coach two minutes in at Stade de France as the home side took the lead.

Antoine Griezmann drove unchecked into the box down the left and cut the ball back for Bacary Sagna. The full-back struck his shot well and forced a fine save out of Rui Patricio, but Benzema was on hand to turn the rebound into the net.

"

Trying to figure out how Portugal was No. 4 in the FIFA rankings heading into the World Cup.

— Grant Wahl (@GrantWahl) October 11, 2014"

Raphael Varane showed his quality with a cheeky piece of skill during the warm-up for the game.

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VINE: Raphael Varane's exceptional touch in training ahead of France vs Portugal: https://t.co/YCXAfuqD57

— Get French Football (@GFN_France) October 11, 2014"

He took the confidence into the match with a great piece of play down the right. The ball was cut back for Benzema but he was unable to find the target.

Portugal had a huge chance to draw level through Danny, but he was unable to take advantage of Cristiano Ronaldo’s quick thinking from a throw-in as he blasted his effort over the bar.

France dominated possession and openings, but Nani had a chance to pull Portugal level. Seizing on a mistake from Eliaquim Mangala on the edge of the box, he pulled the trigger after working space, only to drag his shot across the face of goal.

Ronaldo was well shackled for the most part by the France defence, but he stretched his legs and broke free four minutes before the break. Sagna tracked back and the World Player of the Year went for one trick too many to create space, as he lost control and France cleared.

Ronaldo won the Ballon d’Or on the back of a brilliant all-round 12 months. The dazzlingly quick feet, searing pace, superb skill and clinical, power shooting are what he is known for. But he is also quite brilliant in the air. He demonstrated that prowess on 51 minutes by rising high to meet a Nani cross.

The net looked set to bulge as Ronaldo met the ball cleanly and sent it back across the keeper, but Steve Mandanda was able to adjust his feet and make a diving save.

"

Save! Mandanda gets a big hand to Ronaldo's towering header from a deep Nani cross. Good save from the OM man.

— Jonathan Johnson (@Jon_LeGossip) October 11, 2014"

France had to soak up pressure for much of the second half, but they did just that before dealing a sucker punch to Portugal on 69 minutes.

Patrice Evra wriggled free on the byline and pulled the ball back to Benzema. The forward got his head up, spotted the run of Pogba and fed the ball into his team-mate who slammed a shot into the corner.

Ronaldo was pulled from the battle with 15 minutes remaining, and his replacement won a controversial penalty. Joao Mario ran across Pogba and appeared to clip his own heels, but the referee pointed to the spot.

Quaresma slotted home to set up a grandstand finish, but France held on for the win.

While France are working their way through competitive friendlies ahead of their hosting of Euro 2016, Portugal have to get back on track—and fast.

After a shock defeat to Albania in their opening game of Group I, Portugal face Denmark in qualification next week.

There were positives to take from the defeat to France, and Santos will have learned a few things about his players, but they will need to step up in Copenhagen on Tuesday.

Grades

Nani: B-

The winger is one of the most frustrating players in the game. You have to take the bad with the good, and both were on show in Paris. Bright touches and incisive play were in evidence; if only he could produce the good on a consistent basis.

Karim Benzema: B+

Thibault Camus/Associated Press

The Real Madrid man started the game in sizzling style and looked sharp. His influence dipped as Portugal stepped up the pace, but he created the killer second goal to cap a fine display.

Paul Pogba: B+

It’s still tough to believe he is still only 21. He is a player who looks to cruise through games, as he is so dominant. Goals have been lacking in his game this season but he looked composed in taking his finish in style.

Cristiano Ronaldo: B

It wasn't the most dominant display he will ever produce, but he led the line in determined fashion. He had a couple of chances and was denied by a fine save on one occasion. He was removed with 15 minutes remaining, with Denmark clearly in mind.