France 1-1 Poland: Blues Player ratings as Mbappe penalty cancelled out by Lewandowski | UEFA Euro 2024
France were held to a 1-1 draw by Poland in their last Euro 2024 group game. Kylian Mbappe's 56th minute penalty was cancelled out by Robert Lewandowski, from the spot 11 minutes from time.
Coming into the fixture in second place in Group D with four points in two games, Les Bleus knew they had to win to finish as group winners. However, a lack of cutting edge kept them from going in front in the opening stanza.
A foul by Jakub Kiwior on Ousmane Dembele inside the box offered France a lifeline, and Mbappe stepped up to take the ensuing penalty to bury it beyond Lukasz Skorupski.
Head coach Didier Deschamps made a series of attacking substitutions as the Blues sought to build on their lead. But Poland won a penalty at the other end, as Dayot Upamecano kicked Karol Swiderski.
Lewandowski saw his original effort saved by Mike Maignon but was given another chance after the French goalkeeper was guilty of coming off his line. At the second time of asking, the Pole made no mistake.
France huffed and puffed but struggled to carve out a winner. As a result, they finished second in Group D and will face the Group E runners-up in the Round of 16.
On that note, here are the player ratings for France:
Mike Maignon - 6.5/10
With Poland barely threatening, Maignon had an easy game, that was until Lewandowski put a penalty past him. The French custodian had saved his initial effort but was adjudged to have come off his line early and couldn't repeat the trick on the second attempt.
Jules Kounde - 7.5/10
Like a bull in a China shop, Kounde rampaged through the left wing at full pelt to come up trumps in the attacking half.
He laid out three key passes and registered a 93% pass completion rate, while also making his presence felt defensively. The Barcelona full-back made two clearances and three tackles.
Dayot Upamecano - 7.5/10
It was all going well for Upamecano, who was solid defensively and had Lewandowski under wraps. But he undid all his good work by conceding a penalty late on, which the Polish striker converted to force a share of the spoils.
William Saliba - 7.5/10
With six clearances, it's safe to say that Saliba's vision was top-notch. He was alert to any incoming danger and positioned himself well to deal with them. In the 38th minute, the Arsenal man had a good chance at the other end but contrived to hook his shot over the bar.
Theo Hernandez - 7/10
Intelligent, energetic and industrious, Hernandez was unstoppable on the left. He linked up with Mbappe a few times to open up Poland but will regret not doing better with his chance in the 11th minute.
N'Golo Kante - 7/10
The former Chelsea and Leicester City star continued his fine run of form at the Euros for France with another calm and composed display in the centre. As always, Kante was key to spraying passes for wide players and created a handful of chances.
Aurelien Tchouameni - 7/10
Not the best game for Tchouameni, as he was quiet for the most part. He misplaced a few passes and failed to influence the game.
Adrien Rabiot - 6/10
Besides good passing, Rabiot offered nothing meaningful for France going forward. Poland had no issues drifting past him in midfield.
Ousmane Dembele - 8/10
A big menace down the right with his electric pace and precocious dribbling skill, Dembele constantly asked questions of Poland's defence.
He laid three key passes and nine crosses and fought hard for the ball, winning eight ground duels. The PSG winger's most important contribution, though, was winning the penalty, which Mbappe scored.
Kylian Mbappe - 8.5/10
France's talismanic forward was back into the starting lineup, and it was turning out to be a frustrating outing for him in the first half as he saw two attempts saved by Lukasz Skorupski.
Another shot was sliced wide in the second half, but he was given a lifeline from the penalty spot, and the former PSG ace buried it for his first goal in the Euros.
Bradley Barcola - 7.5/10
His first start and first appearance at Euro 2024, Barcola was given a chance to impress by Deschamps. While his forward runs looked promising, the PSG youngster lacked a clinical first touch and could've made better decisions on the ball.
Ratings of France substitutes against Poland
Eduardo Camavinga - 5/10
With just 14 passes attempted in 29 minutes of action, it's safe to say that Camavinga fell short of expectations.
Antoine Griezmann - 6/10
In his record-breaking 33rd cap at a major international tournament, the most by an outfield player for France, Griezmann failed to weave his usual magic.
Olivier Giroud - 6/10
The veteran French striker had one good chance, but he sliced it hopelesly wide.
Youssouf Fofana - 5/10
The AS Monaco player struggled to get involved after coming on.
Randal Kolo Muani - N/A
He was among the handful of forwards the France boss threw in late on to push for the winner, but like everyone else, Kolo Kuani too came up short.