Midfielder’s masterclass against Portugal showed the favourites are stirring and can only get better as the knockout stage looms
Few would take exception with Didier Deschamps’ assertion that, while other teams may have made a better impression at Euro 2020, France will really get started now the knockout phase has arrived. But Paul Pogba might.
In the heat of a fluctuating, dramatic night in Budapest the France midfielder produced a majestic display against Portugal that confirmed his tournament is truly under way. It is up to others in the world champions’ ranks to catch up. Ominously for France’s rivals, and encouragingly for Deschamps’ post-match claim that collective improvement is imminent, Karim Benzema embraced that responsibility with two goals at the Puskas Arena and a performance to silence debate over his value to the side. Uefa named the Real Madrid forward man of the match in recognition of an intelligent contribution polished by his first goals for France since his international exile ended. A reasonable selection, had Pogba not eclipsed every player wearing a white shirt.
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