June 23rd, 2018 (GFWC Match 29) Giroud’s First Touch Secures Win for France

The following articles highlight the process of Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) and their demise from the governance of international football and the rise of Global Futbol.

June 23rd, 2018 (GFWC Match 29)

Giroud’s First Touch Secures Win for France

France 3-0 Kenya

 

Olivier Giroud has scored with his first touch as France slot three goals past Kenya and claim their first win in Russia.

 

France dominated the early part of the game with three chances, the first from Pogba saved by Kenyan goalkeeper Oluoch, which led to the following two chances coming from corners. The pressure mounted on the defence, and soon Akumu gave away a poor penalty. Mbappe ensured he scored from the spot.

 

This woke the Kenyans, realising they needed a quick replying goal. They gained control of the midfield in sections and started attacking where possible. Their best chance came from Olunga, who received the ball out right, only for Pavard to place enough pressure on the shot that it sailed over the bar.

 

Dembele then had an opportunity after an intense French buildup, but Mbongi closed him down before he had a chance to shoot. 

 

Kenya tried to catch France on the fast break, with five semi-chances to score by halftime. Alternatively, Pogba had a hot chance from a corner, and then when the Kenyan defence bungled their passing, another French shot missed the mark. Kenya’s best chance came near halftime with Kimani, but firing it from long range was not the best choice, and the ball flew over Lloris’ head and out for a goal kick. 

 

After halftime, France stepped up a few notches. A cross attempt led to a double yet fruitless chance on goal. However, the pressure meant with all forwards being covered, Man of the Match Kante dribbled from halfway towards goal. He eased around Shakava and fired the ball from the edge of the box into the net.

 

Three more chances came France’s way. First, Mbappe hit the ball wide, and then Kante tried for his second dribbling goal, only for him to lean back too much. Substitute Lemar had a real crack, just missing the crossbar. 

 

With Griezmann having little impact on the game, coach Didier Deschamps substituted him off for Giroud. This had an immediate impact, for Giroud scored with his first touch after Dembele intercepted the ball.

 

Giroud had another chance a few minutes later, but to no avail. France’s last attempt came with a Giroud ball to Kante, who smacked the ball against the post, the goalkeeper nowhere near diving for it. With the ball cleared, the referee called for full time and France relished their first win for this World Cup.

 

With this win, France now sit on four points. Kenya are still in the hunt for the Round of 16, but must beat Colombia to have any hope.

 

 

 

France	3-0		Kenya
19 11 50 29 0 4 57 78	Shots Shots on Target Possession % Tackles Fouls Corners Shot Accuracy % Pass Accuracy %		5 0 50 15 1 0 0 84
8’ #10 Mbappe (pen)    61’ #5 Kante (#14 Matuidi assist)    66’ #10 Mbappe off, #18 Fakir on  66’ #14 Matuidi off, #8 Lemar on  79’ #7 Griezmann off, #9 Giroud on  80’ #9 Giroud (#11 Dembele assist)		45’ #6 Akumu off, #8 Omolo on    66’ #7 Kimani off, #17 Amwayi on