Gignac gives France an extra life

Gignac and Thauvin’s France needed to forget their disastrous debut against Mexico (4-1) and regain their identity against South Africa, a Selection that did not make it easy for him during the 90 minutes. The French came out in the first moments of the game with the idea of ​​dominating the match, having the ball and giving their attackers greater prominence with long displacements. South Africa had to wait, to be able to counterattack and visit the goal defended by Bernardoni. However, as the minutes passed the visitors did not wrinkle and began to reap good ball circulations, leaving the bleus without ideas. Gignac and Thauvin, somewhat missing in the French attack during the first half, sought to test Williams, the South African goal. The first chance of danger was awarded to them by the Yellows, Bernardoni shortened up to two times Singh’s shots, a free-kick and Kodisang after an individual play. Also, the French goal post prevented Makgopa, the yellow striker, from scoring the first goal of the clash.

When South Africa was best in the green, Gignac He was able to overtake his own after beating the visiting goalkeeper and pushing at will, but the assistant indicated offside. The Africans continued to insist with Singh, the most incisive player in the first half. A play by the African 10 that saw only Kodisang, but he was neutralized with a kick from Toussart inside the area. The referee signaled a penalty and the opportunity to score the first goal. Singh was small against Bernardoni and sent his shot to the crossbar.

Goal festival in the second half

The second half would have nothing to do with what happened in the previous one. There were up to seven goals in 45 minutes. Although in the first moments, both teams did not show fluidity and danger. Kodisang, another standout, took advantage of the poor connection between Michelin and Bernardoni. The South African winger scored at will, which was the first goal and a burst of jubilation among his team. The French, minutes later, evened the fight after a great individual play by Kolo Muani, who got rid of the defense and assisted Gignac who only had to push the ball into the net.

Ripoll’s pupils showed symptoms of improvement in their participation in the game, unlike the first part. Once again, Kodisang, who left Nkonkou easy, crossed into the area and Makgopa went ahead at the near post, scoring a goal that was impossible for the French goalkeeper. The joy was short-lived for South Africa, Michelin focused a ball into the area that Gignac headed in an exceptional way. The wear and tear of the game and the high pace in both areas forced the coaching staff to move pieces. The visitors kept insisting and the effort paid off. Mokoena joined the attack taking a strong mid-distance strike that Bernardoni could only watch as he surpassed the squad.

This was not the last thing that was going to happen in the encounter. Three minutes later, Gignac took advantage from eleven meters, the opportunity to tie the match and not die on the shore. Hat-trick of the striker and top scorer with four targets. The French were looking for victory, to continue with options in the Olympic event. The French 10, again, assisted Savanier and the Montpellier midfielder sent the ball to the bottom of the net, putting the fourth and last goal of the match.

The French stand with three points, waiting for what happens in the other meeting between Japan and Mexico. The South Africans are very touched after this defeat and could be eliminated.