Griezmann helps France rally to rescue point against Hungary | OneFootball

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·19 June 2021

Griezmann helps France rally to rescue point against Hungary

Article image:Griezmann helps France rally to rescue point against Hungary

France fell behind against the most unlikely of opponents in Hungary, but the world champions rallied back in the second half to secure a 1-1 draw against the home side.

Despite the French enjoying the lion's share of possession, Hungary never looked feared by the task of facing World Cup winners and relished the challenge after their first round defeat at the hands of Portugal.


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The match got off to an incredibly aggressive start as the Hungarians came out looking like warriors prepared for battle with the raucous Hungarian army behind them. A foul per minute saw tensions rise very quickly and led to the first booking of Benjamin Pavard in the 9th.

France looked amazingly comfortable on the ball but nothing was going past Hungary easily. A match changing double save in 14th minute what looked a certain goal from Benzezma and the follow up from Griezmann saved expertly by Peter Gulacsi.

Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann and Karim Benzema were at the forefront of the French armada but couldn't find the back of the net in the first half, their task being made difficult by wayward shots and the heroic efforts of Gulacsi.

Hungary's persistence on the counter paid dividends just before the half time break, Attila Fiola spaced enough between him and Varane to squeeze a near post shot past Hugo Lloris for Hungary's first goal at Euro 2020.

The French may have enjoyed control and fallen behind in the first half, yet it was a complete coinflip in the second. Hungary bullied the French in possession and looked more likely to score, leaving the French somewhat rattled and looking uncertain.

Hungary pressured forward in the second half, their confidence and tails were up and it turned out to be their downfall. On pushing too many men forward, Hungary left themselves exposed at the back after a freekick and France countered beautifully, their equalizer smashed home by a very enthusiastic Griezmann.

A tale of two halves is exactly what this match was made of. France will need to rejig their tactics if they're to get a positive result against fellow group heavyweights Portugal, while Hungary will have their tails up leading into their next game against Germany.

Hungary – 1 (Fiola, 45')

France – 1 (Griezmann, 66')

Ferenc Puskas Stadium

Man of the Match: Antoine Grizemann

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