A rare goal from N’golo Kante made the difference in a narrow Nations League clash between two international giants.
Embed from Getty ImagesCristiano Ronaldo tested Hugo Lloris in the first five minutes with a 20 yard strike parried away by the France captain. France hit back with Anthony Martial’s shot saved, Antoine Griezmann’s through ball to Martial was world class.
Bruno Fernandes went for goal with a volley on the edge of the box but it’s hit straight at Lloris. Shortly after, Ronaldo stepped up to take a free kick but the captain’s shot hit the wall.
France won themselves a free kick in a dangerous area. Griezmann chipped it into the box, a couple of flicks led to a Martial header than hit the crossbar. Huge chance missed.
The best chance of the first half fell to Martial from a Lucas Hernandez cross, Patricio did brilliantly to keep it out. The first half surprisingly ended 0-0 after 14 shots combined from both sides.
France took the lead in the 53rd minute after Rabiot’s shot was parried into N’golo Kante who tapped the ball into the empty net, 1-0. Portugal missed a chance to equalise after Jose Fonte’s header hits the post.
Portuguese substitute Joao Moutinho had a powerful shot from outside the box saved by Hugo Lloris.
Kante received a booking that meant the goal scorer will miss France’s next game against Sweden.
Despite their 11 shots all game, Portugal came out of it with a 1-0 defeat. The win for France takes them to the top of Nations League Group A.
