It was all going so well for France. Their masked man had returned to the starting line-up to give them the lead in Tuesday's crucial Euro 2024 Group D clash with Poland, with Kylian Mbappe finally finding a way past an inspired Lukasz Skorupski with an impressively composed penalty.
However, Dayot Upamecano then did what Dayot Upamecano is always likely to do by making a mistake that allowed Robert Lewandowski to level from the spot - at the second attempt - with just 11 minutes of normal time remaining.
France poured forward in the closing stages, desperately trying to score the goal that would have won them the group. However, Didier Deschamps' men could find no way through, meaning Les Bleus, the tournament favourites, are now set to find themselves on the wrong side of the draw for the knockout stages, alongside Spain, Germany and Portugal.
Goalkeeper & Defence
Mike Maignan (7/10):
Desperately unlucky to see his fine save from Lewandowski's first penalty count for nothing but, in fairness, he had stepped every so slightly off his line. Also went the right way for the retake, which only went in off the post. Had been otherwise untroubled by Poland.
Jules Kounde (6/10):
Another solid but unspectacular display from the right-back, who keeps things simple but offers nothing offensively - which is probably what Deschamps asks of him, in fairness.
Dayot Upamecano (4/10):
The Bayern Munich centre-back was having a pretty decent tournament until he gave away a penalty with a characteristically clumsy challenge on Swiderski.
William Saliba (7/10):
Made amends for completely losing Lewandowski by getting a block on the striker's downward header. Typically impressive in possession. Deserves a more reliable central defensive partner.
Theo Hernandez (7/10):
Squandered a great chance just 10 minutes in but always a threat with his runs down the left flank and in behind the Polish backline.
Midfield
N'Golo Kante (7/10):
A little loose in possession at times, but this was another dynamic display from the veteran. One brilliant burst from deep should have ended in a goal, but Demebele wasted his through-ball. Given a well-deserved rest after Mbappe broke the deadlock, but maybe he should have been left on...
Aurelien Tchouameni (6/10):
Did a good job protecting the back four until his late exit. So strong that not even Lewandowski could knock him off the ball at one point.
Adrien Rabiot (4/10):
One of France's best players in Qatar but he's yet to catch fire in Germany. Withdrawn on the hour after doing a decent job defensively but little else. His starting spot must be at risk.
Attack
Ousmane Dembele (7/10):
An evening that really summed up the enigma that is Dembele. He won the penalty with a brilliant burst into the area and was a constant threat - but the winger wasted France's best chance in the first half and his final ball repeatedly let him down. Such a frustrating talent.
Kylian Mbappe (7/10):
Looked to have won the game for his country by finally managing to beat Skorupski from the penalty spot to register his first Euros goal. But while he looked sharp throughout, he'll be disappointed with his finishing. The question must also be asked if both he and France would be better off with Mbappe on the left wing and a proper centre-forward playing through the middle.
Bradley Barcola (7.5/10):
Very harshly withdrawn after 60 minutes, given he'd just called Skorupski into action after a scintillating break down the right wing. He'd also twice linked brilliantly with Mbappe to create chances for his captain in the first half. Deserves to hold onto his starting spot in the last 16.
Subs & Manager
Eduardo Camavinga (5/10):
Replaced Rabiot just before the midway point of the second half but failed to really get into the game.
Antoine Griezmann (5/10):
Surprisingly dropped to the bench and didn't make an impact after his introduction.
Olivier Giroud (5/10):
Went up top after coming on for Barcola but wasted his one decent chance.
Youssouf Fofana (N/A):
Only brought on for the last 10 minutes.
Didier Deschamps (4/10):
Entitled to feel satisfied with his starting line-up. He kept faith with the underperforming Dembele, who won the crucial penalty, while Barcola was a real livewire on the opposite wing. However, the decision to take off the latter was bizarre - and Kante's withdrawal even more so. None of his other subs helped to turn the game around, while his faith in Upamecano was always likely to cost France dearly at some point.
