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30 mai 2018
Scotland surprise France
After a tight game, Scottish squad earns the victory thanks to a goal of its star Oliver Burke (1-0). The « Bleuets », who lack some offensive creativity, did not find the solution to pearce the Scottish block.
Crowded stands, a warm atmosphere, a good weather, a great game between the two favourites of the group B… All the ingredients were gathered for a beautiful game of football. But the opposition between France and Scotland was more tactical than we thought. The only goal of the match was scored at the 35th minute by Scotland’s captain Olivier Burke. Running on the right side at the entrance of the area, West Bromwich’s forward realized an oriented control just before a cross-shot that pasted Dimitry Bertaud, Montpellier HSC goalkeeper, who did not had the hand strong enough.
Scottish gameplay thwarted « Tricolores » plans. Scot Gemmill’s men played low on the pitch and perfectly used width ; letting no space for the French strikers. Used to play like this, the Blue and White did not rush. Furthermore, they imposed a big physical impact.
The « Bleuets » lack of inspiration
The French players struggled for 80 minutes with the Scottish wall. They had the ball for a great time during the game but without managing to have real chances. Transmissions were too slow to destabilize the opposing block. Not enough risks taken. Individual or collective initiatives were stopped by technical mistakes or bad choices. The entrance of Steve Ambri, the Valenciennes FC forward, galvanized the attack but efficiency was still lacking. France was dangerous at the 57th minute, when the Valenciennes' player headed the ball straight into the goal before the Scottish keeper McCrorie stopped it. The French kept trying in Scottish side without finding any solutions.
With those three points, British are now heading the group B, with four points. They are taking a serious option for the qualification in semi-finals. For the captain Jeando Fuch’s band, qualification will have to be taken against Togo, the next 2nd of June. The « Bleuets » will need more creativity against Togolese if they hope to go further in the competition.
Azir Said Mohamed Cheik
Crédits photo : Magali Ruffato
