France boss Didier Deschamps was pleased to see his side remain atop the Euro 2020 Group F standings despite being held to a 1-1 draw by Hungary. Les Bleus, assured of a top-three finish, can lock down top spot with a win over Portugal in their final group match on Wednesday.
In searing heat, and in front of just under 56,000 Hungary fans at the Ferenc Puskas Arena in Budapest, Les Bleus had Antoine Griezmann to thank for clinching a precious point in the 1-1 draw against a feisty Hungary side.
Although France dominated much of the first half, with big chances for Karim Benzema, Kylian Mbappé and Paul Pogba, but it was Hungary - who had seen captain Adam Szalai subbed off suffering form the heat on 25 minutes - who broke the deadlock, Attila Fiola breaking on the left and slotting a low finishing at Hugo Lloris's near post (45'+2).
France's fast pass-and-move game was hampered by the 22mm-high pitch, but the reigning World Champions found other solutions, Pogba flirting with the woodwork form 25 metres and substitute Ousmane Dembélé following suit in more emphatic fashion minutes later.
Not happy, but satisfied
Then after some fine lead-up play from Mbappé, Griezmann slapped home the equaliser from close range (66') but, although further chances fell for Mbappé, Corentin Tolisso and Raphaël Varane, Hungary held firm and claimed a point that will doubtless prove precious should they end up making it through to the knockout rounds.
"As soon as they made a big effort, the players came to see me to tell me that they were out of breath," said Deschamps. "The physiological and psychological adaptation had more impact on us than on them. I am not happy with the result but I am satisfied with it. It gives us one more point. We have the cards in hand for the third game."
'Could have done better'
Fortunately for France, Germany's 4-2 win over Portugal later on Saturday prevented the Iberian side from taking control of the group with two wins from as many matches, and France are now assured of a top-three finish. They can even make sure of topping the group with a win Wednesday - but Deschamps knows they will need to show more cutting edge.
"Unfortunately, we did not capitalise on our chances in the first half. But then we did manage to level it up," said the France boss, whose side went on to win the 2018 FIFA World Cup despite some rough waters in the group stage. "We could have done better, yes, but there were some very good sequences, especially before the break."
France now prepare for Wednesday's decisive clash against Portugal at 19:00 GMT at the Ferenc Puskas Arena in Budapest.
