France have booked their place in the World Cup quarter-finals, securing a 3-1 victory over Poland in Qatar this evening.
The game was in the balance for much of the contest, but the individual quality available to the French was the difference in the end.
Poland had a couple of chances in the first half, although they could not tuck them away. Olivier Giroud would give the defending champions the lead just before the interval, with Kylian Mbappe would score a brilliant goal of his own to make the result all but certain.
🇫🇷 2-0 🇵🇱
Kylian Mbappe finishes with aplomb to double the French lead over Poland and move them closer to the quarter-finals
📺 Watch live on @RTE2 and @RTEplayer: https://t.co/12VvQ93ZzL
📱Live updates: https://t.co/OzUOJ48Pj4#FifaWorldCup #RTEsoccer #FRAPOL pic.twitter.com/Nlnq21MDJr— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) December 4, 2022
Mbappe would add a third in injury time, before Robert Lewandowski scored a consolation penalty late on.
France may be safely through to the next round, but not everyone was impressed with their performance in this game.
Mauricio Pochettino not impressed with France in Poland win
There were some moments of real individual quality from the French, but overall their performance was not the most impressive. They lacked cohesion as a team, while their passive approach at the back allowed the Poles to create a number of good scoring opportunities.
Speaking on the BBC, Mauricio Pochettino said that France would need to improve dramatically if they were to have a chance of lifting the trophy later this month.
I am so disappointed with the performance from France and what they did. I think they have a lack of passion in the World Cup.
Yesterday we saw an emotional and passionate game, but not today.
I think we expect more from France...
Today France have showed some weaknesses. I think if you want to be a contender, you have to show more solidity.
It was a professional performance from France, job done.
Of course, when you have Mbappe in the your team he is capable of doing what he did today. He showed his amazing talent.
Now, it's time to analyse it a little bit. France need to improve a lot. For individual performances, it was amazing from Griezmann, Giroud, Mbappe, Lloris.
But I think they need to push the level up collectively. One thing is important, if they want to be a real contender, they need to play like a team. Today, there was too much responsibility on individuals.
Having an in-form Kylian Mbappe gives any team a chance of success, but there is no doubt that France will face much sterner tests over the next few games.
They will need to improve in a number of areas. Otherwise, they will be depending on their star forward to drag them over the line.
SEE ALSO: Gary Neville Hammers British Media For World Cup Coverage While On Qatari TV
