Chapter 161: Opponents - The French Team

Chapter 161: Opponents - The French Team

After defeating Cesena, Bruno set off on his journey back to Portugal that same evening. According to the schedule, the Portuguese team was to assemble on the morning of October 7th, train for three days, and then fly to Paris on the evening of the 10th. There, they would face the French team in a friendly match at the Stade de France on the evening of the 11th. Following this, they would head north to Denmark for their second match in the European Championship qualifiers on the evening of the 14th.

This friendly match against France was highly anticipated in Portugal, not only because of the formidable French team but also because it marked the first time Bruno and Cristiano Ronaldo would play together on the national team. With Bruno securing his spot as a starter and Ronaldo's return from injury, the long-awaited perfect midfield trio of "Ronaldo + Bruno + Pepe" was finally taking shape, much to the delight of the Portuguese fans.

Moreover, this match was not only highly anticipated in Portugal but around the world, as countless fans looked forward to it. The Portuguese national team had long suffered from a lack of a top-class organizer in midfield, which had hindered their performance in major tournaments. Though Moutinho was beloved by Portuguese fans, he was not a world-class orchestrator. Bruno's emergence had sparked hope among the Portuguese.

However, due to various reasons, Bruno had been slow to secure his place on the national team. After a change in coaching, Portugal finally found their midfield maestro. Bruno's official debut for the national team did not disappoint; he contributed a goal and an assist in Portugal's 3:1 home victory over Albania. The only regret for Portuguese fans in that game was Ronaldo's absence due to injury.

After another month's wait, the dream pairing of Bruno and Ronaldo was realized in the friendly match against France.

For Portuguese fans, France was undoubtedly a daunting opponent. In their 22 historical meetings, France had dominated with 16 wins, 1 draw, and 5 losses, scoring 46 goals to Portugal's 27. In friendlies, the record was 19 matches with 13 wins, 1 draw, and 5 losses, including a strong home record of 10 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses since their last defeat to France in 1975.

Compared to Portugal, which relied heavily on its three stars—Ronaldo, Bruno, and Pepe—France boasted a dazzling array of talent across all positions. French coach Didier Deschamps took this match very seriously, fielding nearly his strongest lineup.

The match had numerous highlights, such as the encounter between Ronaldo and his Real Madrid teammate Benzema, and the first national team clash between Bruno and Pogba, the rising stars of a new generation. Since joining Real Madrid together in the summer of 2009, Ronaldo and Benzema had been reliable partners on the front line, but their head-to-head encounter on the pitch was a first.

Pogba and Bruno, both stars of the new generation, had faced each other in youth squads, Serie A, and the Europa League, but this was their first encounter at the senior national team level.

With such a setup, the match promised to be thrilling.

"France starts an attack on the left wing." "Pogba cuts inside with the ball, but Cedric clings to him tightly, leaving no opportunity." "The ball is played back to the left, passed to Griezmann." "Griezmann takes the ball, crosses!" "Back post!" "Benzema!" "Goal!!!" "In just the third minute, Benzema scores a beautiful header from eight meters out!" Benzema, exhilarated by his goal, dashed off the field as the entire Stade de France, filled with 81,000 fans, erupted in cheers, shouting Benzema's name. The scene was exhilarating! French players rushed to celebrate with Benzema, including those rumored to have disagreements with him, such as Griezmann. Coach Deschamps, too, danced with joy on the sidelines, fully aware of the stabilizing effect this goal had for the French team. "1:0! France has made an excellent start." "This was an opportunity created from the left, with Pogba drawing Cedric's attention before suddenly passing back to the left where Griezmann followed up with a cross, assisting Benzema's headed goal." "This goal demonstrates the strategic play that typifies the French team." "Indeed, from the opening three minutes, France's control and overall advantage were quite apparent." "In contrast, Portugal primarily relied on defensive counters, but they played aggressively, not retreating to the edge of their box as rumored but pressing hard to create pressure. However, this approach inevitably increased the likelihood of mistakes." "Let's review this slow-motion replay." "When Griezmann crossed, Pepe clearly failed to keep up with his club teammate, allowing Benzema to head the ball almost unchallenged." "This was a major lapse. If Pepe had kept up with Benzema, it's unlikely Benzema would have had a chance to head the goal." "But regardless, the mistake has been made, and Portugal needs to be careful." Coach Santos smacked his forehead, shaking his head as he walked back. His pre-match concerns had materialized. Pepe, having been out of action due to injury for three weeks, was off the pace at the start, losing Benzema in a critical moment. Long absences can numb a player's sharpness, but Santos had no regrets over choosing Pepe over Carvalho, who was also lacking in match practice and less familiar with Benzema. He trusted that Pepe would adjust as the game progressed.

With Portugal trailing by a goal, Bruno clenched his teeth in frustration and forced himself to calm down and stay focused. Portugal hadn't played poorly since the start. Bruno had made a precise pass, Nani had crossed from the right, but Ronaldo hadn't connected, missing a chance. Pogba, cutting in from the left several times, found himself surrounded by Cedric, Tiago, and Gomes.

Pogba was indeed strong! Despite criticisms of not maintaining his peak form from last season, the French midfielder remained a marvel, capable of shielding the ball and passing it out even when three players surrounded him. He could easily dribble past any defender as if they were non-existent.

That goal had seemingly been made by Griezmann's cross, but it was Pogba's pass that had freed Griezmann to receive the ball and make the cross. That is the mark of a world-class star!

But Bruno was determined to win this match. Benzema's goal had only intensified this desire.

As the game unfolded, Santos made adjustments, stabilizing Portugal's defense. By containing France's attacks on the left and with Eliseu checking Valbuena on the right, they managed to neutralize France's flanks. Once the defense stabilized, Santos pushed his backline forward, a tactic Portugal had practiced in recent days. With France's defense pressing beyond the midfield, Portugal's high defensive line left a significant gap behind the French players.

In theory, exploiting this space seemed straightforward, but executing it on the field was challenging. France's superior ball control and individual skills, compounded by their home advantage, left little opportunity for Portuguese counters, especially in the first half.

Portugal had a strategic plan, as did France. Although Portugal managed to reach the forward line on a few counters, capturing the first ball, they failed to make effective passes for the second ball. Cabaye closely marked Bruno throughout, a clear sign of Deschamps' focus on neutralizing him.

Santos was not surprised by this. He had warned his players before the match that the first half would likely be dominated by France, given their physical condition and home-field advantage.

The match proceeded as Santos had predicted. The only misstep was Pepe's lapse in the third minute, leading to a goal. After that, Portugal steadied their defense, and while France launched several attacks, they could not breach the Portuguese goal again. Although they allowed France four or five shots, these were either from distance or forced, with no real threat, but Portugal paid the price with two yellow cards—one for Alves pushing Griezmann from behind and another for Nani's tackle on Pogba.

In the 38th minute, Bruno got a chance on the left wing. Just as he was about to drive forward, Cabaye committed a tactical foul, earning a yellow card from the referee.

(End of Chapter)