France 3-0 Wales: Harsh Neco Williams red card proves costly as Les Bleus defeat Wales
Wales suffered a 3-0 defeat to France at the Allianz Riviera in their EURO 2020 warm-up which was marred by a controversial red card for Neco Williams.
Williams was sent off after referee Luis Godinho used VAR for the first time in a Wales match to deem that Liverpool defender handled the ball when Paul Pogba hit a shot at him. As a result, Karim Benzema had a penalty saved by Danny Ward.
Rob Page’s men were unable however to keep out the star-studded Les Bleus as Kylian Mbappé broke the deadlock before half-time.
Antoine Griezmann further added to the host’s lead with a sublime strike before Ousmane Dembélé made sure of the victory.
France started quickly with some quick passing play were able to get the ball into the box but Wales were able to clear.
Neco Williams worked down the left and was able to get a cross into the French box towards Gareth Bale but the Wales Captain was unable to get his head on the ball and trouble Hugo Lloris.
France’s quality was on display as Paul Pogba’s cross found the head of Benzema, who’s downward header forced Ward into a good low save.
Lloris was soon called upon as Dan James cut into the box and took aim at the French goal. Shortly after Joe Morrell tried from distance but his goalward shot was blocked.
Paul Pogba went close with his close range header but Danny Ward saved with a strong hand, Neco Williams blocked the follow up but VAR called the referee to review the play. After several minutes of checking France were awarded a penalty and Williams was given a red card. The ball did hit the hands of Williams but very close up.
Benzema making his first appearance for France for over five years stepped up to take the kick. He put the ball low to his left but Ward was able to get across goal and get a hand on the ball to push it away.
Wales sat deeper with ten players as France began to dominate both possession and territory. It told after 33 minutes as France took the lead. Kylian Mbappe getting to the ball ahead of Chris Mephan after Ward saved a long-range shot.
France made use of the extra space and moved the ball around the pitch as Wales looked to contain them.
Harry Wilson did have an effort just before the break but his shot was well wide of the goal.
France continued where they left off before the break controlling the ball and looking to stretch the ten of Wales.
It took just three minutes of the second half for the home side to make it 2-0. Mbappe controlling the ball well and then finding Antoine Griezmann with a back-heel. Griezmann on the edge of the box turned and picked out the top corner with a stunning finish.
France were in control but Wales did have moments. Joe Morrell played a pin point pass though the middle looking for the run of Connor Roberts. Roberts was unable to get on the ball and France able to cut it out.
France were patience with the ball and looking pick off Wales. Pogba saw a long range effort go straight at Ward and Mbappe tried a lob but both were easy for the Welsh Keeper.
Mbappe tried to cut the ball across the six yard box but Ward was alive to the danger and pushed the ball away. Shorty after Aaron Ramsey lost the ball inside the box to Mbappe who was able to find Benzema. Benzema’s shot was deflected out for a corner.
Wales did try getting forward and won a free kick on the edge of the box as Ramsey was fouled. David Brooks took the free kick but could only find the French Wall.
France wrapped up the win with their third goal after 79 minutes. Ousmane Dembele putting in the rebound after Benzema’s powerful shot cannoned back off the post.
Wales manager Rob Page said: “I thought we started the game really well. We had to tweak our system because they started with a diamond, so Neco (Williams)’s position from the start changed and we went to a back four.
“I thought we identified that Dan James’ pace over the top would hurt them and we did that in the first five or ten minutes, but obviously, the sending off changed it.
“But even after that, we had chances. The biggest positive for us is that we’ve got players minutes to get them in the right frame of mind physically and mentally for Switzerland.
“It’s a bitter one to take, the sending off. I thought it was a harsh penalty anyway. But get him sent off as well as a bitter pill and spoilt the game and changed the course of the game, for France as well I’d imagine.
“They wanted to get a competitive game and unfortunately, going down to ten men, even with 11 men against France, it’s a difficult task. Today was all about getting players minutes on the pitch and ticking that box and we’ve achieved that.”
France: Hugo Lloris, Benjamin Pavard, Presnel Kimpembe, Raphaël Varane, Paul Pogba, Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappé, Corentin Tolisso, Adrien Rabiot, Karim Benzema, Lucas Hernández.
Wales: Danny Ward, Connor Roberts, Chris Mepham, Joe Rodon, Chris Gunter, Neco Williams, Joe Allen, Joe Morrell, Gareth Bale (C), Dan James, Harry Wilson
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