France 1 - 1 USA: Kylian Mbappe strike earns France a draw against the USA

Posted Sunday, June 10, 2018 by PA

Kylian Mbappe’s second-half equaliser salvaged France a 1-1 draw in their final World Cup warm-up match against the USA.

Paris St Germain forward Mbappe fired home a low shot in the 78th minute after Julian Green had given the USA a shock first-half lead with their only effort on target.

Les Bleus turned in a below-par display at Lyon’s Groupama Stadium against opponents who had failed to book a place at the World Cup finals.

Paul Pogba’s shot from a tight angle hit a post early on before Olivier Giroud headed straight at USA goalkeeper Zack Steffen, who then tipped Mbappe’s goalbound shot over the crossbar.

It appeared a matter of time before Didier Deschamps’ side cashed in on their first-half dominance, but Steffen kept out Pogba’s low shot and Griezmann’s effort curled the wrong side of the far post.

France’s frustration turned to disbelief in the 44th minute when the USA took the lead with their first attempt on goal.

Djibril Sidibe slipped as he attempted to clear a tame cross and Stuttgart forward Green seized his chance, turning sharply before firing home his country’s first-ever goal against France inside Hugo Lloris’ near post.

The crowd held its breath early in the second half when Green turned the ball home again, only to be ruled offside.

France continued to try their luck from outside the box, with Blaise Matuidi guilty of two more wasteful efforts before being replaced by Ousmane Dembele.

Giroud made way for Corentin Tolisso after a nasty clash of heads with Chelsea’s USA defender Matt Miazga, who was also substituted, before Mbappe curled a free-kick just off target.

Lyon striker Nabil Fekir, expected to join Liverpool before the French club announced the deal was off earlier on Saturday, received a hearty reception when he stepped off the bench for Griezmann with 20 minutes left.

France finally found a way through the USA’s stubborn rearguard to equalise with 12 minutes left.

Substitute right-back Benjamin Pavard’s low cross was arrowed home, low into the far corner by Mbappe from 16 yards.

Steffen kept out a late free-kick from Fekir, who then saw his stoppage-time shot parried by the goalkeeper into the path of Dembele, who turned the rebound wide.