Frustrated France Falls to Canada in Warm-Up Match

The final friendly between the two teams before the Copa América and European Championships, respectively, saw Canada hold France to a goalless draw in a boisterous display in their second-ever meeting. 

In their second-ever encounter, Canada and France played to a scoreless draw in the last friendly before the Copa América and European Championships, respectively. Both sides put up strong performances. 

Crepeau’s impressive form continued as he tipped Marcus Thuram’s effort onto the crossbar and got a touch on Antoine Griezmann’s ambitious strike to send it wide.

Canada showcased resilient defending in the first 30 minutes and managed an attempt of their own through Ismael Kone, though the Watford midfielder couldn’t trouble France’s goalkeeper, Mike Maignan.

As the first half progressed, both Dayot Upamecano and Alistair Johnston missed header opportunities at either end. Fans at Matmut Atlantique in Bordeaux were treated to thrilling wing battles between Alphonso Davies and Liam Millar against Jules Kounde and Ousmane Dembele, despite the lack of goals.

The second half began with more action as Thuram’s pass nearly caught Crepeau off guard, and Millar’s curling effort hit the crossbar after he cut inside Kounde.

Live football scores – Stay updated now

Olivier Giroud experienced a frustrating match, often neutralized by Derek Cornelius and Moise Bombito. Giroud’s exasperation grew when a slight touch from Johnston prevented him from connecting cleanly with a Griezmann cross. Shortly before being substituted in the 62nd minute, Giroud also failed to convert from a Dembele cross.

As the game wore on, William Saliba made a crucial block on a Jonathan David strike, maintaining the deadlock. The introduction of Kylian Mbappe in the 74th minute added urgency to France’s attack, but Tajon Buchanan’s solid defense denied him a headed chance, and Randal Kolo Muani’s late effort went wide.

With the match ending goalless, France will now prepare to face Austria in their European Championships opener. Notably, Germany remains the only team to have defeated them in their last 14 games since the FIFA World Cup final. Meanwhile, Canada’s first-ever Copa América match will see them take on Argentina, the team that broke French hearts in the World Cup final. This draw, however, will boost Canada’s confidence.

• Key Moments:
  • Early missed chances by both teams.
  • Maxime Crepeau’s crucial saves from Marcus Thuram and Antoine Griezmann.
  • Alphonso Davies and Liam Millar’s exciting wing battles with Jules Kounde and Ousmane Dembele.
  • Liam Millar’s near goal with a curling effort hitting the crossbar.
  • Olivier Giroud’s frustrating attempts thwarted by Derek Cornelius, Moise Bombito, and Alistair Johnston.
  • William Saliba’s vital block against Jonathan David.
  • Tajon Buchanan’s effective defense against Kylian Mbappe.
  • Randal Kolo Muani’s late miss as the game concluded 0-0.
• Upcoming Matches:
  • France will face Austria in their Euros opener.
  • Canada will play Argentina in their first-ever Copa América match.