As Greece was defeated 1-0 in European Championship qualification on Monday, Kylian Mbappé’s twice-taken penalty put him one goal behind Michel Platini on France’s all-time scoring list.
France had only two attempts on goal in the first half, with Greece’s defenders holding strong. Only a completely unnecessary penalty was conceded by Kostas Mavropanos, whose dangerous kung fu-style kick caught Antoine Griezmann, allowing Les Bleus to break the deadlock – at the second attempt.
Mbappe stepped up and watched Odysseas Vlachodimos save his shot, but referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz noticed some encroachment and ordered that it be retaken. The PSG striker was never going to miss twice and calmly slotted home from 12 yards.
Despite their attacking skills, France’s frontline failed to shine in this match and their defence has yet to concede a goal in this qualifying campaign. In fact, Greece’s back four were hardly put to the test, with only three shots on goal. For the French, Eduardo Camavinga was once again outstanding in the centre of the park for the French.
Although Mavropanos was booked for his outburst, he should have been sent off – and was, seconds later, for what seemed to be a much softer foul even after a VAR check. Gus Poyet, the manager of Greece, will be disappointed not just with Lahoz’s refereeing but also with how easily the defender gifted France a lead that didn’t look like getting.