Let’s paint a lopsided picture of the first half between the U.S. men’s national team and France, because it well… well, lopsided:
- Possession: France 65%-35% USA
- Total passes: France 337-186 USA
- Shots: France 6-1 USA
- Shots on target: France 3-1 USA
Alas, the score after 45 minutes at Groupama Stadium in Lyon: France 0, USA 1.
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The likes of Paul Pogba, Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe (among others) were unable to unlock the USMNT’s five-man backline and truly test goalkeeper Zack Steffen. On the other end of the field, Julian Green — yes, that Julian Green — in his first senior team stint since 2016, beat Hugo Lloris inside his near post in the 44th minute, the Yanks’ first shot of the game, to make it 1-0. It wasn’t the greatest piece of goalkeeping you’ll ever see.