"Watch the flanks—that's France's attacking core, especially De Rocca. That kid's footwork is no worse than any Brazilian."
The words of head coach Tabárez still echoed in the minds of Uruguay's defensive players.
For this match, Uruguay had set up in a three-center-back system.
Five defenders!
It was specifically designed to counter teams like France with their powerful wing play.
Tweet!
As the opening ceremony concluded, the referee blew the starting whistle at the center circle.
Álvaro Pereira, who played for Inter Milan and started as Uruguay's left-back, had one primary task: stick close to De Rocca.
It was his most important assignment of the match.
After France kicked off, they didn't rush into attack. Deschamps demanded the entire team maintain a compact formation, avoiding excessive forward pressure that would leave the defense exposed.
His tactical approach emphasized wing-central combinations in attack, but relied more on counterattacks than possession.
Wing play was the core.
So, whether it was Ribéry or De Rocca, both were his most crucial counterattacking focal points.
In the opening minutes, both sides played cautiously.
Neither created any clear chances.
The best opportunity came when Suárez received a through ball from Forlán with his back to goal, turning without looking and unleashing a powerful shot.
Lloris made the save. But that strike showed the French just how gifted Suárez was at finishing. His shooting instinct was exceptional!
Even Julien felt somewhat envious—if he had Suárez's shooting ability, his goal tally would double.
Gradually, Uruguay began to dominate the game.
France's midfield was relatively mediocre, struggling to link the front and back lines. Deschamps frowned on the sidelines, constantly thinking about possible substitutions.
Typically, a match allows only three substitutions, but for this friendly, France and Uruguay had agreed to increase the limit to six substitutions.
This was FIFA's maximum allowance for A-level matches.
Beyond six substitutions, it wouldn't count as an A-level match and wouldn't contribute to national team rankings.
Boom!
On the field, Cavani received a layoff from Suárez and unleashed a powerful shot.
Fortunately, Varane slid in just in time to block it.
France's performance was becoming increasingly ugly.
The broadcast cameras focused on Deschamps.
The TF1 commentator defended him, saying: "Deschamps' tactical philosophy prioritizes pragmatism above all."
Many fans still found the display unappealing, with the more impatient ones even saying, "This is worse than under Blanc."
For a full fifteen minutes, France managed only one attempt—a cutting run and shot from Ribéry—while Uruguay had six shots on goal.
Lloris's goal was under constant threat.
Deschamps maintained his worried expression. He didn't care about this match's result; he was concerned about having no viable midfield options.
Matuidi was ultimately showing his age.
Hardworking, yes he was, but his pace was gone—he couldn't keep up with the rhythm.
Valbuena had failed to provide the necessary forward passing from midfield.
The front players were forced to drop deep.
This prevented France's counterattacks from developing.
Deschamps looked toward the right flank at De Rocca.
So far, Julien hadn't found many opportunities. Álvaro Pereira and Godín had been constantly by his side. Whenever the ball went toward him, the two would engage him physically before he could receive it.
Currently, Julien's body couldn't withstand such pressure. He had attempted several forward runs, but his teammates couldn't find him with their passes, and the balls were intercepted.
Deschamps shook his head and whispered. "We're still lacking in midfield."
He couldn't help but think of Nasri, but immediately dismissed the thought. The troublemaker that Blanc had purged from the national team—Deschamps wouldn't bring him back.
"Julien!"
Suddenly, Varane's shout from the field caught Deschamps' attention.
Forlán had combined with the flank and cut inside to the edge of the penalty area.
Varane timed his sliding tackle perfectly, not only winning the ball but managing to keep it at his feet rather than clearing it away.
He controlled it expertly.
Varane quickly got to his feet and pushed forward.
As opposing players closed in to press him, Varane spotted De Rocca making a run and shouted.
Boom!
A long pass, straight down the right flank!
Godín reacted instantly, positioning himself to intercept, while Álvaro quickly retreated to cover.
Varane's pass was slightly overhit.
Fortunately, Julien had started early, rapidly building speed as he chased the ball's trajectory.
Godín and Victorino, who had dropped back from central midfield, also converged on the ball's landing spot.
All three arrived at almost the same moment.
Julien was sandwiched between the two defenders.
He immediately activated his burst mode, colliding with Godín and Victorino. Julien staggered but successfully used his positional advantage to chest the ball down.
However, Godín's interference pushed him forward, and he couldn't control the ball cleanly.
Almost instinctively, Julien flicked the ball back with his left foot.
Then immediately spun around.
Godín and Victorino hadn't anticipated this move, so they were a step slow in turning.
As Julien completed his turn, his left foot smoothly collected the ball and pushed it forward.
Thanks to Giroud's movement drawing away another defender, Julien broke through into a one-on-one situation!
Roar!
The French supporters in the stadium erupted, chanting in unison: "De Rocca!"
When France needed an attacking spark most, Julien had stepped up once again!
He charged forward with his burst active.
Álvaro, who had been ready on the other side, rushed over with several quick steps and launched a sliding tackle at De Rocca!
Julien immediately stopped sharply, cutting the ball to his right foot.
He evaded Álvaro's challenge.
Due to his forward momentum, Álvaro couldn't stop himself in time.
By the time he scrambled to his feet, De Rocca had already burst past.
One-on-one!
At this moment, not only the fans in the stadium but all French supporters watching the broadcast were filled with anticipation.
After being dominated for so long, was their goal finally coming?
Uruguay's legendary goalkeeper Muslera quickly rushed out to narrow the angle and block De Rocca's shot.
However, he might not have been familiar with Julien's style, because as Muslera charged forward, Julien suddenly stopped.
His left foot rose, feinting a powerful shot.
Muslera dove to his left!
At the moment the goalkeeper committed, Julien cut the ball to his right foot and pushed it forward.
A nutmeg!
Julien took a big step to create separation from Muslera.
With an empty goal in front of him, he gently rolled the ball across the line.
1-0.
France had taken the lead!
Roar!
The twenty thousand French fans at the Océane Stadium exploded into celebration.
Magnificent! A solo run from start to finish!
After scoring, Julien wagged his finger, sprinted toward the corner flag, and spread his arms wide to the fans in the stands.
He soaked in every cheer that belonged to him!
"De Rocca!"
The fans in the stands screamed his name with everything they had. In this moment, Julien was like wind, like lightning, like a stunning apparition—giving the supporters the perfect moment they craved.
Blue flags rippled like ocean waves across the stands!
Deschamps finally smiled with relief, clapping enthusiastically to celebrate De Rocca's brilliant goal.
Then he turned to his coaching staff and roared, "He's the only answer for France's right flank."
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