Raphael Varane and his France team-mates safely secured their passage into the quarter finals after defeating Poland 3-1 at the Al Thumama Stadium.
Varane now joins his fellow Manchester United defenders into safely making it through to the quarter final stage as Tyrell Malacia and Lisandro Martinez did so yesterday. Malacia and his Netherlands team-mates beat the United States of America 3-1 on Saturday, while Martinez crucial block late in the second half helped Argentina defeat Australia 2-1.
Taking inspiration from Martinez, Varane also saved his nation as he produced a brilliant goal-line clearance to help keep the score 0-0 in the first half.
How have #POL not scored?
Piotr Zielinski's goal-bound effort is kept out by Hugo Lloris, who has Raphael Varane to thank for a goalline clearance just seconds later…
Poland are a team transformed today!#FIFAWorldCup
🎬 @BBCSporthttps://t.co/kSh5gWDun4
— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) December 4, 2022
In what was Varane’s third start of the tournament, the United defender had a good game at the heart of the France back four alongside Dayot Upamecano as according to a tweet put out by Statman Dave, Varane had a passing accuracy of 91% and he made three interceptions and one block.
Raphael Varane’s game by numbers vs. Poland:
100% dribbles completed
91% pass accuracy
53 touches
40 passes completed
3 interceptions
1 block
1 goal-line clearanceRolls Royce at the back. 🤩 pic.twitter.com/IqKHJH92R8
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) December 4, 2022
Olivier Giroud became France’s all-time international record goal scorer with 52 goals [The Athletic] as he put his team 1-0 up before Kylian Mbappe scored twice to secure France’s spot in the quarter finals.
Kylian Mbappe has already won the World Cup – when he's in this form, you wouldn't bet against him leading #FRA to glory again.
Stunning goal, electrifying player.#FRAPOL | #FIFAWorldCup
🎬 @BBCSport https://t.co/Lv5LWEEF2o
— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) December 4, 2022
There was unfortunately no clean sheet for Varane and France because Robert Lewandowski converted from the penalty spot in the 99th minute to make it 3-1. Lewandowski had to retake the penalty after Hugo Lloris saved his initial penalty but the France captain was off his line as he thwarted the Pole.
He needed a second attempt, but Robert Lewandowski gets one back!
His last kick at a World Cup?#FRA 3-1 #POL#BBCFootball #BBCWorldCup https://t.co/Y8RYPMTcaX
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) December 4, 2022
After beating Poland, the attention of Varane and his French team-mates will turn to England’s clash with Senegal, which kicks off at 7pm, because the winner of this game is who France will meet in the last eight of the World Cup.Â