Player Ratings: France 5-0 Faroe Islands

Mandanda – 6.5 – Utterly untroubled throughout the evening. Had nothing of note to do, but at least kept the tempo out when he had to take goal kicks or throw from hand. He could claim an assist for the second goal!

Sagna – 7.5 - Raided forward incessantly and provided a very useful outlet, effectively playing as a right-winger at times. His advanced position made him a vital cog in les Bleus’ attack.

Gallas – 7.5 - Scored his first international goal in more than three years, but was asked to do very little defending. He looked a little nervous in August when these two sides clashed, but there were no such worries here.

Abidal – 7.0 - Not as active offensively as his centre-back partner, but there were no worries in the defence for him. Strolled through.

Evra – 8.0 - Like Sagna, was a terrific attacking threat. Frequently showed great feet when presented with one-on-one chances to go by his marker. Will have enjoyed his outing as something of a left winger.

Govou – 7.0 - Arguably the least effective of France’s foremost attacking players. Still managed to pose his share of problems before going off. Nearly opened the scoring with a fine drive off the bar.

Toulalan – 8.5 – Terrific performance from the Lyon man, who is more noted for his defensive attributes than his offensive skills. Went close twice in the opening ten minutes and sent a fine drive off the post. Impeccable in his primary role of winning back the ball.

L. Diarra – 7.0 - Not as obvious as his midfield partner because he was more reticent to push forward. Nevertheless, did the job that was asked of him, and kept play ticking over nicely. Booking keeps him out of the Austria game.

Henry – 8.5 - Always prepared to take responsibility, this was a real captain’s performance. Never stalled and was a permanent option for whoever had the ball. His quick-thinking helped in many attacks and he only lacked a goal.

Anelka – 7.5 - The Chelsea star had a night when some things worked, some things didn’t. He was always willing to have a shot, but should have scored on 78 minutes when released through on goal. Grabbed a tap-in late on.

Gignac – 8.5 - Man of the match. Broke the deadlock open with a predatory strike, but his second goal served to show his true ability, as his power came to the fore when running at the Faroese defence. Always a real menace and deserved a hat-trick.

Substitutes

Sissoko – 6.0 - Not the most active game from the debutant, who will have simply have been delighted to get on the field.

Malouda – 6.0 - Made a bright star and was frequently on the ball. However, he couldn’t make a telling contribution.

Benzema – 7.0 - Got something of a monkey from his back by scoring a goal. More will be expected of him in coming games, though.

FAROE ISLANDS

Mikkelsen – 8.5 – He may have conceded five goals, but it could easily have been twice that had he not made some fantastic saves. His highlight was a reflex block from Henry, though he also denied Benzema and Anelka in one-on-one situations.

Bo – 5.0 - Was asked to shackle Henry and Evra, and it proved too great a task for him. Even when the Frenchmen were doubled-up, they still found a way through.

Davidsen – 5.0 - Like the rest of his defensive colleagues, he was given a thorough examination. Made a handful of good blocks, but couldn’t get near to les Bleus’ forwards, who were rampant.

Gregersen – 6.5 - Perhaps a little lucky to avoid giving a first half penalty away for handball, but he deserved that run of the green as he was constantly committed, making excellent blocks throughout, most notably when Gignac thought he has scored after 26 minutes.

Benjaminsen – 5.0 - Struggled to have a massive impact on play, though he was always a willing worker.

Petersen – 5.0 - Another man who toiled against a rampant French attack. Even if he had a clone, he would struggled to have kept the shackles on les Bleus.

Lokin – 6.5 – Showed moments of creativity going forward, particularly late in the game, when his team-mates were toiling. One neat break saw him get by Evra and supply Naes with the Faroes’ only shooting chance.

R. Jacobsen – 6.5 – Possibly the best of the midfield, he was booed off by the home crowd, which should be taken as a compliment as he was ferociously competitive and always willing to put himself around.

C. Jacobsen – 5.5 – A sporadic threat in attack, his hopeful first half drive had Mandanda briefly worried.

S. Olsen – 5.0 - Was presumably asked to play in a role on the left side of midfield, but he ended up defending for the most part. Blocked one promising foray forward from Evra, but struggled to control him the rest of the time.

Danielsen – 5.0 – Asked to play a lone role in attack, something he has never previously done in this campaign. Had to drop too deep and effectively became another midfielder. Offered no threat.

Substitutes

Naes – 6.0 – Looked keen to get forward and pose problems. Had his side’s only shot on target.

A. Olsen – n/a – Had no time to influence play.

B. Olsen – n/a – Brought on with seconds remaining.

Source goal.com