On that night in Rio de Janeiro, it was the German defender who broke French hearts despite Les Bleus dominating the game and creating the best chances.
And this performance against Germany was a very similar display to their semi-final win against Die Mannschaft at Euro 2016 in Marseille.
The World Champions are like a predator waiting for their prey, and as we have seen over the past few years, the predator knows precisely when to attack.
We could have done better with the ball, in our build up but it was a very solid display.” Deschamps was ecstatic in the dressing room afterwards, warmly congratulating his players for an impressive win which will make France even bigger favourites to win this tournament.
There has been much talk, and rightfully so, about France’s front three of Mbappe, Karim Benzema and Griezmann, which is undoubtedly a scary proposition for any defence.
So the midfield belonged to France and that’s where they won this game.
We are humble on the pitch and we suffer together” said the Manchester United star, who complained to the referee after it appeared he was bitten in the back by defender Antonio Rudiger at the end of the first half.
It was part of a complete performance from Pogba, who made 12 balls recoveries, won 13 duels, drew four fouls, was also robbed of an assist due to an offside ruling and later of a “hockey assist” ahead of the goal Benzema had ruled out for offsides.
Before the game, the plan was to insist on Kimmich’s side, as the Bayern Munich midfielder is not used to playing there so much anymore.
His threatening run behind Hummels was a large reason for the own goal, he later scored a fabulous goal which was disallowed for offside, and then he was offside again, this time by the narrowest of margins, ahead of setting up Karim Benzema for a goal ruled out by VAR.
In 2016 and 2018, France started their tournaments very slowly, against Romania and Australia, respectively.
We were so strong tactically tonight, we showed great things, said Rabiot.