In a rematch of the 1998 FIFA World Cup final at the same stadium, this match had much significance and build up coming into kickoff. First, it would be the first time that Dunga and Dider Deschamps faced each other ever since that date 17 years ago, however not as captains, but as national team managers.

In a packed Stade de France, the match was not short of lackluster as both sides produced amazing football within the first half. The first chance came to the home side as in the 8th minute. Two players went up for the corner and the ball rebounded kindly for the completely unmarked Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema almost on the goalline, as his header seemed destined to be 1-0 but Jefferson was able to push it away in time to deny the striker. However 13 minutes later, Mathieu Valbuena's corner was played towards Real Madrid center back Raphaël Varane, who gave Les Bleus the lead with a sensational rising header into the net in which Jefferson could do nothing about it, and it was a sole reminder of Zinedine Zidane's headers in that final 17 years ago. 

Brazil would have multiple chances however. In the 31st minute, new man Roberto Firmino was able to take aim from 25 yards out, allowing to test Steve Mandanda, who came in to replace the injured Hugo Lloris as the Bundesliga man's shot arrows for the bottom corner, however the Marseille shotstopper was able to sting it right off. 5 minutes from halftime, Brazil would equalize through Oscar. The Chelsea midfielder was able to muscle off his man at the top of the box as he rolled the ball to Firmino. As he continued his run, he collected the return pass from the Hoffenheim man and squeezed a finish home to bring the Selecao level at half-time.

In the second half, it was all Brazil. In the 59th minute, Willian was able to ride past an Patrice Evra challenge and threads in Neymar on the left side of the box. The Barca man then took a touch before smashing an unstoppable shot high into the net past Mandanda to take the lead. France nearly equalized two minutes later off three great chances. One from a free kick that is touched inadvertently by Thiago Silva towards the back post but Varane nearly pounced in that spot to equalize. Another one from Sissoko as he was unable to curl his shot into the far corner and one more from a Valbuena cross which allowed Benzema to attack with a side-footed volley, only for him to eventually miss his target. Antonie Griezmann had the last big chance for his country as he has a crack from distance, however Jefferson was able to stop it from the far post.

Brazil would get a corner in the 69th minute as Luiz Gustavo was able to take full advantage of some bad French marking to rise and plant a header into the back of the net via the ground to double their lead at 3-1 and cement the win for the Brazilians with their win of the year and a big one in France.

With this win, Brazil will now travel to London for a match on Sunday against Chile at the Emirates while France will look to bounce back with a match against Denmark in Saint-Étienne.

VAVEL Logo
About the author
Roberto Rojas
Writing about the beautiful game. Cohost of the @LowLimitFutbol Podcast.