PLAYER RATINGS | France 14-0 Gibraltar: Les Bleus record largest-ever victory
European Championship Qualifiers, 18/11/2023
France recorded the largest victory in their history, sweeping Gibraltar aside (14-0) during their Euro 2024 qualifier and beating the previous record (10-0 v Azerbaijan), which has stood since 1995.
The onslaught began almost immediately. In the third minute, Jonathan Clauss got in down the right, and his cutback was diverted by Ethan Santos into his own net. Just one minute later Les Bleus’ lead was doubled and it was another own-goal. This time it was Aymen Mouelhi, who diverted into his own net after Dayle Coleing parried Antoine Griezmann’s shot back into danger.
It had been all about Warren Zaïre-Emery in the build-up to the match. The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder became the youngest player to make his France debut in 109 years and it was only fitting that he got on the scoresheet, finishing the move that he himself started. However, he was injured by a clumsy challenge from Santos as he took the shot. Zaïre-Emery was forced off and Santos followed him, the defender being shown a straight red card.
Kylian Mbappé then made it four from the spot after Lee Casciaro handled in the box. Jonathan Clauss added a fifth from long-range, Kingsley Coman then added a sixth just two minutes later and Youssouf Fofana added a seventh just one minute after that. By the 37th minute, France were 7-0 up and the record victory was very much in reach.
We had to wait a while for the eighth of the night, and it was Adrien Rabiot who provided it in the 65th minute. The Juventus midfielder’s goal turned the tap and the goals started flowing once again. Coman then got his second before substitute Ousmane Dembélé showed some nice footwork to add the 10th.
One minute later, Mbappé scored the
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