Paris Saint-Germain experienced a particularly lively international night thanks to its players. Between Désiré Doué’s brilliant brace for France, Vitinha’s impact in Portugal’s draw, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s solid victory for Georgia, and the promising performance of young Khalil Ayari for Tunisia, Paris saw several of its representatives send truly positive signals.
Some certainties…
The big winner of the evening for PSG was clearly Désiré Doué, who scored twice for a revamped French side (despite some wastefulness on the ball), but who were very convincing against Colombia. Behind him, Vitinha once again demonstrated why he transforms Portugal as soon as he enters a match, to the point of being publicly praised by Roberto Martinez after the draw against Mexico.
Kvaratskhelia, meanwhile, played a full 90 minutes in Georgia’s victory in Lithuania, while young Khalil Ayari showed promise with Tunisia. A Sunday where Paris saw several different profiles speaking the same language: influence, personality, promise.
Notable Performances
Mexico – Portugal
Portugal were held to a 0-0 draw at the Estadio Azteca, with four PSG players involved. Gonçalo Ramos hit the post, while Vitinha made a significant impact after the break for a Portuguese side that was generally dominant.
Nuno Mendes – Started, 45 minutes, not decisive. Solid on the left flank before being substituted at halftime, he contributed to a first half in which Portugal largely controlled the game without converting any chances. My rating: 6/10
Vitinha – Started on the bench, came on at halftime, 45 minutes, not decisive. His introduction clearly changed the Portuguese rhythm: 74 touches, 67 successful passes out of 70, and 27 passes in the final third. No goal or assist, but a real impact on the match. My rating: 8/10
João Neves – Started on the bench, came on at halftime, played 45 minutes, not decisive. Less spectacular than Vitinha, but present to support Portugal’s control in the second half, with his usual energy and good continuity in midfield. My rating: 6.5/10
Gonçalo Ramos – Started, played 64 minutes, not decisive. The Parisian striker had one of Portugal’s best chances, hitting the post before being substituted. He didn’t score and failed to make up for Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence. My rating: 5/10
Lithuania – Georgia
Georgia secured a 2-0 victory in Kaunas thanks to a brace from Georges Mikautadze. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia played a full 90 minutes in a clean and controlled win.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – Started, played 90 minutes, but wasn’t decisive. This time, the spotlight was on Mikautadze, but the Parisian held his own in attack and contributed to a solid Georgian victory. Less flamboyant than in the previous match against Israel, but still involved. My rating: 6.5/10
Colombia – France
France defeated Colombia 3-1 with three Paris Saint-Germain players in the starting lineup. Désiré Doué scored twice in 63 minutes, Warren Zaïre-Emery started in midfield, and Lucas Hernandez held his own in a largely revamped defense.
Lucas Hernandez – Starter, 90 minutes, not decisive. The Parisian defender stayed until the end and provided stability to a reshuffled back line. Not a spectacular performance, but a clean and useful display in a generally controlled French team. My rating: 6.5/10
Warren Zaïre-Emery – Starter, 63 minutes, not decisive. Available, mobile, and active in both directions, he contributed to France’s strong first hour before being substituted. A solid performance, without being the most memorable of the evening. My rating: 6.5/10
Désiré Doué – Starter, 63 minutes, decisive with a brace. He was undoubtedly the biggest positive for Paris in this match: incisive, precise, and ambitious, he punished Colombia twice and spearheaded the French attack before being substituted on the hour mark. A brilliant performance, but the technical errors still need attention. My rating: 8/10
Haiti – Tunisia
Tunisia won 1-0 in Toronto. For PSG, young Khalil Ayari, called up to the Tunisian national team, started and contributed to the Carthage Eagles’ strong first half before being substituted after an hour.
Khalil Ayari – Starter, 60 minutes, not decisive. The young Parisian didn’t make a decisive contribution, but the Tunisian press noted that he repeatedly troubled the Haitian defense during a successful first half. An encouraging performance, showing audacity and energy. My rating: 6.5/10
