Match overview
The France Under-20s began their World Cup campaign in Chile with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over South Africa. The Bleuets, coached by Bernard Diomède, showed sustained pressure and control for long stretches, but had to endure a brave challenge from the South Africans. Anthony Bermont (Lens) put France ahead, while Lucas Michal (Monaco) struck late to seal the win. South Africa pulled one back through a penalty, testing the French defense until the final whistle.
Key moments
Bermont breaks the deadlock
France edged ahead in the first half as Anthony Bermont found the net after a sequence that began with a rebound off the post. The Lens youngster stayed alert to finish clinically and give the Bleuets a deserved lead in a lively opening spell.
South Africa responds
France’s lead was short-lived as the South Africans earned a penalty after Elyaz Zidane was adjudged to have committed a foul. The resulting opportunity was converted, and the teams went into the break level at 1-1 after a swift counter-attack finished by Jody AhShene.
Goalkeeper heroics
Lisandru Olmeta produced several key saves to keep France in front, notably denying a dangerous South African push in the first half and again stabilizing his side as the tempo swung late in the period.
Second half and turning point
The second half saw France push for a winner with increasing frequency. Michal, the Monaco forward, came close on multiple occasions before finally finding the back of the net at around the 80th minute, finishing a well-worked team move and restoring France’s lead. The goal underscored the Bleuets’ attacking intent and resilience as they navigated a tense finale.
Player performances
Anthony Bermont looked sharp throughout, using his pace and finishing instinct to open the scoring. Lucas Michal was the standout attacking presence in the second half, combining well with teammates and finally converting a crucial opportunity. Lisandru Olmeta delivered a series of important saves to keep France in contention in a match that threatened to slip away at times. Zidane’s early foul is unlikely to define his performance, as the defense steadied enough to withstand late pressure.
Tactical notes and implications
France controlled much of the tempo with a high press and quick passing in midfield, aiming to combine through the channels and feed their forwards in dangerous zones. South Africa’s compact block disrupted several French sequences and tested the Bleuets’ patience. The second-half goal by Michal highlighted the importance of patience in the final third, while Olmeta’s saves demonstrated how a solid goalkeeper can tilt a tight game in a young team’s favor. With the group opener secured, France now shifts focus to a strong United States side, whom they face next in a game that could determine Group E dynamics.
Looking ahead
France’s next match comes against the United States, coached by a staff that has labeled the Americans as one of the tournament’s favorites. Scheduled for Thursday at 22:00 local time, the clash will be a critical test for the Bleuets as they seek rhythm and consistency in a competitive Chilean group. The early win will be a confidence boost, but the team will need to tighten defensive transitions and finish their opportunities more cleanly to advance.
