France – Senegal live: Sarr miss leaves Group I showdown goalless at half-time

Chance for Olise!

Finally a proper chance for France as Olise outmanoeuvres Senegal’s defence, but his dink is deflected over the bar by Mendy.

Mbappé beaten, again

Doué’s counter leads to nothing as Mbappé’s latest poor touch allows a Senegalese defender to expertly rob him of the ball.

The France captain has been dreadful so far.

Senegal start the second half

It’s hard to imagine Deschamps delivering a Renard-like speech, but whatever he said has at least inspired Doué to attempt a shot on goal as the second half gets under way.

Renard’s ‘selfie with Messi’ moment

Renard’s latest reprieve comes just two months after he was fired by Saudi Arabia despite leading the kingdom through the World Cup qualifiers.

The French coach famously inspired the Saudis to a shock defeat of future champions Argentina in the group stage four years ago, with a now legendary speech.

While we wait for Les Bleus to get their act together, here’s a little half-time entertainment.

In other World Cup news

Tunisia fired coach Sabri Lamouchi earlier today after their 5-1 drubbing by Sweden, replacing him with French veteran Hervé Renard and his trademark open-necked white shirts.

This is Renard’s third straight men’s World Cup with as many teams. In between, he also took France to the 2023 Women’s World Cup.

Half time: France 0-0 Senegal

France have been tepid, to say the least, and Senegal really should be in front.

What a miss!

Senegal should be ahead!

Sarr latches onto a loose ball in the France box but his shot from six yards sails over the crossbar. Deary me, that was a golden chance and the Crystal Palace forward will be kicking himself.

Six minutes of added time

We’ll have six more minutes of this.

Koulibaly heads away

A promising free-kick for France outside the Senegal box, but Koulibaly clears.

Upamecano takes out Sarr

Sarr is causing all sorts of trouble to the French defence, and Upamecano’s answer is to stamp on his foot.

The Senegalese forward collapses on the ground but there’s no foul as the referee has opted to give the Lions of Teranga advantage.

Play is eventually stopped to allow the physio on, and Sarr walks off for treatment.

France have gone quiet

All that fearsome French talent up front has produced very little indeed.

Then again, this is a Deschamps team and his sides often look like they’re getting away with doing the strict minimum.

Sarr with another chance for Senegal

Senegal come forward again, Sarr barging his way into the France box, but he’s under pressure from two defenders tailing him and his strike flies over the bar.

Drinks!

Just when France were taking control, Senegal have the best chance of the game. The players now pause for drinks.

Jackson hits the post!

Having said that, a blistering counter-attack sends Jackson goalwards and the Senegalese forward blasts his shot onto Maignan’s post, with the French keeper almost scoring an own-goal on the rebound.

Jackson did well to resist pressure from Upamecano. Photo: Dylan Martinez, Reuters

France up the pressure

A couple of France corners lead to nothing, but the two-time champions have raised their game.

Niakhate blocks Dembélé shot

Olise finally find a way through the Senegalese lines but Dembélé’s shot is parried by the central defender.

Senegal defending well

France control the ball now, passing it from left to right and back, but they are yet to pose a threat to Senegal’s disciplined defence.

Another poor touch from the France captain

Dembélé does well to release Mbappé but the France captain misses another control and Les Bleus squander a promising counter.

Upamecano thwarts Sarr attack

A clever Jackson flick sends Sarr towards goal but Upamecano does well to muscle him aside.

Senegal are looking lively and have started very well indeed.

Mbappé fluffs his control

An excellent through-pass by Rabiot finds the France captain with acres of space but his control is a mess and Senegal recover the ball.