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Karim Benzema put France level at the stroke of half-time against Portugal in Euro 2020, but was it a penalty at all?
Karim Benzema put France level at the stroke of half-time against Portugal in Euro 2020 by slotting a penalty past Rui Patricio, scoring for the first time in a European Championship game.
The penalty was wonderfully taken but the real contention was that was it a penalty at all?
France hit Portugal with an attack just as the half-time whistle approached. French star Killian Mbappe tried to make a run from just outside the Portuguese box and as he stepped into the penalty area, The Selecao defender Nelson Semedo stepped over to check the Frenchman’s run.
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Both of them collided and Mbappe was seen tumbling inside the penalty area. The referee was quick to point towards the spot, indicating a penalty for France.
The whole Portuguese defense was seen surrounding the referee, complaining about the call but to no avail as the VAR upheld the on-field call, which Benzema slotted home.
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A defender stepping in to stop a run by a forward is a common occurrence in football, the commentators were heard saying. Even after the goal was scored, Portuguese coach Fernando Santos was seen talking to the referee, registering his displeasure about the call.
The group stage match against France is one that could decide Portugal’s fate in Euro 2020. Portugal needs a win or a draw and if they fail to, they’ll need an incredible amount of luck to make it through to the knockouts.
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