When was the last time France conceded four goals in the first half?
France’s miserable opening 45 minutes against England brought back a record that they surely thought wouldn’t return.
England produced an astonishing opening 45 minutes against France in the World Cup third-place game, heading into halftime with a 4-0 lead in Miami.
For a French team that began the tournament among the favorites, it was a remarkable collapse, even if not seen as a valuable game by many. It was also something Les Bleus had not experienced for more than half a century.
France had not conceded four goals in the first half of an international game since April 24, 1968, when they faced Yugoslavia in European Championship qualifying.
What happened to France against Yugoslavia in 1968?
That game was the second leg of a qualifying quarterfinal, played at the Red Star Stadium in Belgrade.
Yugoslavia made an explosive start. Ilija Petković opened the scoring in the third minute before Vahidin Musemić and Dragan Džajić struck in quick succession, making it 3-0 after only 14 minutes.
Petković added his second in the 32nd minute. Fleury Di Nallo pulled one back for France before halftime, meaning Yugoslavia went into the break leading 4-1.
Musemić completed the scoring after the interval as France lost 5-1 on the night and 6-2 on aggregate. Yugoslavia advanced to the 1968 European Championship finals, where they eventually finished as runners-up to Italy.
France suffer a historic first-half collapse against England
So, France had gone 58 years without allowing an opponent to score four times before halftime.
That extraordinary run covered World Cups, European Championships, qualifiers, Nations League games and friendlies. And now Rice, Konsa and a Saka brace have brought back those memories.
The comparison is arguably even more painful for France this time. They at least scored during that disastrous first half in Belgrade. Against England, they reached halftime four goals down without finding the net.
Whatever happens in the second half, France’s opening 45 minutes in Miami have already earned an unwanted place in the national team’s history.
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