France Beat Colombia 3-1 as Doué Shines, Cherki Impresses Big
The high-profile friendly between European powerhouse France and Latin American contender Colombia ended in favor of the 2018 World Cup winners. France defeated Colombia 3-1 in a friendly played at Northwest Stadium in Maryland. Desire Doué scored a brace in the 29th and 56th minutes, and Marcus Thuram’s first‑half goal sealed the victory for the former world champions, while Jaminton Campaz scored the consolation goal for Colombia. Following the win against Colombia, France has now made it two out of two in this international friendly series. A few days back, France defeated Brazil 2-1, marking their strong presence as the world prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
A highly intense encounter unfolded with both sides engaged in several heated exchanges from the outset, according to the match report. Désiré Doué broke the deadlock around the half-hour mark, as his long-range effort took a deflection off Daniel Muñoz before beating Álvaro Montero. France doubled their advantage in the 41st minute through Marcus Thuram, the Inter Milan striker, who headed home from a delivery by Maghnes Akliouche. The goal was aided by a misjudged advance from the goalkeeper, allowing Thuram to capitalize effectively.
After the break, Doué extended the lead further by completing his brace, finishing a move set up by Thuram. Both teams then made a series of substitutions as the game progressed. Jhon Arias Campaz pulled one back for the Cafeteros in the 77th minute, providing a late response. However, any hopes of a further comeback were curtailed as a stoppage-time goal from Kylian Mbappé was ruled out for offside, sealing the outcome of the match.
Apart from Desire Doué and Marcus Thuram, Manchester City star midfielder Ryan Cherki stole the show and toyed with the Colombian defenders and midfielders. He showed an extraordinary performance in the middle of the park, giving defense-line-breaking passes to the French forwards. During the match, in the 56th minute, Rayan Cherki released Thuram down the right, and his low cross was swept in at the far post by Doué.
Ryan Cherki – A Magician on the Ball, A Showman on the Pitch, and A Player Who Brings Fun Back Into Soccer
The French national team is stacked with talent, and with stars like Kylian Mbappé and William Saliba, they transform a strong side into one of the best in the world. Among the best in the business, Ryan Cherki, a 22-year-old attacking midfielder, will be the major attraction and center point of the French national team in the upcoming FIFA World Cup. His performance against Colombia was notable and highly rated.
Following the match against the Latin American giants, OneFootball reported that the Manchester City star had created several chances and posed a constant threat to the Colombian defense, which conceded twice in the first half—first through a strike from Désiré Doué in the 29th minute and then via a goal from Marcus Thuram in the 41st minute.
The report added that Doué had scored again in the 56th minute to all but settle the entertaining friendly before Jaminton Campinez pulled one back in the 77th minute for the South American side. It was further noted that Cherki’s involvement ended shortly after, as he was substituted a minute later for Michael Olise of Bayern Munich. added that the Manchester City No. 10 had created three chances, won five fouls, and recorded a passing accuracy of 90 percent from 50 attempts.
Soccer legend and French international Thierry Henry commented that he really liked Rayan Cherki but noted that at times it had been necessary to be strict with him, similar to a father-son dynamic. He explained that Cherki’s main issue had been his inability to consistently string together games to fully demonstrate his exceptional talent, adding that improvement was required in defensive aspects and overall match involvement. However, he pointed out that this season Cherki had addressed those areas, which had allowed him to play regularly.
