Manchester United loanee Timothy Fosu-Mensah impresses on Holland debut despite drubbing in France: 'A special day, but not the desired result'
- Timothy Fosu-Mensah made his Holland debut in their 4-0 defeat in France
- The defender's performance was one only a few for the visitors to be proud of
- The Manchester United loanee described his international bow as a 'special day'
It was hardly the start Timothy Fosu-Mensah was looking for in debut for Holland but he did at least emerge with some credit from their 4-0 defeat in France.
French sportsheet, l'Equipe, was typically dismissive of the Oranje players in their ratings, with the Crystal Palace defender being awarded a three. However many in his home press hailed Fosu-Menshah's first appearance for the national side.
The defeat leaves Holland in a perilous position regarding World Cup qualification from Group A. Dick Advocaat's side are currently fourth, three points behind Sweden in second and two behind Bulgaria in third.
Timothy Fosu-Mensah emerged with some credit from Holland's 4-0 defeat in France
Many in the Dutch press hailed Fosu-Menshah's first appearance for the national side
For Fosu-Mensah it was a night of mixed emotions at the Stade de France, admitting post-match the hosts were simply the superior side.
'It's a special day, but unfortunately not with the desired result,' Fosu-Mensah told reporters post-match.
'I think the French were just a cut above us. I can not say I'm shocked, but it's just a shame that it ran out.
'I am very grateful to the coach for the confidence he has shown in me. I heard on the matchday that I would play. I was very happy and will always be grateful to Dick Advocaat for this opportunity.'
France dominated the contest, with Kylian Mbappe getting the fourth goal late in the game
France regained control of their World Cup destiny with the comfortable victory in Paris.
The game started well for the hosts with a goal from Antoine Griezmann and ended with the first international goals by promising youngsters Thomas Lemar and Kylian Mbappe.
After Griezmann's opener, Lemar netted twice and Mbappe - newly signed by Paris Saint-Germain - added another to give Les Bleus a three-points lead over Sweden, which lost 3-2 at Bulgaria.
'We had no chance against a France side that was very strong,' Netherlands coach Dick Advocaat said. 'Maybe in the first half we resisted a little bit, but overall we didn't play well and France largely deserved to win.'
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