France must accept their tag as Euro 2020 favourites with "humility", according to Paul Pogba, who was superb in Tuesday's win over Germany.
Paul Pogba insisted France must deal with being labelled as favourites to win Euro 2020 after he led the way with a supreme performance against Germany.
Mats Hummels' own goal gifted Euro 2016 runners-up France a 1-0 win over Germany in their opening Group F encounter in Munich on Tuesday, putting Les Bleus well on their way to progressing to the last 16.
France – who finished with just one attempt on target – had opportunities to add to their lead, with Kylian Mbappe and Karim Benzema having goals disallowed for offside, though Joachim Low's Germany ultimately failed to make their luck count as they lost their opening game of a European Championship for the first time.
The winner came in fortuitous circumstances, with Hummels turning in from Lucas Hernandez's cross.
Pogba's exceptional pass played in France's left-back, however, and the Manchester United midfielder was on top form, attempting more passes (52) and more in Germany's half (31) than any Les Bleus player.
He also amassed a team-high 78 touches – albeit that total was 50 less than game-leader Toni Kroos (128) – and went in for 20 duels, the most of any player.
With the world champions having been tipped to lift the trophy they missed out on against Portugal on home soil five years ago, Pogba is adamant France must live up to the billing.
"The performance of the team is the most important. Without them, I would not have been so efficient," Pogba, who was also involved in a flashpoint with Antonio Rudiger when he appeared to complain that the Germany defender had bitten him, told M6.
"They helped me, they have everyone made the effort. This victory is for everyone, those who are also on the bench and in the stands to support us.
"Everyone was talking about our status as favourite, our attack, the group of death. We must assume our status with humility."
Didier Deschamps is aiming to become the first person to win the European Championship and World Cup as both a player and coach, and was delighted with a resilient display.
"We had a big match against a very good opponent," Deschamps told M6.
"I knew that my players were going to be ready, we were fighting for everything, even if in the first half we could have got the ball out a little better. We did not suffer that much in the second period. It's a tough game.
"This is our first game. In our group, taking these three points is important. We were at the level, this victory is good for us."
Deschamps' counterpart Low said he could not have asked for any more effort from his Germany side, who mustered 10 attempts to France's four, albeit only one of them hit the target.
"We really gave everything. We fought until the end, for 90 minutes," Low told beIN Sports.
"What we missed was a goal. We conceded a goal that we could have avoided, but otherwise I have no criticism to make. We lost a match, but we continue."
Germany next host defending champions Portugal, while France travel to Budapest to face Hungary.
yslohail
1
winning by own goal and people think they are favourite for Euro France are lucky Germany just miss a good finisher
timo Werner is there[Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
Ankush61
0
how can I tell my grandchildren that this two players are European 😭😭😭
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And how can i tell my grandchildren that people like you still exist 😭😭 stop being racist.
vxnckr
0
France the type of team to go to the corner flag and waste time, 20 minutes before the game is over 😴🤡
shakerr
1
winning by own goal and people think they are favourite for Euro France are lucky Germany just miss a good finisher
they are labelled as favourites cuz they managed to nullify Germany attack.. very good defensively and smart at counter attack.. 2 goals ruled out for offside.. this France squad was really strong.. Lloris in goal, Varane and Kimpembe at centre back, Pavard and Hernandez as a fullback, Pogba and Kante in the middle with Rabiot, Griezman Benzema Mbappe as the forward.. a fearsome squad
Rozaceoyz
0
haters 🖕🏻💪💪
Jitbilnoru
2
winning by own goal and people think they are favourite for Euro France are lucky Germany just miss a good finisher
Lipbciz
1
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ClemJay
2
This Euro's will definitely get interesting. A lot of teams coming up with surprises
ruteinotu
3
they r not favourites ...... Just they won the game against Germany bcuz of OG .......Germany still have more possession and attack
Culer_till_I_die
1
They will not win the Euros , this time , I can bet my life on this. You can take the screenshot 👋
hiwdemnsuy
3
how can I tell my grandchildren that this two players are European 😭😭😭
ishti
5
Meanwhile Deschamps :- I don't mind this tag
Teddybee
0
pretender at united