Watch France stars’ bizarre antics as Ousmane Dembele collects Player of the Match award after win over Portugal
FRANCE stars reacted in bizarre fashion as Ousmane Dembele picked up his Player of the Match award after beating Portugal.
A drab match ended 0-0 after extra-time with France progressing 5-4 on penalties.
Dembele converted his spot-kick and was later named Player of the Match, leading to jubilant scenes on the touchline.
The Paris Saint-Germain star was surrounded by his team-mates as he collected his trophy.
France players started roaring with delight as Antoine Griezmann applauded Dembele’s efforts.
Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni then bizarrely began stroking his team-mate’s face, leading Dembele to swat him away.
Marcus Thuram then filled up his Player of the Match trophy with water, and Dembele took a drink before swirling the gong above his head, sparking cheers.
Fans found the whole affair rather bizarre, with one reacting saying: “Thuram is always a nuisance
”
Another added: “This is why I love the French national team
”
A third wrote: “Friendship FC always wins.”
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And another commented: “This is the energy I need to celebrate every little win.”
France will take on Spain in the semi-final but their performance led to criticism from Rio Ferdinand, who suggested manager Didier Deschamps was too cautious in his approach.