Karim Benzema has been called up to the France national football team for the first time since 2015. The 33-year-old was in fine form for his club Real Madrid which made Didier Deschamps to rethink about Benzema’s France position.
Benzema player two warm up friendlies and started both their first two group stage matches but was unable to find the back of the net. However, in his fifth match he scored a penalty and made a perfect run to beak away from Portugal’s defence and showed the world why he is one of the best finishers of the game.
After scoring his first goals for France, Benzema admitted that it tool a lot of pressure off him.
Benzema said in his post-match interview, via Marca: “There was a lot of pressure around me and I know that’s normal,”
“But I never gave up and I moved around a lot and looked for chances. Today it worked for me. but the most important thing is that we are in the last 16.
“I have no doubts, but I feel that the whole country is watching me and it’s normal after five years without being here. I want to enjoy it with everyone.”
Benzema further explained the pressure on him: “Yes, I felt it, from the whole country, but I am a football player and I am a professional and I also need this pressure.”
“Now I’m happy to have scored and to go through to the last 16. At Real Madrid I was used to scoring, but I wanted to do it again with France.”
Benzema concluded: “That’s what we need to go all the way. Personally, I have been touched by their support tonight and I hope there will be more nights like this.”
