The Allianz Riviera Stadium in Nice, France, witnessed an extraordinary display of footballing dominance on November 18, 2023, as the French national team demolished Gibraltar 14-0 in their UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying match.
This resounding victory not only marked France’s biggest-ever win in their history, surpassing Germany’s 13-0 win over San-Marino in 2006, and also set a new men’s European Championship qualifying record. This also marked the third time France had scored more than 10 goals in an international game. The last two occasions were in 1958 against Luxembourg and in 1998 against Andora.Â
The match was a one-sided affair from the start, with France asserting their control over the game from the opening whistle. Led by their star-studded lineup, including Kyilan Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann, Oliver Giroud, entered with an aura of immortality, France had a possession of 73%, 7 corners and 20 shots on target, while Gibraltar had a 27% possession, 0 corners, 0 shot on target and 5 fouls.
Before the begining of the match it was clear that France would come out victorious having won nine of their previous matches in all competitions while Gibraltar having won just one of their previous 12 matches. With France at the top of the Euro league table followed by Netherlands while Gibraltar is at the bottom of the table.
An own by Gibraltar goal keeper Ethan Santos in just the third minute gave the hosts an early lead, setting the stage for a goal-scoring spree that would leave Gibraltar reeling. The defense headed by Raphaël Varane, stood firm, snuffing out Gibraltar’s rare attacks.
Marcus Thuram doubled France’s advantage in the 10th minute making it 2-0, and 17 year old teenager Warren Zaire-Emery who became France’s youngest player since 1914 added a third goal just few minutes later before going off injured, making his debut a night to remember. The floodgates had opened, and France’s attacking prowess was on full display.
Gibraltar’s hopes of mounting a comeback were further dashed when Ethan Santos was sent off for a reckless challenge on Zaire-Emery, reducing them to ten men. This numerical advantage further amplified France’s dominance, and they continued to pile on the goals.
Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappé, the world’s most sought-after striker, scored a penalty in the 31st minute to make it 4-0, and Jonathan Clauss added a fifth just a minute later. Kingsley Coman and Youssouf Fofana joined the scoring party, making it an incredible 7-0 lead at halftime.
The second half was no different, as France continued to dismantle Gibraltar’s defense with ease. Adrien Rabiot opened the second half with a goal in the 63rd minutes, Coman again, and Ousmane Dembele all found the back of the net before Mbappe added two more include a 40-yard outstanding goal, extending France’s lead to 11-0.
Veteran striker Olivier Giroud, who had come off the bench, added two goals in the final ten minutes before the end of thr match to complete France’s record-breaking 14-0 victory.
France finished with 39 shots which 20 was on target. With a total of 84 fixtures by Gibraltar they have won just 8, had 9 draws and lost the remaining 67 games. The match was a remarkable display of attacking brilliance, with France’s players showcasing their individual talents and combining flawless teamwork.
France’s 14-0 win over Gibraltar was not just a statistical anomaly; it was a statement of intent from a team that is determined to defend its European Championship title in 2024. The victory highlighted the depth and quality of France’s squad, with its rich football heritage and a plethora of world-class players, and a host of young players stepping up and contributing to the goal-scoring feast.
Gibraltar on the other hand has only been a member of FIFA since 2016, ranked 198th in the FIFA world rankings, and is still in her development phase, both in football infrastructure and player pool, which also served as an avenue for them to showcase their progress on the international stage.Â
The match also served as a reminder of France’s attacking prowess, with their players showcasing their ability to create chances, convert them into goals, and break down defenses with ease. Mbappé, in particular, was a constant threat, demonstrating his world-class talent and adding another chapter to his already impressive international resume.
The match between France and Gibraltar was an extraordinary event that will be etched in the history books. France’s record-breaking 14-0 victory was a testament to their attacking prowess, their depth of talent, and their determination to continue their dominance in European football. The match also served as a reminder of the unpredictability and excitement that international football can bring.
