The former Real Madrid teammates rolled back the years on Wednesday evening, with both scoring a brace in a 2-2 draw.
Much of the focus was on the duo, who embraced at half-time and at full-time.
Benzema told reporters per Metro: “It’s nice to see him again, we have come a long way together
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“We both played eight or nine years at Real Madrid, we scored goals, won trophies. We spoke, we wished each other good luck for the future with our clubs and in the tournament and especially to continue to have fun on the field and continue to make the difference.” Prior to kick-off, Benzema and Ronaldo shared a knowing smirk and nod which fans on social media loved. Ronaldo’s two penalties have taken him level with Ali Daei’s record of 109 international goals. |
Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema smiling at each other before KO.pic.twitter.com/R8EGtS0kLa
— Deji Faremi (@deejayfaremi) June 23, 2021
Meanwhile, Benzema’s strikes were his first since being reintroduced to the international fold after a six-year exile.
His return raised eyebrows given comments about fellow France international Olivier Giroud and manager Didier Deschamps.
But the 33-year-old spoke at length about his motivation after getting a second chance.
He continued: “I knew as soon as I would be in the national team, the critics would come out – that is part of the football game but I never give up.
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“As soon as I put my feet on the pitch I want to score and today I managed to do that. But I am training a lot. It was always like that, even when I was a little kid. “Today everyone was waiting for this goal and that was some kind of extra motivation for me. Of course there is another pressure than when you play for your club because it is your whole country but for me it is a great pleasure.” France will now face Switzerland on Monday evening while Portugal have a massive showdown with Belgium on Sunday.
Germany qualified in second place and will face England in the last-16 after snatching a 2-2 draw against Hungary. Featured Image Credit: PA Images
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