PARIS -- Raphael Varane insisted he would not allow the praise to go to his head after earning plaudits for keeping Real Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo quiet as France defeated Portugal 2-1.
Karim Benzema and Paul Pogba were on target for Les Bleus in the friendly victory at the Stade de France, with Portugal getting a consolation through Ricardo Quaresma's 77th-minute penalty after a Pogba foul on Joao Mario.
Mario had been brought on as a substitute for Ronaldo, who endured a disappointing night in the French capital, but Varane said all the France players deserved the credit.
"I am happy with my performance, but most of all it was a team display," he told reporters in the mixed zone when asked about shutting Ronaldo down. "I am trying not to let things like that go to my head. That is my nature. I try to be calm, quiet and thoughtful.
"I like being able to analyse my performances and trying to improve tactically, which we can do together in training. On the pitch, I am trying to guide my teammates and communicate with them as often as possible."
France attacker Antoine Griezmann said he had been impressed with both Varane and defensive partner Eliaquim Mangala, along with the two goal-scorers.
"We were expecting a big clash with a European giant," the Atletico Madrid star said. "Raphael Varane and Eliaquim Mangala were important in the centre of defence. Paul Pogba was good too, while Karim Benzema was excellent. I was not at my best in the Spain match and I wanted to put in an improved performance. Right now, I am full of confidence."
Goalkeeper Steve Mandanda added: "The victory is good for our minds and good for the team. The fact that it was against a team that boasts Cristiano Ronaldo adds to it, of course."
Despite Ronaldo's performance, Portugal teammate Nani stressed that his former Manchester United teammate remained a player of the very highest calibre.
"This match was not about who is better between Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema -- I think we know who is better," Nani said. "But today was a good game and that is the most important thing for both teams."