France 2-1 Moldova: Giroud penalty marks Euro 2020 qualification in style

France 2-1 Moldova: Giroud penalty marks Euro 2020 qualification in style

France marked their qualification for Euro 2020 with a 2-1 victory as Olivier Giroud’s penalty ended Moldova’s resistance at Stade de France.

Turkey‘s draw with Iceland earlier on Thursday had lifted any pressure off France, guaranteeing their place at next year’s tournament, but Didier Deschamps’ side put in a rather underwhelming display in Paris.

With no requirement to win, France made a sloppy start – calamitous Clement Lenglet defending handing Vadim Rata a chance to put Moldova ahead.

Alexei Koselev’s error gifted Raphael Varane an equaliser, though, and France moved top of Group H when Giroud sent Moldova’s goalkeeper the wrong way after Lucas Digne had been scythed down inside the area.

Against the run of play, Moldova hit the front in the ninth minute as Lenglet twice failed to clear with attempted headers – Rata nipping in to steer the visitors into an unlikely lead.

Benjamin Pavard went close to an immediate equaliser with a dipping half-volley, while Giroud should have done better from Digne’s cross.

However, Giroud did play a part in France’s leveller 10 minutes before the break, standing his ground as Koselev – who wanted a free-kick – let the ball slip from his grasp, allowing Varane to head home.

Kylian Mbappe seemed set to make it 2-1 early in the second half, only for his goal-bound strike to be blocked by a Moldova defender, before Giroud volleyed over from close range.

For all their domination, France’s efforts looked likely to prove fruitless, until Veaceslav Posmac’s reckless lunge on Digne.

Giroud made no mistake from the spot, slamming in his third goal in as many appearances to complete the comeback with 11 minutes remaining.

13 – Following the draw between Turkey and Iceland, France will take part of their 13th consecutive major competition (EURO + World Cup). Routine. pic.twitter.com/gVvigEaT5d

— OptaJean (@OptaJean) November 14, 2019

What does it mean? France join the party

France’s qualification was already secured, meaning Les Bleus – beaten finalists at Euro 2016 – will take part in their 13th successive major international competition.

Deschamps’ focus will now be on securing top spot in their group.

Giroud’s run rolls on

He may not be getting much of a chance at Chelsea, but Giroud is one of the first names on Deschamps’ team sheet and, while he missed some presentable chances, still kept up his fine run of form on the international stage.

Lenglet left red-faced – but Koselev lets him off the hook

Barcelona centre-back Lenglet should have coped comfortably with a high ball by heading it back to Steve Mandanda, but Koselev helped France recover, the keeper fazed by Giroud’s presence to gift Varane a much-needed equaliser before the interval.

What’s next?

Les Bleus round off their qualification campaign against Albania on Sunday, while Moldova host Iceland.