France coach Didier Deschamps believes his side could have inflicted a heavier defeat on Moldova after kickstarting their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign with a 4-1 victory in Chisinau.
Deschamps was also relieved to have avoided any embarrassment in the Group H clash ahead of what will be a more difficult test on Monday when they take on Iceland at the Stade de France.
“We could have scored more,” said Deschamps on www.fff.fr. “But these matches are still complicated. My players handled the game the right way. We did not fall into any trap.”
Three goals in 13 first-half minutes set France on their way against a side ranked 170 by FIFA, 169 places behind the World Cup holders and beaten Euro 2016 finalists.
Antoine Griezmann latched onto a deft chip over the Moldovan defence from Paul Pogba to smash home a left-foot volley, followed by goals from Raphael Varane and Olivier Giroud, the latter netting his 34th for his country. Only Thierry Henry (51) and Michel Platini (41) have scored more.
With Kylian Mbappe adding a fourth late on, Deschamps added: “All the attackers scored, so much the better.”
A blot on the copybook was the conceding of an 89th-minute consolation for the hosts, with Vladimir Ambros scoring his first goal for his country with what proved to be Moldova’s only shot on target.
Deschamps said: “We could have avoided this goal, it would have been better, even if it’s nice for the Moldovan public and the many in the small stadium.”
Ahead of the Iceland game, Deschamps added: “A lot depends on us. We have the quality, we all saw that.
“We did not give Moldova time to organise and to get back, and we have to keep it that way because the second match is coming in three days. ”
Recognising the chasm between his side and France, Moldova head coach Alexandru Spiridon said: “It’s very difficult to catch a Ferrari. I was very impressed.
“I have never seen such a difference with an opponent. The main problem of our team is the low level of our championship. It was very difficult to face the world champions.”
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