Les Bleus lost 1-0 at home in a friendly against Japan last Friday following a shaky performance and few would have bet their defence would hold up against the world and European champions.
Indeed, it seemed Didier Deschamps's team were heading to a defeat similar to their 2-0 Euro quarter-final loss against Spain when Sergio Ramos opened the scoring in the first half.
France had a goal disallowed for offside and conceded a penalty. But when Hugo Lloris saved Cesc Fabregas's spot kick the visitors still had something to play for after the break.
Deschamps, France's most decorated football player, found the words to inspire his team during the interval.
"The coach's speech has a lot to do with our performance," centre back Mamadou Sakho told reporters.
"He told us not to let go, that we still could grab a draw and possibly win this game."
"I don't mean to be arrogant but it would have been unfair not to snatch at least a point," said Yohan Cabaye.
"It is just a step [towards qualification]," warned Lloris.
"Spain remain the favourites [to qualify as group winners] but why not go get them," said Giroud. "But it's a long road."
"It's a young team, we still can do better and we need to build on what we've been doing," the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 winner told a news conference.
"We are aware that we are not the best. But we are not the worst team either."
