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Impressive Valbuena leads France to victory

France were clinical rather than impressive and one of the biggest roars of the evening came when the stadium announcer confirmed world champions Spain had been held 1-1 by Finland.

"It's better to play Spain with a two-point lead rather than being two or three behind. But we shouldn't get carried away and start thinking we've qualified," France coach Didier Deschamps told a news conference.

"We're in the best position at the moment but now we have to play Spain. It won't change anything to their plan - they intended to come to win here anyway."

Valbuena, who had scored in France's two previous games, doubled the lead in the 47th minute with a powerful half-volley and then delivered a cross for Franck Ribery to make it 3-0.

The only frustration for the French was Karim Benzema's continued goal drought.

Valbuena's quick goal after the break allowed Deschamps to rest some of his players ahead of the Spain clash with Valbuena just having time to set up Ribery before he and key midfielder Blaise Matuidi were taken off.

"I was not worried about picking them. Both of them showed a lot of potential, quality. It's only a stage in their careers, but they were not inhibited and that's good," Deschamps said.