Olivier Giroud’s late penalty saw France move to the top of Euro 2020 qualifying Group H with a 2-1 victory against stubborn Moldova at Stade de France.
Turkey’s draw with Iceland earlier on Thursday had eased any pressure on Didier Deschamps’ side, guaranteeing their place at next summer’s European Championship, and France put in an underwhelming performance in Paris.
However, Alexei Koselev’s mistake gifted Raphael Varane an equaliser at the other end and France took all three points when Giroud sent the Moldova goalkeeper the wrong way from the penalty spot after Lucas Digne had been scythed down.
Benjamin Pavard went close to an immediate equaliser with a dipping half-volley, while Giroud should have done better from Digne’s cross.
Giroud went a little way towards making amends in the 35th minute when he was involved in the goal that got France back on level terms. The Chelsea forward used his strength to stand his ground as Koselev – who wanted a free-kick – let the ball slip from his grasp, presenting Varane with the opportunity to head home.
France were dominating the match but it seemed their efforts would prove prove fruitless, until Veaceslav Posmac’s reckless lunge on Digne inside the penalty area with 11 minutes remaining.
Deschamps’ side travel to Albania for their final qualifier on Sunday and will win the group as long as they avoid defeat, though they will still finish top if Turkey fail to get a result in Andorra on the same day.
