France secured their place in next summer's World Cup, beating Belarus 2-1 at Stade de France, Saint-Denis, according to the Daily Mail. France moved ahead in the 27th minute courtesy of Antoine Griezmann's finish at close range. Afterward, France continued setting up opportunities and was able to double the lead in the thirty-third minute when Olivier Giroud's right foot deflected the ball into the net. In the second half, the home team still dominated play but were unable to increase the tally. However, Belarus had some clear chances up front and, in the process, they were able to score a consolation in the second half thanks to Anton Saroka's fine angular finish from distance.
France head to Russia after claiming a total of 23 points in Group A and four ahead of Sweden who could only manage 19 points after their shocking defeat to exit the Netherlands. Belarus ended their campaign in the fifth spot. Here are the two things observed in the match.
Didier Deschamps' side was fantastic
Les Bleus put on only a marginally more dominant performance at home against a feeble Belarus team, who had previously lost three matches. The French midfield was highly coordinated, favoring long and short accurate passes across the field. France was able to take the lead, capitalizing on a woeful defending from the visitors' back line that saw Antoine Griezmann hurriedly tapping the ball into the back of the net.
Didier Deschamps' men largely operated through the center midfield and apparently held more possession on Belarus's half. However, the home crowd's rousing rendition of La Marseillaise was eventually cut short by Anton Saroka's stunner minutes before half-time and the same man should have leveled matters up in the sixty-fifth minute.
No doubt, the home team were not entirely comfortable in seeing the game out, even after the warmly received second-half introduction of PSG's Kylian Mbappe. Notwithstanding, Les Bleus were able to hold on the score-line to full-time.
France seemed to have underrated Belarus
France head coach Didier Deschamps's made three vital changes from the side that featured in France 1-0 triumph over Bulgaria last Saturday.
He introduced Olivier Giroud, Thomas Lemar, and Kingsley Coman, dropping out Alexandre Lacazette, Kylian Mbappe and N'Golo Kante in the match. Hence, these changes somehow affected France's free flow pattern of play in the attack, although their performance against a weaker Belarus team was simply “convincing.” Nevertheless, what matters most was that they were able to earn a victory at home and booked their place in Russia. Overall, Didier Deschamps did well for France, taking them to the World Cup. Good job!
