France suffered an early setback after fielding a completely changed starting XI from their previous match.
The opening minutes brought a blow as they conceded a goal immediately. However, as expected, France bounced back. With a commanding victory, Didier Deschamps’ side finished their World Cup qualifiers undefeated.
On Sunday, the 2018 World Cup winners beat Azerbaijan 3-1 on their opponent’s home ground.
Having already secured their World Cup ticket with a win against Ukraine in the previous round, this match was essentially a formality for France. Kylian Mbappe had left the squad earlier due to injury, and Deschamps made changes to all ten remaining positions from the previous starting XI.
The match did not start well for France. Just four minutes in, the two-time world champions were hit with a goal from Renato outside the six-yard box.
France, however, responded quickly. In the 17th minute, Jean-Philippe Mateta headed in an equalizer. Thirteen minutes later, Monaco midfielder Aklouche gave the visitors the lead. Before halftime, an own goal from the Azerbaijani goalkeeper increased France’s advantage, leaving Azerbaijan trailing further after defeats in four of the first five rounds of qualifying.
For the remainder of the match, the hosts could not mount any meaningful comeback.
With five wins and one draw from six matches, France topped Group D with 16 points.
Meanwhile, in another match, Ukraine defeated Iceland 2-0, securing the runner-up spot with 10 points and confirming their place in the playoffs despite the country’s ongoing challenges.
England’s Eighth Consecutive Win
England, who had already qualified for the World Cup last month, continued their winning streak. In the latest round, they beat Albania 2-0 away from home.
Both goals were scored by Harry Kane, who has been in phenomenal form this qualifying campaign. Kane has now scored eight goals in eight matches, bringing his career tally to 78 goals in 112 appearances for the national team.
With 24 points from eight matches, England topped Group E, while Albania, with 14 points, will compete in the playoffs.
