Mar 25, 2017 5:47:40 PM
Group A favourites France did not have it all their own way against Luxembourg, but Didier Deschamps' side took another step towards Russia.
France recorded an unconvincing 3-1 World Cup qualifying win over a tenacious Luxembourg, who gave their illustrious opponents a scare after drawing level at Stade Josy Barthel.
Didier Deschamps fielded an array of attacking talent as France laboured to restore their outright lead in Group A after Sweden's 4-0 thrashing of Belarus earlier on Saturday.
But it was not until the 28th minute that Olivier Giroud ended Luxembourg's stubborn resistance with a close-range finish after the hosts had lost goalkeeper Anthony Moris to injury.