France weren’t at their best in their 3-0 Euro 2024 qualifying win at Gibraltar but got the job done regardless.
Les Bleus were continually frustrated in the Algarve on Friday evening, relying on a penalty and an own goal to secure the victory.
Olivier Giroud gave the visitors an early lead in stylish fashion. Kinglsey Coman’s superb cross from the right flank sailed over the watching Gibraltar defence and headed in by France’s all-time leading scorer.
Ayoub El Hmidi nearly equalised from the halfway line before the stubborn hosts gave away a penalty on the stroke of half-time for handball. Kylian Mbappe stepped up and slotted home from 12 yards.
France were able to create chances with a little more ease after the break but had to wait until late on until they could add a third, with Mbappe’s cross turned into his own net by Aymen Mouelhi.
Didier Deschamps’ side have now won all three of their qualifying games and sit three points clear at the top of group B.
They are next in action on Monday at home to second-placed Greece.
GK: Brice Samba (6); RB: Benjamin Pavard (6), CB: Wesley Fofana (7), CB: Ibrahima Konate (7), LB: Theo Hernandez (7); CM: Aurelien Tchouameni (6), CM: Eduardo Camavinga (6), CM: Antoine Griezmann (6), RW: Kingsley Coman (8), CF: Olivier Giroud (8), LW: Kylian Mbappe (8)
SUBS: Ousmane Dembele (5), Randal Kolo Muani (5), Christopher Nkunku (5), Youssef Fofana (5), Axel Disasi (5)
