Kylian Mbappe’s stunning solo goal helped France ease to a comfortable 3-0 victory and take another giant step towards qualifying for next years’ World Cup with victory over Azerbaijan in Paris. Adrien Rabiot and Florian Thavin were also on target, but there were worrying scenes towards the end as talisman Mbappe signalled to come off with what looked like an ankle injury.
France were far from their best against lowly opposition and came into the match with a mountain of injuries, but boss Deschamps made six changes to the starting XI that faced Iceland, including Liverpool star Hugo Ekitike, who made his first international start. Mbappe, who is in scintillating form for club and country, should have opened the scoring with just 17 seconds on the clock, but fired over from the edge of the box and there were two further chances squandered in the opening minutes by Malo Gusto and Dayot Upamecano. The visitors rode their luck in the opening stages and just as France began to look frustrated the deadlock was finally broken in time added on at the end of the first half, courtesy of a thrilling goal from Mbappe. The Real Madrid striker slalomed through the visitors’ defence and Ekitike got a touch before the ball was thrashed home into the corner of the goal. And it was Mbappe who set-up the second, his cross was met by Adrien Rabiot who nodded home from seven yards out. Thauvin added to the scoring, just seconds after coming on as France maintained their 100 per cent record in World Cup qualifying.
GOAL rates FRANCE players from Parc des Princes…
Goalkeeper & Defence
Mike Maignan (6/10):
Rarely called into action, was virtually a passenger for large swathes of the match. Probably could've left his his gloves back in the changing room.
Theo Hernandez (7/10):
A useful performance, but was rarely tested in defence, played with France's very high line, supplied the assist for Thauvin's goal.
Dayot Upamenco (7/10):
Came so very close to opening the scoring in the 18th minute, but failed to connect with a header at the back post. Calm and composed throughout, in the face of very little threat from the visitors.
William Saliba (6/10):
A very quiet evening and had little to combat from the Azerbaijan attack. Arsenal fans will be glad he completed the match without any injury worry.
Malo Gusto (6/10):
Nearly bagged his first international goal in the 10th minute and would have been disappointed to see the keeper beat away his shot from just 10 yards out.
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Adrien Rabiot (8/10):
Almost wrote all the headlines with an audacious reverse flick which floated wide. But was on hand to confirm the win, heading home from Mbappe's cross from seven yards out. Was subbed off just a few seconds later.
Khephren Thuram (7/10):
Will be pleased with his debut performance and almost bagged a delightful strike from just outside the box in the 67th minute. Showed some neat touches and will be happy with his performance.
Michael Olise (7/10):
Has been in thrilling form for Bayern Munich so far this season and was a constant threat in the heart of France's midfield, always looking to drive forward or find a killer pass. Wasted a golden opportunity in the 38th minute, delayed his shot which allowed the defender to smother. Subbed in the 70th minute.
AFPAttack
Kingsley Coman (7/10):
A non-stop performance down France's left wing, with his usual step-overs, tricks and flicks. Cut a frustrated figure at times as his hard work failed to produce the killer final product. Hooked in the 70 minute.
Kylian Mbappe (8/10):
France's talisman really should have scored after just 17 seconds, but fired over from the edge of the box. But scored a world class solo goal, skipping past defenders and firing low into the corner of the net. Sent in cross for Rabiot's goal in the second half, but worrying sight as he asked to be subbed off in the 81st minute with what looked like an injured ankle.
Hugo Ekitike (6/10):
Was strangely subdued in the first half, but very nearly scored following a wonderful piece of individual skill, but fired low at the keeper just before the break. And he hit the base of the post with a powerful low drive just after the re-start. Subbed in the 79th minute.
AFPSubs & Manager
Maghnes Akliouche (6/10):
Thrilling piece of skill almost set up a goal just seconds after coming on. Showed glimpses of real class, but not on the pitch long enough to make major impact.
Florian Thauvin (8/10):
Replaced Mbappe in the 81st minute, and scored two minutes later, courtesy of a delightful touch and finish and edge of six-yard box. What a comeback!
Christopher Nkunku (7/10):
A few neat touches, but had very little to do after coming on
Jean-Philippe Mateta (6/10):
Made his France debut, coming on in the 79th minute at the ripe old of 28! Had half a chance to score a dream goal on debut, but his shot was blocked.
Eduardo Camavinga (6/10):
Replaced Rabiot in the 70th minute, but had too few involvements to make a decisive impact on the game.
Didier Deschamps (6/10):
Would have been concerned as the first-half progressed, but will be pleased his much-depleted side stayed calm and eventually took their chances.
