Mueez Ajao
– Antoine Griezmann played chief tormentor as France sprung back into life to end a five-game winless streak by beating visitors Finland 2-0 in a World Cup Group D qualifier on Tuesday.
– Griezmann struck in each half after his partnership with Karim Benzema bore fruit in satisfying fashion to put the world champions on 12 points from six matches at the top of the group.
– Finland, who had a decent opening half, are third on five points but have two games in hand of the French.
– Bosnia are fourth on three points from four games after a 2-2 draw with bottom side Kazakhstan, who also have three points. Ukraine are second on five points from as many matches.
– “Even it was not perfect we showed determination and with that came some more technical quality,” said France coach Didier Deschamps.
– “We had more confidence, it was more like us. It’s a very important result for us, now we have to finish the job in November.”
– After two 1-1 draws against Bosnia and Ukraine, Deschamps’ tinkering paid off as France started in an usual 5-2-3 formation with Leo Dubois and Theo Hernandez as fullbacks and Griezmann, Anthony Martial and Benzema up front.
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