Giroud spot-kick gives France hard-fought win over Moldova
Soccer Football - Euro 2020 Qualifier - Group H - France v Moldova - Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France - November 14, 2019 France's Olivier Giroud celebrates scoring their second goal REUTERS/Benoit Tessier
PARIS (Reuters) - France's efforts to celebrate their qualification for Euro 2020 were almost spoiled by Moldova, with an Olivier Giroud penalty sparing their blushes as they came from behind to win 2-1 and go top of Group H on Thursday.
Turkey's scoreless draw with Iceland earlier in the evening ensured they and world champions France would qualify from the group, but the Moldovans were intent on spoiling the French party.
The visitors took the lead in the ninth minute when France defender Clement Lenglet followed up a bad defensive header with an even worse one, giving Moldovan striker Vadim Rata the chance to poke the ball home.
Soccer Football - Euro 2020 Qualifier - Group H - France v Moldova - Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France - November 14, 2019 France's Olivier Giroud in action with Moldova's Veaceslav Posmac REUTERS/Benoit Tessier
France equalised in controversial circumstances in the 35th minute as Giroud contested with Moldova keeper Alexei Cosele for a free kick lifted into the box, forcing Cosele to spill the ball for Raphael Varane to head into an empty net.
The Moldova players protested vehemently that their keeper was fouled by Giroud, but Lithuanian referee Gediminas Mazeika waved away the protests and allowed the goal to stand.
Despite the glittering array of attacking players at their disposal, France struggled to break down the dogged Moldovans, and it took a 79th-minute Giroud penalty for a foul on Lucas Digne to secure the three points.
Soccer Football - Euro 2020 Qualifier - Group H - France v Moldova - Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France - November 14, 2019 France's Antoine Griezmann in action with Moldova's Veaceslav Posmac REUTERS/Charles Platiau
Elsewhere in the group, Albania had to come from behind to grab a 2-2 draw at home to Andorra.
France, who travel to Albania for their final game, top Group H on 22 points, two ahead of Turkey, who host Andorra to round off their qualifying campaign.
Soccer Football - Euro 2020 Qualifier - Group H - France v Moldova - Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France - November 14, 2019 France's Kylian Mbappe in action with Moldova's Dinu Graur and Igor Armas REUTERS/Charles Platiau
(Reporting by Philip O'Connor, editing by Ed Osmond)
Soccer Football - Euro 2020 Qualifier - Group H - France v Moldova - Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France - November 14, 2019 France's Antoine Griezmann applauds the fans after the match REUTERS/Benoit TessierSoccer Football - Euro 2020 Qualifier - Group H - France v Moldova - Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France - November 14, 2019 France's Antoine Griezmann in action with Moldova's Igor Armas REUTERS/Benoit TessierSoccer Football - Euro 2020 Qualifier - Group H - France v Moldova - Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France - November 14, 2019 France's Raphael Varane scores their first goal REUTERS/Charles PlatiauSoccer Football - Euro 2020 Qualifier - Group H - France v Moldova - Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France - November 14, 2019 Moldova's Sergiu Platica in action with France's Kylian Mbappe REUTERS/Benoit TessierSoccer Football - Euro 2020 Qualifier - Group H - France v Moldova - Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France - November 14, 2019 Moldova's Vadim Rata celebrates scoring their first goal with teammates REUTERS/Benoit TessierSoccer Football - Euro 2020 Qualifier - Group H - France v Moldova - Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France - November 14, 2019 France's N'Golo Kante in action with Moldova's Igor Armas and Vadim Rata REUTERS/Benoit TessierSoccer Football - Euro 2020 Qualifier - Group H - France v Moldova - Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France - November 14, 2019 France's Kylian Mbappe shoots at goal REUTERS/Charles PlatiauSoccer Football - Euro 2020 Qualifier - Group H - France v Moldova - Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France - November 14, 2019 Moldova's Vadim Rata reacts to France's Benjamin Pavard REUTERS/Benoit TessierSoccer Football - Euro 2020 Qualifier - Group H - France v Moldova - Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France - November 14, 2019 France's Raphael Varane celebrates after the match REUTERS/Charles PlatiauSoccer Football - Euro 2020 Qualifier - Group H - France v Moldova - Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France - November 14, 2019 France's Olivier Giroud celebrates scoring their second goal with Antoine Griezmann and teammates REUTERS/Benoit TessierSoccer Football - Euro 2020 Qualifier - Group H - France v Moldova - Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France - November 14, 2019 France's Lucas Digne is fouled by Moldova's Veaceslav Posmac resulting in a penalty being awarded to France REUTERS/Benoit Tessier
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