PARIS: France kicked off their World Cup qualifying marketing campaign in unconvincing trend as they have been held to a 1-1 dwelling draw by Ukraine on Wednesday (Mar 24).
Antoine Griezmann put the world champions in entrance within the first half with an excellent strike, just for defender Presnel Kimpembe handy the guests some extent with an personal objective after the break.
The consequence left Didier Deschamps’s facet and Ukraine degree with Finland and Bosnia in Group D after they drew 2-2 within the different recreation.
Les Bleus subsequent face Kazakhstan and Bosnia away, on Sunday and Wednesday.
France dominated possession and so they went forward on 19 minutes as Griezmann whipped a pleasant shot into the far high nook from the sting of the field.
It put Griezmann as much as joint fourth with David Trezeguet on the listing of France’s all-time high scorers with 34 objectives. Thierry Henry is high with 51.
Giroud went near doubling the benefit, however his header from Benjamin Pavard’s cross went simply over the crossbar within the thirty second minute.
Ukraine, nonetheless, hit again when Sergiy Sydorchuk’s innocent try was deflected into his personal internet by Kimpembe 12 minutes into the second half.
Deschamps made two substitutions, sending Paul Pogba and Ousmane Dembele in for Giroud and Kingsley Coman.
Pogba introduced metal to the midfield, however Andriy Shevchenko’s facet have been blissful to take a seat again and wait.
Kylian Mbappe, who produced a forgettable efficiency on the left flank of the assault, was changed by Anthony Martial, who did not make any impression.
Griezmann had an opportunity to provide France a last-gasp win, however his curled try was tipped away by Heorhiy Bushchan eight minutes from time.
Kimpembe had a chance to make up for his personal objective within the final minute however headed the ball straight into Bushchan’s arms.
