WORLD champions France have been held to a draw against a Ukraine side they hammered 7-1 just five months ago.
A strike from Antoine Griezmann put Les Bleus ahead but an own goal from Presnel Kimpembe earned the Ukrainians a share of the spoils.
THAT’S ALL FOR TONIGHT
France kicked off their qualification campaign for the 2022 World Cup with a 1-1 draw at home to Ukraine.
The French took the lead through a wonderful, curling effort from Antoine Griezmann.
Ukraine hit back in the second half when Serhiy Sydorchuk’s shot was deflected in off Presnel Kimpembe.
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Goodnight!
REACTION FROM LLORIS
“We missed that second goal. We should have done a lot more to get him, especially in the second period. After the break, we lacked aggressiveness and intensity.
“We take this somewhat unfortunate goal because they were successful. And faced with the low block, we struggled to find the solution.
“There were good intentions at the start, and we didn’t know how to take advantage of them.
“At half-time we should have taken shelter. It is insufficient for this first match. We will analyze it and move forward.
“We would have preferred another scenario tonight, but we have to negotiate the next matches in the best possible way. ”
REACTION FROM GRIEZMANN
“What did we miss? No more offensive players who could play side-by-side.
“We will learn to play against systems like that and try to win the next one.
“We wanted to win, but we didn’t have a great game. Now we have to see what we have done good and bad and try to improve.
“My 34th goal in Blue? I’m happy for it. I always try to give the maximum for the team. With work, you can get to this level. ”
REACTION FROM DESCHAMPS
“A poor performance? In view of the result, yes, we could and should have taken shelter.
We had the chances for the 1st period, after that it was more difficult. Certainly, we had a little less juice.
But there was also a good Ukraine team in front, even if the goal we take is avoidable. We pushed to the end (…) Obviously disappointed, because for us the ideal would have been to win.
But it proves that Ukraine is a good selection. This is the first step, we will have two more, which will not be simple. It will be a long journey. And it’s never a long quiet river (…) In the second half, we lacked pep, against a well-grouped team.
“But despite everything, we had the opportunities to win this match. We will recover well now, before thinking about Sunday’s game ”
POSITIVE POGBA
REACTION FROM SHEVCHENKO
GOOD PERFORMANCE FROM KANTE
44 CONSECUTIVE GAMES FOR FRANCE
GROUP D TABLE
GRIEZMANN STAT-ATTACK
FRANCE STAT-ATTACK
UKRAINE HEAT MAP
FRANCE HEAT MAP
AVERAGE POSITION OF BOTH SIDES
FULL TIME
PEEEEEEEEP!!!!!!!!!
FULL TIME
FRANCE 1-1 UKRAINE
FRANCE 1-1 UKRAINE
90. Chance! Griezmann corner from the left hand side is met by Kimpembe but his header is straight at Bushchan.
There will be four added minutes.
FRANCE 1-1 UKRAINE
87. Ukraine happy to sit back and play on the break, France still pushing forward but look vulnerable to the counter.
The French have just lost their spark in this second half.
FRANCE 1-1 UKRAINE
83. Both sides coming forward trying to win it, but chances are at a premium.
France still forcing the issue, but have just lacked a cutting edge in the second half.
FRANCE 1-1 UKRAINE
80. France really turning the screw looking for a winner, but Ukraine look solid in their defensive shape.
The game is drifting towards a draw with both sides struggling to create clear cut chances.
FRANCE 1-1 UKRAINE
76. Sub for France, Mbappe is replaced by Martial.
FRANCE 1-1 UKRAINE
75. Ukraine still coming forward, they’re looking for another. The away side have really grown into this game.
France still piling on the pressure but yet create any real chances in the second half.
FRANCE 1-1 UKRAINE
72. Sub for Ukraine, Yaremchuk is replaced by Junior Moraes.
FRANCE 1-1 UKRAINE
69. The game is becoming quite stretched as both sides chase the goal that will put them in front.
France still having more of the ball and looking the more likely to score.
FRANCE 1-1 UKRAINE
66. France pushing Ukraine back looking for a second, the away side looking comfortable defensively.
Ukraine are firmly in this game and look lively on the break.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
