Giroud goal secures draw against Spain

Spain vs France
Olivier Giroud came off the bench to rescue a late draw for France when he headed in a Franck Ribery cross late in injury time, in an European Group I World Cup qualifying game. Sergio Ramos  had put the Spaniards ahead in the first half at the Vincente Calderon,  on Tuesday.

Cesc Fabregas missed a penalty late in the first half, as the World Champions lost their 100 percent win record.

Vicente del Bosque's side started with six recognized midfielders, it was no surprise that La Roja began the match with the majority of the possession.
Xavi and Andres Iniesta were producing their typically fluid passes, but were initially unable to break down the French resistance.

Midway through the half, and still the home side had a complete monopoly of the ball. It wasn't though, until a set-piece came their way, that Spain eventually opened the scoring.

Pounced
A corner from Xavi went to Sergio Ramos, who could only hit the post with his initial header. The Real Madrid man pounced on the rebound though, a poked it into the net.

Didier Deschamp's side did trouble Iker Casillas' however, late on in the half. First Karim Benzema  had his effort turned around the post by his Real Madrid teammate, and then Jeremy Menez had a header ruled out for offside.

Those missed chances almost would come back to haunt Les Bleus as Pedro was brought down by Laurent Koscielny inside the penalty area. Cesc Fabregas though, had his spot kick saved by Hugo Lloris, but Giroud saved the day.

Both teams are now tied on seven points.

Spain: Casillas; Arbeloa, Busquets, Ramos, Alba; Xabi Alonso, Xavi, Iniesta; Silva (Cazorla 14), Fabregas, Pedro
France: Lloris; Debuchy, Sakho, Koscielny, Sakho, Evra; Gonalons, Matuidi, Cabaye; Ribery, Benzema (Giroud 88), Menez





Do you have an Opinion?

Translate

Get Us on Mobile

Get latest news, livescores and standings through your mobile phone on www.futaa.com/mobile or m.futaa.com

Football Calender

Did you know?

That you can follow all Kenyan Premier League games live on futaa.com? On the front page all games activated as live will appear and a link will take you to the live page.

Scores and scorers and awarded cards will appear on the fly. From the same page live games from other leagues can also be followed!