France seal World Cup spot with comprehensive win over Ukraine
France are headed to next year's World Cup after a decisive display against Ukraine at the Parc des Princes. A double from Kylian Mbappé led the way as the hosts struck four times in the second half.
Barcola back in the eleven
In a match in which a win would seal France's spot atop Group D, Didier Deschamps took no chances in lining up a strong eleven, even if it did include two players who didn't feature in October's matches - N'Golo Kante and Paris Saint Germain winger Bradley Barcola. Barcola had missed the previous round of matches through injury, but was quickly put back in the eleven, lining up on the left in a 4-2-3-1.
Despite this attack-minded lineup, little joy was to be had for Les Bleus in the match's early going. A busy season to date seemed to have sapped much of the pace from France's movements and speculative efforts from Michael Olise and Mbappé were all that tested Ukraine 'keeper Anatoly Trubin in the match's early going. It was Barcola, then, who rewarded Deschamps' confidence with the best effort of the first half, a curling effort that forced a diving save from Trubin.
FRANCE QUALIFY FOR THE 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP! 🏆🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/bcYLpTs5hn
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Three goals in twelve minutes
Things were quick to change after the interval though. Even as Ukraine looked to be getting to grips with the match, Olise was brought down in the box, and Mbappé stepped up to give Les Bleus the lead (55'). Coming off the bench, AS Monaco's Maghnes Akliouche proved a bright spark and was decisive in helping France double their lead, having previously tested Trubin himself.
After a fine give-and-go with Kanté, Akliouche freed the former Caen midfielder to pick out Olise in the area, who finished unhesitatingly (75'). Eight minutes later, Mbappé was off to the races, and after Hugo Ekitiké failed to beat Trubin, the captain was there to punch home the rebound to make it 3-0. Another five minutes later, and the two switched roles as Mbappé turned provider for the Liverpool striker, who sealed the match's final margin.
