FRANCE TOP GROUP A WC QUALIFIERS’

An incredible long-range strike from Paul Pogba led France to a 1-0 win over Netherlands in a crucial World Cup qualifier in Amsterdam.


Pogba’s accurate shot, which appeared too hot for goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg to handle, was the telling blow in a clash between the two tough countries in Group A, leaving the hosts with the first World Cup qualifying loss since 2001.

France have now recorded three straight wins over the Dutch for the first time in their history.

“Paul is capable of and must perform better” Deschamps said after Pogba’s last international outing which he absolutely delivered for the team with his accurately launched rocket-kick. Laurent Koscielny took a square ball from Dimitri Payet while Pogba received the ball from him and aimed for the target under a little pressure.

The kick had a lot of power, Stekelenburg couldn’t handle the ball as it slipped beyond him while he dived to his right. The Everton goalkeeper had been stronger when keeping out Kevin Gameiro’s stinging drive in the early exchanges, as France consistently caused Netherlands problems on the counter.

Netherlands without the sidelined Wesley Sneijder, had their attacking options reduced especially when the injured Quincy Promes had to be substituted after just 15 minutes of playing. more

Didier Deschamps has termed Germany as the best team in the world.

For this reason, he claims that France have to be at their very best in order to overcome the reigning world champions in the Euro 2016 semifinals.


After a comfortable win over Iceland, France have set up a mouthwatering semi-final with Germany. The winner of the tie could go on and face either Wales or Portugal in the final of the competition. Against Iceland, there was little doubt of a victory after France managed to set up a 4-0 advantage going into halftime.

Even though Iceland threatened to spark a comeback with an early second-half goal fromSigþórsson, it was nothing more than a consolation along with the late goal fromBjarnason. It was a commendable effort and a fairytale from Iceland to at least reach the quarter-finals of the Euro 2016. However, the focus now shifts on the real top teams with France and Germany taking on each other. France are heavily backed as the home team while Germany have the World Cup medal still bleeding confidence into their hearts. Germany, however, have been far from convincing in the tournament and this has been a criticism of manager Joachim Loew.

Deschamps has tried to receive the underdogs tag by claiming that Germany are the best team in the world.”I am delighted for the players as they deserve this, and for these fans who have been behind us for months.To be able to offer them something to make them smile and feel happy and have another week in it. I’m delighted about that.We are into the last week and I’m very happy about that. Germany are the best team. There is no doubt about that even if they had a few frights against Italy, who stopped them playing,” said Deschamps.

West Ham have made one of the best starts to a league campaign

West Ham have made one of the best starts to a league campaign and this has largely been down to the brilliance of Dimitri Payet.

The 28-year-old has made only a few appearances for France since his debut in 2010. However, he was hoping that his good form with West Ham might see him get back into the national team on a consistent basis. Returning to the international fold will especially be important for the 28-year-old given that the upcoming Euro 2016 will be held on home soil.Payet has been impressive in the opening six games of the league.

Manager Slaven Bilic has built the team aroundPayet with the French international supporters by the likes of Sakho and Victor Moses. There is a lot of competition within the national team, but the recent downturn in form was expected to help lesser-known players likePayet. After suffering defeats in back-to-back friendly matches in June, manager Didier Deschamps has been able to get on the form back on track with two victories over Portugal and Serbia in this month. Only friendlies await the team between now and Euro 2016. Hence, they are likely to be extremely important in terms of preparation. France face the likes of Denmark, Germany, and Armenia in the next few matches. more