France held 2-2 by Iceland, face crunch match against Ukraine in World Cup qualifiers
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REYKJAVIK – France coach Didier Deschamps accused his side of “switching off”, as their perfect record in their World Cup qualifying campaign ended when they were held to a 2-2 draw away to Iceland in an entertaining Group D clash on Oct 13.
Jean-Philippe Mateta scored his first goal for Les Bleus to put them 2-1 ahead on his second appearance, after Christopher Nkunku had equalised for the visitors following Victor Palsson’s opener, but Kristian Hlynsson salvaged a point for Iceland.
“We are a bit frustrated. We wanted the victory and we were looking for the third goal at the end. We could have done better overall,” Mateta told broadcaster TF1.
“It is always a big moment for a striker to score, and especially for me to get a goal on my first start for France.”
France remain top with 10 points from four games, three ahead of Ukraine, who beat Azerbaijan 2-1.
Les Bleus face Ukraine in Paris on Nov 13 in what could prove a decisive fixture in the race to qualify for the 2026 World Cup in the US, Mexico and Canada.
“Iceland had two shots on target and scored twice, but we didn’t do enough in the first half,” said Deschamps.
“We then did what we had to but what’s frustrating is the way we conceded the second goal.
“We’d done the hard part and then switched off – that shouldn’t happen to us. We’ll have to settle for that.”
France started solidly despite being ravaged by injuries and played without regulars Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue and Bradley Barcola.
They came close to scoring when Michael Olise delivered a perfect corner to the penalty spot, where Manu Kone flicked the ball on for Nkunku, whose volley was brilliantly saved by goalkeeper Elias Olafsson.
Olafsson was at it again moments later, boxing away Olise’s curling free kick.
Iceland made the most of their resilience six minutes before half-time, when Palsson turned a low free kick into the back of the net to put the hosts ahead.
France stepped up a gear after the break and were rewarded in the 63rd. Nkunku cut in from the left after being played through by Lucas Digne, evaded Palsson and fired a powerful low shot inside Olafsson’s left-hand post to make it 1-1.
Five minutes later, the visitors went in front after a flowing team move as Eduardo Camavinga found Maghnes Akliouche on the left edge of the box. The midfielder crossed first time for Mateta, who tapped home.
However, Iceland hit back swiftly in the 70th minute following a quick counter-attack, as Hlynsson equalised to deny Deschamps’ side a fourth straight win.
Elsewhere on Oct 13, Germany striker Nick Woltemade scored his first international goal to secure a 1-0 win
Windsor Park was rocking and the Irish full of confidence after wins either side of a 3-1 loss in Germany in September. A cross which went in off Woltemade’s shoulder was the only difference between the hosts and the four-time world champions.
Germany are on nine points in Group A, ahead of Slovakia, who beat Luxembourg 2-0, on goal difference. Northern Ireland are third on six points.
The group winners qualify automatically for the Finals while the runners-up advance to the play-offs.
“It definitely wasn’t our nicest game,” Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann told RTL. “The stadium was extremely emotional. We had to work hard and go for the second, third and fourth ball, fight for every ball.
“In the end, a set piece was decisive. We practise that a lot because it’s important. It was an ugly win, but the most important thing is the three points.”
In other notable qualifiers, Belgium have almost qualified from Group J after Kevin de Bruyne converted two penalties
Wales must try to catch second-placed North Macedonia, who were held 1-1 at home by Kazakhstan.
Switzerland could have qualified from Group B with the right combination of results, but will have to wait until November after a 0-0 draw in Slovenia.
The Swiss are now only three points clear of Kosovo, who beat Sweden 1-0 in Gothenburg.
Sweden’s campaign has proven to be a disaster as they sit bottom of the section with just one point. REUTERS, AFP
