Diaby on target as France beat Finland
Reuters - Friday 07 September 2012, 21:47
A first-half goal by Abou Diaby
gave France a winning start in their World Cup Group I
qualifying campaign as they snatched a 1-0 victory in Finland on
Friday.
Diaby, whose career has been hampered by injuries and had
not played for Les Bleus since June last year, netted with a
cross shot from Karim Benzema's through pass in the 20th minute.
"Last season was a tough one but I don't want to look
behind, I prefer to move forward," said Diaby.
Finland also had chances but proved too clumsy to make their
presence in the box count as new coach Didier Deschamps claimed
his first win in his second match in charge since taking over
from Laurent Blanc after Euro 2012.
France, who had Hugo Lloris to thank for in the final
minutes after the keeper made a lightning quick save, next play
Belarus at the Stade de France on Tuesday in the second game of
a group also featuring world and European champions Spain.
"We were in danger in the end but it's always the case when
you fail to add a second goal," Deschamps said.
Finland sat back and waited to hit France on the break and
their plan almost paid off after 14 minutes.
Kasper Hamalainen caught the visitors' defence off guard but
Yanga-Mbiwa denied him with a fine tackle just as he was about
to shoot.
France went ahead in the 20th minute when Benzema slalomed
through the midfield before feeding Diaby with a through ball
for the Arsenal midfielder to find the back of the net.
Yohan Cabaye's fierce shot was parried away by Lukas
Hradecky five minutes into the second half as Deschamps's side
pushed hard for a second goal.
Finland, however, also went close when Teemu Pukki was found
unmarked in the box but Anthony Reveillere managed to reclaim
the ball just in time.
The hosts pressed in the final 20 minutes but young French
centre backs Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa and Mamadou Sakho stayed alert
until the final whistle to keep Finland at bay.
"It [Yanga-Mbiwa and Sakho] was a logical choice, and they
confirmed their good performance from the previous game [a 0-0
draw against Uruguay]," said Deschamps.
"It's always harder up front. We need to be more present,
although Diaby brought a lot in this area. We also need to be
more spontaneous."
Lloris, who just joined Tottenham Hotspur from Olympique
Lyon, once again showed his class with a quick save to deny Tim
Sparv's last-gasp header.