Didier Deschamps’ side finally ended their streak of draws with a comfortable 2-0 win over Finland. There were big wins for the Netherlands, Denmark, and Norway, whilst Portugal swept past Azerbaijan.
An Antoine Griezmann double helped world champions France beat Finland in the 2022 FIFA World Cup European Qualifiers. The Atletico Madrid man hit either side of the interval to end Les Bleus’ unprecedented streak of stalemates.
Deschamps’ men were largely in control of the game and registered 20 shots compared to their opponent’s three. France remain unbeaten in their group and have accumulated 12 points from a possible 18.
Elsewhere, there were more convincing wins for the Netherlands, Denmark, and Norway – each of those teams hitting at least five goals against their respective opponents.
Louis Van Gaal’s side beat Turkey 6-1 in their latest qualifying game, with Memphis Depay netting a hattrick. Davy Klaassen opened the scoring a minute into the match before Depay’s double made it 3-0 to the Oranje ahead of the interval. The Barcelona attacker grabbed his hattrick nine minutes past the restart, putting the Dutchmen in cruise control.
Guus Til and Donyell Malen scored late on for Oranje, whilst Turkey – who had Caglar Soyuncu sent off before half-time – pulled one back late on through Cengiz Under.
Despite the gulf between the two teams on the pitch, they are separated merely by two points on the table. The Netherlands lead the group with 13, with Turkey and Norway in the chase.
An Erling Haaland hat-trick ensured that Norway kept pace with the Netherlands. The Borussia Dortmund striker scored three of the five goals which the Norwegians put past Gibraltar, keeping hopes of direct qualification to the world cup alive.
Euro 2020 semifinalists Denmark hit five past their opponents, Israel. Five different Danes registered themselves on the scoresheet in the rout, including defender and captain Simon Kjaer.
Yussuf Poulsen opened the scoring before Kjaer made it 2-0 in the 31st minute. Ten minutes later, Denmark were up by three thanks to a goal from Andreas Skov Olsen. Thomas Delaney and Andreas Cornelius scored after the break to make it 5-0 for the Danes, who remain perfect in their group.
