France 1 - 0 Uruguay: Giroud penalty sees France edge past Uruguay

Posted Wednesday, November 21, 2018 by PA

Olivier Giroud’s second half penalty clinched France a 1-0 friendly win against Uruguay in Paris.

Chelsea striker Giroud converted a 52nd minute spot kick to give the world champions a lift after their failure to qualify for the Nations League Finals.

But Les Bleus’ win came at a price as Paris St Germain forward Kylian Mbappe was forced out of the action with a shoulder injury.

France were first to threaten through Giroud, who fired wide after being played in by Blaise Matuidi.

Uruguay served warning of their threat soon after when Matias Vecino’s header from Rodrigo Bentancur’s excellent cross was kept out by France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.

Mbappe pulled his attempt off target after being sent clear by Antoine Griezmann, whose cross soon after was met by Matuidi’s shot, which was blocked.

The South Americans posed France problems again at the other end. Edinson Cavani combined with Vecino and the latter forced Lloris into another decent save.

France were dealt a blow nine minutes before half-time when star man Mbappe was forced off after an awkward landing and replaced by Florian Thauvin.

Matuidi and Giroud combined again early in the second half, but the latter failed to keep his header on target.

But the Chelsea striker broke the deadlock for Les Bleus in the 52nd minute.

Uruguay’s Bruno Mendez was adjudged to have handled in the area and Giroud planted a left-footed spot kick into the bottom corner.

France’s tails were up and they went in search of a second. Thauvin’s drive was well saved by Uruguay goalkeeper Martin Campana and Giroud was wayward from six yards out after being set up by Griezmann.

Tanguy Ndombele forced another decent save from Campana, but in the closing stages Uruguay twice went close to an equaliser.

Lloris thwarted Jonathan Rodriguez after he had raced clear on to Cavani’s throug hball and in stoppage time Vecino’s fierce strike from outside the area was also saved by the Tottenham goalkeeper.