Didier Deschamp’s side held on to secure a point against Bosnia and Herzegovina after Jules Kounde received a straight red card for a dangerous lunge. Elsewhere, two quick-fire goals helped Denmark beat Scotland.
Despite what may be perceived as a negative result for Deschamps and his men, France consolidated their position on top of the table and remain the only team to have won a game in their qualification group.
France fell behind to an Edin Dzeko goal in the 36th minute; the Bosnian striker hit the ball into the back of the net from distance, following a turnover high up the pitch. Les Bleus weren’t behind for long and equalized just three minutes later. Antoine Griezmann – who sealed a surprise return from Barcelona to Atletico Madrid on deadline day – headed the ball past the goalkeeper from a corner.
The 2018 World Cup winners played much of the second half a man down after Jules Kounde saw red for his dangerous lunge on Sead Kolasinac. Nevertheless, France held on to secure a point, taking their total to eight from four games.
2020 Euro semi-finalist Denmark maintained their perfect start to the qualification campaign, as they beat Scotland by two goals to nil. The Danes took the lead in the 14th minute through right wing-back Daniel Wass.
A minute later, his counterpart on the opposite side, Joakim Maehle, doubled Denmark’s lead. Kasper Hjulmand’s side dominated proceedings on the night and are currently four from four in the qualifiers.
Davy Klaassen rescued a point for the Netherlands on Louis Van Gaal’s return to the national team. The Oranje fell behind against Norway in the 20th minute, with talisman Erling Haaland scoring the goal.
However, they leveled the score in the 36th minute through Klaassen, and were able to secure a point. The Netherlands remained second in their group behind Turkey and on the same number of points as Norway.
