France held by Ukraine in World Cup qualifying

France were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Ukraine on Wednesday in their qualifying campaign for the 2022 World Cup despite Antoine Griezmann scored a superb goal.

Barcelona star Griezmann curled in the opener in the 19th minute but Andriy Shevchenko’s Ukraine drew level courtesy of an own-goal by the unfortunate Presnel Kimpembe just before the hour mark at an empty Stade de France.

It is a result that immediately puts the defending world champions on the back foot, with only the group winners automatically qualifying for next year’s finals.

France make the long trip to Central Asia to play Kazakhstan on Sunday before stopping off in Sarajevo for another game against Bosnia and Herzegovina next Wednesday.

Les Bleus will also face Finland in the five-team Group D, and a brace by Teemu Pukki saw the Finns draw 2-2 with Bosnia in Helsinki in Wednesday’s other game.

ARR