International

France Fire Blanks In Georgia

8 Sep 6, 2013 - 10:46 pm

By Diogo Peral

France failed to find a way past Georgia in their 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Friday night and look set to face a play-off en route to Brazil.

Didier Deschamps' men controlled the game but failed to make the most of their chances and were almost punished when the hosts hit the woodwork in the second period.

Jano Ananidze looked to give the hosts a strong start but Moussa Sissoko was on hand to stop his run while Karim Benzema teed up Franck Ribery at the other in the 12th minute only for the Bayern Munich man to flash a shot wide.

Jaba Kankava tried an ambitious attempt five minutes later for the home side while Hugo Lloris was worked by Tornike Okriashvili in the 25th minute.

Mathieu Valbuena would send a decent opportunity over the crossbar late in the first period for the French while Okriashvili sent a shot crashing against the post on the second attempt at the start of the second-half.

France responded with Olivier Giroud going close before the Arsenal forward failed to hit the target after a botched shot from Patrice Evra fell kindly for him.

Valbuena and Ribery both drew saves from the goalkeeper while Giroud saw his stoppage time attempt well saved by Giorgia Loria - allowing the hosts to grab a point.