Belarus vs. France: Score, Reaction from World Cup 2018 Qualifier

France’s 2018 World Cup qualifying got off to an underwhelming start on Tuesday in a 0-0 draw against a hard-working Belarus side in UEFA Group A action from the Borisov Arena in Barysaw, Belarus.

Entering the match, France was ranked No. 7 in the world and third behind Belgium and Germany in Europe by FIFA. Their hosts, on the other hand, were ranked 70th in the world. 

But in a raucous atmosphere at a stadium that held just 13,000 fans, the memory of one of Belarus’ most famous wins was fresh in the mind of those watching. Six years ago, it defeated France during qualification for Euro 2012, winning at Stade de France with a 1-0 result.

However, Tuesday’s match would not provide three points for either side. 

After a shaky start, France began to control play as expected, but other than an Antoine Griezmann shot that was caught and held by Andrey Gorbunov, France lacked an attacking flair throughout the first half.

Belarus …

continue reading in source www.bleacherreport.com