The Crystal Palace star did it again for his country in Azerbaijan…
France came from behind to end their World Cup qualifying campaign with a 3-1 victory over Azerbaijan in Baku, overturning an early scare to finish the group on a high.
A young French team, with the debuts of goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier and midfielder Maghnes Akliouche, got off to a slow start and fell behind after just four minutes.
Azerbaijan broke through on the left thanks to Rahman Dasdamirov, whose first cross found Renat Dadashov at the near post.
The striker reacted sharply to return the ball, becoming the first Azerbaijani player to score against France.
The hosts continued to threaten in the early stages, with Khayal Aliyev and Emin Mahmudov both putting the visitors to the test during a lively period.
But France gradually settled in and equalized after 17 minutes. Malo Gusto, already important on the right, rushed forward to respond to the pass settled by Akliouche and delivered a cross to Jean-Philippe Mateta to climb higher and head towards the far post.
Gusto’s influence only grew as France turned the tide. After Christopher Nkunku had a finish ruled out for handball following a VAR check, the Chelsea full-back claimed his second assist on the half-hour mark.
Warren Zaire-Emery released him with a diagonal pass, and Gusto again sent a teasing ball across the goal which Akliouche converted from close range to make it 2-1.
France thought they had a third when Marcus Thuram tapped in after another scrum in the box, but VAR intervened a second time to score the goal for handball.
The visitors finally extended their lead in chaotic fashion just before half-time. A corner from the right caused confusion and Azerbaijani goalkeeper Shahrudin Mahammadaliyev misjudged a punch, inadvertently turning the loose ball into his own net.
The second half played out with much less urgency, although France continued to create chances. Nkunku, Cherki and Theo Hernandez all went close, while Thuram had two attempts off target as Didier Deschamps’ rotating side searched for a fourth goal.
Azerbaijan fought back but struggled to regain their early rhythm, making a series of changes that disrupted their form and attacking threat.
A stoppage due to a field invader briefly halted play, but the outcome never looked in doubt. France handled the final stages with control as they saw out the final minutes to complete their qualifying campaign.
