Patrice Evra uses his strength to keep Luxembourg's Ben Payal at bay. Photograph: Michel Spingler/AP France welcomed their World Cup rebels back into the fold with a 2-0 Euro 2012 stroll against Luxembourg but not everyone was happy even though goals by Philippe Mexès and Yoann Gourcuff moved the French into a four-point lead at the top of Group D.
The qualifier at the tiny Josy Barthel stadium witnessed the return of Patrice Evra and Franck Ribéry, who were banned for five and three games respectively for their roles in last year's fiasco in South Africa where France players went on strike to support Nicolas Anelka after he was sent home for insulting the coach Raymond Domenech.
Manchester United's Evra and Bayern Munich's Ribery were booed by 2,000 French fans who had crossed the border and made low-key comebacks in a soporific game.
With the captain, Alou Diarra, on the bench, Arsenal's Samir Nasri was given the armband and started as the playmaker with Gourcuff as the holding midfielder. Nasri and Gourcuff switched positions midway through the first half as France struggled to outwit the Luxembourg defence.
Things did not change much, although Nasri delivered a perfect free‑kick into the box for Mexès to head home in the 28th minute. Chelsea's Florent Malouda and Karim Benzema then went close before half‑time. France scored again 18 minutes from time when Gourcuff volleyed home a Ribery cross that had been deflected by a Luxembourg defender.
JamiiForums uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.