France Start Their WC Qualifying Campaign With a Draw vs Belarus

Belarus held France to a goalless draw in the World Cup qualifier on Tuesday.

France’s Olivier Giroud reacts during the World Cup Group A qualifying match between France and Belarus. (Photo: AP) 

France got their World Cup qualifying campaign off to a poor start as they were held to a goalless draw in Belarus in their Group A match on Tuesday.

France, runners-up at this year’s European Championship, dominated the match but could find a way to score with Olivier Giroud wasting their best opportunities.

Giroud pulled an effort wide when through on goal early in the second half and rattled the crossbar with a header.

In the group’s other games, Sweden and the Netherlands drew 0-0 while Bulgaria came out on top 4-3 in a seven-goal thriller against Luxembourg.