Netherlands vs. France: Score, Reaction for World Cup 2018 Qualifying

France defeated the Netherlands 1-0 in 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying Group A on Monday night.

A 30th-minute goal by Paul Pogba from distance was enough to give the visitors maximum points in Amsterdam, but the French had plenty of opportunities to increase the score.

The Dutch were disappointing on the night and failed to penetrate France's defence, which controlled the hosts' best efforts.

Both nations made a single change, with injuries forcing their hands. Wesley Sneijder missed out for the Dutch, while Bacary Sagna was ruled out for France. Davy Propper took the captain's place for the hosts, while Djibril Sidibe grabbed a starting berth for France.

OptaJean highlighted the recent history between the two sides:

FRANCK FIFE/Getty Images

France dominated possession in the early stages as they pressed high up the field. Dimitri Payet linked with the attack, and his presence opened up space, allowing Kevin Gameiro to test goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg.

The Netherlands lost influential attacker Quincy Promes to an injury after only 15 minutes, and Manchester United's Memphis Depay took his place.

ESPN's Miguel Delaney called the action:

Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images

The French continued to drive forward through midfield, with the Dutch remaining compact and ready to counter from deep. Memphis called for a penalty as he tumbled in the box, but the attacker went down too easily for the official's liking.

The Dutch crept up the field, allowing the visitors to use their pace from deep, and there was a menace to France's attack as they tried to supply Gameiro.

The breakthrough came on the half-hour mark as Pogba launched a long-range effort that beat Stekelenburg. The drive swerved and deceived the goalkeeper, but the Dutchman should have kept the ball out of the net.

Writer Jonathan Tannenwald commented on the strike and celebration:

WhoScored.com highlighted Payet's influence:

FRANCK FIFE/Getty Images

The Dutch found it difficult to exert pressure as they searched for an equaliser in the second half, and the French remained more motivated in attack.

Pogba should have grabbed a brace on the hour mark, misjudging a header from a set piece, but the French remained the most likely to score next.

Pogba was again at the heart of his team's best moves, linking with United team-mate Anthony Martial but failing to find the target after waltzing into the penalty area with panache.

The Dutch failed to make an impression in attack, but France were also wasteful in the forward positions—unable to put the game to bed with a second strike.

The Netherlands went for the throat in the final minutes, and Memphis should have earned his side a point. However, the United winger smashed his shot straight at goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.

France were deserved winners on Monday, but their lack of clinical conviction in the second half almost cost them in a match they dominated for long spells.