Luxembourg vs. France: Score and Reaction for World Cup 2018 Qualifying

France defeated Luxembourg on their travels in UEFA Group A qualification for the FIFA 2018 World Cup, toppling their opponents 3-1 at the Stade Josy Barthel in Luxembourg City on Saturday.

A brace from Olivier Giroud and penalty from Antoine Griezmann was enough for Les Bleus, but Luxembourg shocked the major nation with a first-half equaliser as Aurelien Joachim netted from a spot kick.

Wonderkid Kylian Mbappe of Monaco made his debut for France after coming on as a second-half substitute, and the visitors closed out the contest with ease.

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Giroud and Griezmann were recalled to the starting XI after omissions from France's friendly against the Ivory Coast in November. Luxembourg entered the contest without a victory since beating Greece in 2015.

The French took control in the opening moments, with Griezmann being denied by goalkeeper Anthony Moris, but the stopper soon left with an injury, forcing the hosts to regroup.

Luxembourg offered resistance in the first half but fell behind to a goal from Giroud after excellent work from Djibril Sidibe. The full-back beat his marker on the right after 28 minutes, feeding the striker with an easy chance.

Squawka Football highlighted the Arsenal man's effort after his first goal of the game:

The Red Lions shocked the visitors just six minutes later as they grabbed an equaliser by Joachim from the penalty spot. 

Blaise Matuidi was punished for a sloppy challenge in the box, allowing the striker to send goalkeeper Hugo Lloris the wrong way.

The home supporters celebrated with verve as their team stunned the French.

France refused to rest on their laurels after the disappointment of conceding and were back in front three minutes later as Griezmann converted from the spot.

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Daniel Alves da Mota was shown the yellow card as he fouled the marauding Sidibe, but Griezmann only just found the back of the net as Ralph Schon got his fingertips to the shot.

After leading 2-1 at half-time, Les Bleus struggled to step through the gears in the second half, and Luxembourg could smell a second equaliser as they attempted to counter-attack. 

Stefano Bensi wasted a good opportunity as France wobbled in defence, but the hosts could not exploit their opponent's lacklustre defending.

The pace of the match evaporated in the final 20 minutes as the French did the bare minimum against inferior opposition, but there were nervous looks from manager Didier Deschamps on the bench.

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The points were finally sealed after 76 minutes as Giroud nodded home after N'Golo Kante linked with Benjamin Mendy.

According to Squawka, the goal made Giroud his country's 10th all-time goalscorer, as he bagged his 23rd strike of his career.

There was time for Deschamps to give Mbappe his first taste of senior football in the colours of his country, as he came on as a substitute after 78 minutes for Dimitri Payet.

The third goal killed off Luxembourg's ambitions, and the French strolled to victory in the closing stages.

Post-Match Reaction 

Deschamps gave an update on Sidibe after the match as the player was rushed to hospital with injury, per Get French Football News:

France remain top of Group A with 13 points from five games.