Elegant France cruise to next stage

France are in the UEFA European Under-21 Championship play-offs after a comfortable 2-0 win against Cyprus in the Stade Charléty, Paris.

Perfect record
Having now won six matches out of six - scoring 12 goals and conceding none - France moved six points clear of Cyprus at the top of Group 1 and, with two matches remaining, cannot be overtaken.

Opening goal
The home team dominated proceedings from the start, with wing-backs Bernard Mendy and Patrice Evra wreaking havoc on the flanks, and it came as no surprise when they took the lead in the 21st minute. Montpellier Hérault SC striker Habib Bamogo latched on to an Evra pass and slotted coolly past Cyprus goalkeeper Antonis Georgallidi with his left foot. 

Visitors' response
Cyprus looked to hit back before half-time but France goalkeeper Nicolas Penneteau was equal to Asimakis Krassas's shot in the 39th minute before the hosts re-established their superiority after the break.

Toulalan clincher
The match was over as a contest when France doubled their lead in the 57th minute. FC Nantes Atalantique midfield player Jérémy Toulalan picked up a pinpoint pass from Liverpool FC's Florent Sinama-Pongolle and fired a shot past the stranded Georgallidi.

Cyprus chance
France play away to Slovenia on Tuesday, but regardless of the result there will be involved in a two-legged play-off in November to decide if they qualify for the tournament finals. Cyprus still have the chance to qualify as one of the six best group runners-up.