No friction for France
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
Article summary
France 2-0 Cyprus Goals from Jimmy Briand and Anthony Le Tallec brought France's Group 4 campaign to a winning conclusion in Beauvais.
Article body
France completed their UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying campaign with a 2-0 win in their final Group 4 game against Cyprus.
Play-off momentum
Having already booked their place in Thursday's play-off draw as group winners, the French maintained some momentum with a comfortable win at the Pierre Brisson stadium in Beauvais against a Cyprus side who picked up just one point from their eight qualifying games.
Finishing touch
Stade Rennais FC striker Jimmy Briand steadied French nerves by scoring their opening goal after 43 minutes, but the victory was not confirmed until substitute Anthony Le Tallec - who scored a hat-trick in France's 3-0 win against Switzerland on Friday - found the target after 66 minutes.