France 4-1 Albania: Coman & Giroud fire Les Bleus back to Group H top spot

Antoine Griezmann missed a penalty against Albania, but it mattered little as Kingsley Coman inspired France to a 4-1 victory in Paris.

Match Report

Kingsley Coman scored twice as France's march towards Euro 2020 qualification continued with a comprehensive 4-1 victory over Albania.

Antoine Griezmann's penalty miss was all that marred a dominant display from the world champions, who were without Kylian Mbappe and Paul Pogba in Paris.

Coman's second international goal got France up and running in the eighth minute, with Olivier Giroud doubling the hosts' lead prior to the half-hour.

Griezmann failed to convert an international spot-kick for the first time soon after, but made amends with a sublime assist for Coman to double his tally midway through the second half.

Substitute Jonathan Ikone helped himself to a debut goal late on, as Didier Deschamp's side – who conceded through Sokol Cikalleshi's penalty late on – moved back to the top Group H in style.

Group Standing

Match Events

8' GOAL! France 1-0 Albania (Coman)

Coman latches on to Varane's pass, takes a touch to control the ball, another to set up the shot and he just pokes it home at the near post.

12' CHANCE! Giroud's header blocked off the line

Giroud should score! Coman directs a long Matuidi pass back across goal towards Giroud, but the Frenchman tries to head it back the other way instead of going for it himself! It's a tight angle, but he should at least attempt something there.

27' GOAL! France 2-0 Albania (Giroud)

Giroud was waiting in the box - as he so often does - and guides in a Hernandez cross from inside the six-yard box. Griezmann sets up the move with a lovely pass into the left-hand channel.

37' Penalty Missed! (Griezmann)

Griezmann goes for power over precision and his effort cannons off the bar and back into play!

68' GOAL! France 3-0 Albania (Coman)

Hernandez picks out Griezmann, who plays a one-two with Giroud out on the left before picking out Coman with a cross. And the winger - on the turn - fires low into the bottom-right corner. Brilliant football in the build-up!

85' GOAL! France 4-0 Albania (Ikone)

Ikone surges into the box - once more using his speed to beat his marker - plays a one-two with Fekir, and finishes low into the bottom-right corner. It's the two substitutes combining!

90' PENALTY GOAL! France 4-1 Albania (Cikalleshi)

France relax for just a second and Bare takes advantage, slipping in Cikalleshi who wins a penalty when he takes the ball away from Lloris. A disappointing end to what has been an excellent half for the hosts.

Player Ratings