Mar 25, 2016 at 7.45pm UK
Netherlands
2-3
France
de Jong (47'), Afellay (86')
FT(HT: 0-2)
Griezmann (6'), Giroud (13'), Matuidi (88')
Matuidi (69')

France boss Didier Deschamps singles out Arsenal's Olivier Giroud for praise

Olivier Giroud and Mesut Ozil look distraught during the FA Cup game between Arsenal and Watford on March 13, 2016
© Getty Images
Didier Deschamps pays tribute to Olivier Giroud for his performance in France's 3-2 win over the Netherlands.

France coach Didier Deschamps has heralded Olivier Giroud for dusting off his Arsenal cobwebs and playing a key role in Les Bleus' 3-2 win over the Netherlands on Friday.

The 29-year-old striker put his goal-shy form for the Gunners to one side by impressing in last night's friendly at the Amsterdam ArenA, scoring the second goal.

"Giroud has had a difficult period with his club. But he's continued the good form he's shown for us in previous games. I think he was very useful in the game as offensive support," Deschamps told reporters.

"He has a great understanding with the midfield players, especially with the more attack-minded of them. In particular with Dimitri [Payet] and Antoine [Griezmann] in the first half."

The Frenchman enjoyed a goal-laden first half of the season in North London, netting 15 goals in all competitions, but his form has since tailed off and he has netted just twice in the Premier League since January.

Dimitri Payet celebrates scoring during the FA Cup game between Blackburn Rovers and West Ham United on February 20, 2016
Read Next:
Dimitri Payet impresses Didier Deschamps
>
Related Video
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Leicester CityLeicester31199354312366
2Tottenham HotspurSpurs311710456243261
3Arsenal30167748301855
4Manchester CityMan City30156952322051
5West Ham UnitedWest Ham301311647351250
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd30148838271150
7Southampton31138104132947
8Stoke CityStoke31137113437-346
9Liverpool2912894540544
10Chelsea30101194541441
11West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom30109113037-739
12Everton29911951411038
13Bournemouth31108133850-1238
14Watford30107133032-237
15Swansea CitySwansea3199133140-936
16Crystal Palace3096153240-833
17Norwich CityNorwich3177173254-2228
18Sunderland3068163655-1926
19Newcastle UnitedNewcastle3067172955-2625
20Aston Villa3137212258-3616