Mar 27, 2018 at 4.50pm UK at ​Stadion Krestovskyi
Russia
1-3
France
Smolov (68')
Zabolotny (67'), Miranchuk (82')
FT(HT: 0-1)
Mbappe (40', 83'), Pogba (49')
Mbappe (52')

Result: Kylian Mbappe, Paul Pogba on scoresheet as France beat Russia

Result: Mbappe nets twice as France beat Russia
© Offside
Kylian Mbappe and Paul Pogba both get on the scoresheet as France register a 3-1 victory over Russia in Tuesday's friendly in Saint Petersburg.

France have returned to winning ways with a 3-1 victory over Russia in Tuesday's friendly in Saint Petersburg.

Didier Deschamps's side lost out to Colombia on Friday, but a double from Kylian Mbappe and a Paul Pogba free kick ensured that the visitors recorded an impressive win in the country of the 2018 World Cup hosts.

Chances were few and far between during the early stages of the fixture, but Russia created the first clear-cut opportunity after 15 minutes when Hugo Lloris had to remain alert to keep out Fedor Smolov's effort after the forward had been played through on goal.

However, France were having their own moments at the other end of the pitch and the Euro 2016 runners-up should have taken the lead through Mbappe, only for Andrey Lunev to make a stunning save from point-blank range.

France began to mount a sustained spell of pressure inside of the final third, with Laurent Koscielny the next to force Lunev into an intervention with a header from a set piece.

Anthony Martial then sent a header of his own off target but five minutes before the break, France went in front through Mbappe who found the bottom corner of the net having been teed up by Pogba.

Four minutes after the restart, the Manchester United midfielder went from provider to goalscorer as he converted a free kick from the edge of the area for his ninth goal on the international stage.

However, before the hour mark, Russia should have halved the deficit when Vladimir Granat fired off target from close range after Smolov had witnessed his shot smothered by Lloris.

The home side's goal did arrive soon afterwards. A cross was whipped into the area from a wide position and Smolov was on hand to produce an excellent finish into the corner.

Russia were in the ascendancy but seven minutes from time, France effectively wrapped up victory thanks to Mbappe, who collected a pass from Blaise Matuidi before beating Lunev from inside of the penalty area.

RUSSIA (3-5-2) Lunev; Granat, Neustadter, Kudryashov (Cheryshev 83'); Samedov (Smolnikov 46'), Erokhin (Shvets 76') , Dzagoev (An.Miranchuk 54'), Golovin, Zhirkov (Rausch 46'); Smolov, Al.Miranchuk (Zabolotnyi 66')

FRANCE (4-3-3) Lloris; Pavard, Koscielny, Umtiti (Kimpembe 80'), Lucas; Kante (Tolisso 66'), Rabiot (Matuidi 81'), Pogba; Dembele (Giroud 72'), Martial (Griezmann 58'), Mbappe (Lemar 86')

Share this article now:
Paul Pogba chills during the World Cup qualifier between France and the Netherlands on August 31, 2017
Read Next:
Deschamps backs Pogba to return to form
>

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel
Premier League
Scottish Premiership
La Liga
Bundesliga
Ligue 1
Segunda Division
2.Bundesliga
Eredivisie
Russian Premier League
Liga MX
Uruguayan Primera Division
Chinese Super League
Australian A-League
Belgian Pro League
Greek Superleague
Swedish Allsvenskan
Turkish Super Lig

Subscribe to our Newsletter


Transfer Talk Daily
Match previews - twice weekly
Morning Briefing (7am UTC)
Ultra close-up image of Kevin De Bruyne [NOT FOR USE IN ARTICLES]Get the latest transfer news, match previews and news direct to your inbox!
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Manchester CityMan City31273188216784
2Manchester UnitedMan Utd31215560233768
3Liverpool32199475354066
4Tottenham HotspurSpurs31197562263664
5Chelsea31175953302356
6Arsenal311561058411751
7Burnley31121092927246
8Leicester CityLeicester311110104743443
9Everton32117143853-1540
10Bournemouth32910133951-1237
11Watford32107154157-1637
12Newcastle UnitedNewcastle3198143140-935
13Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton31810132842-1434
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham3189143957-1833
15Swansea CitySwansea3187162544-1931
16Huddersfield TownHuddersfield3287172553-2831
17Crystal Palace3279163150-1930
18Southampton31513132947-1828
19Stoke CityStoke3269172961-3227
20West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom32311182551-2620

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel
Login, I already have my ad-free pass
Log in with Facebook to customise Sports Mole
Buy ad-free access (show me the options)
Buy monthly ad-free access for £1.20/month
Buy yearly ad-free access for £12 (2 months free)
Settings - Logout - Manage your account
Settings - Logout - Manage your account
LIVE SCORES VIDEPRINTER
expand