Football
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Didier Deschamps satisfied with win but says France 'could've scored more'

France coach Didier Deschamps felt his side had done exactly what was required with a 3-1 win at Luxembourg which sees them remain clear at the top of World Cup qualifying Group A.

Following Sweden's 4-0 win over Belarus earlier on Saturday, there was little margin for error against the European minnows at Stade Josy Barthel.

Olivier Giroud put Les Bleus ahead after 28 minutes, but Luxembourg soon drew level from the penalty spot through Aurelien Joachim.

France were soon back in front however, Antoine Griezmann converting a spot kick of his own, before Arsenal striker Giroud headed in a late third to seal the victory as well as leave him in the top 10 of France's all-time scoring list with 23 goals.

With a trip to Solna to come in June, Deschamps feels his side, who remain unbeaten from five qualifiers, should be pleased with their performance.

"We did the right thing," Deschamps said to TF1. "We could have scored more goals and also put ourselves in less difficulty on fewer occasions.

"But the main thing is that we have taken three points and scored three goals, so that is pretty positive."

There was one negative from the trip, though, with defender Djibril Sidibe having been forced off midway through the second half with what appeared to be a rib injury.

The Monaco right-back was filmed being carried out of the stadium on a stretcher as he was taken to hospital for further tests, and is now a major doubt for the Paris friendly against Spain on Tuesday night.

Luxembourg remain with just one point and now four defeats at the bottom of Group A.

Manager Luc Holtz was again left to reflect on what might have been if his team had been able to make the most of their chances.

"Of course I have regrets," Holtz said, reported by France Football. "At 1-1, we gave away the penalty very quickly, too fast and on the first goal, passes were made in a pressure zone where they should not have been made. On all three goals, we made mistakes.

"Unfortunately, we did not manage to get back to 2-2 when we could have."

Holtz, who saw goalkeeper Anthony Moris hobble off with a knee problem inside 20 minutes, added: "However, overall I am very satisfied with the performance of my players.

"We managed to hold France for a long time to 2-1, and if we had scored a second goal, God knows what might have happened.

"I am also very proud of what we have produced. We stood up to one of the favourites for the next World Cup."

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