Football
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France's Paul Pogba claims role vs. Netherlands 'a bit like Pirlo'

Paul Pogba took a warning from Didier Deschamps on board before inspiring France to a 1-0 win over Holland in Amsterdam.

Les Bleus coach Deschamps told the Manchester United midfielder he "must do better'' after his unconvincing display in the win against Bulgaria last week.

And Pogba responded with a goal worthy of the world's most expensive footballer, a 30-yard strike to secure three more points in their World Cup qualifying bid.

Afterwards he revealed Deschamps had told him to be more of a team player, and compared his new role to that of renowned Italy playmaker Andrea Pirlo.

Pogba told the French Football Federation website: "I am a person who tries to create that dribble. Maybe a little too much, but I'm still young although, it is true that some people sometimes forget.

"I try to adapt. I'm a player who likes to go forward. The coach gives me instructions, I try to follow them.

"As he says, I must make the game, recover and be there in the defensive effort. This positioning is a bit like Pirlo -- defend a bit more, play a little more for the team.''

Pogba broke the deadlock on the half-hour mark after Laurent Koscielny intercepted the ball on the halfway line and fed Dimitri Payet, who played a square pass to his fellow midfielder.

Pogba took a couple of steps forward, looked up and unleashed a fierce shot which the diving Dutch keeper Maarten Stekelenburg got a hand to but could not keep out.

It was not all plain sailing for France, however, and they were grateful to goalkeeper Hugo Lloris for keeping out Memphis Depay's late snapshot to preserve the three points.

"Today, these are good points taken,'' added Pogba. "This is a good team performance, especially in the first period. Then it was more laborious, but we're happy.''

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