France wastes chances in 2-0 loss to Finland in friendly

Finland stunned World Cup winner France 2-0 in a friendly on Wednesday as hosts were punished for missing a number of chances.

First-half goals from winger Marcus Forss and striker Onni Valakari gave Finns an unexpected win, which h looked even more unlikely after France carved open visiting defence early on.

Forward Marcus Thuram, son of Lilian Thuram, could have me a scoring debut at Ste de France — where his far netted only two goals of his long international career in World Cup semifinal against Croatia in 1998.

Thuram almost scored with his first chance for France when he heed against crossbar from close range in 16th minute. Two minutes later, Thuram volleyed over ar good opportunity from close range and tried his luck with a speculative curling shot a few minutes later.

With Thuram probing down left and combining well with striker Wissam Ben Yedder, French looked in total control only to concede twice in quick succession.

After midfielder Moussa Sissoko gave ball away in 28th, Forss charged into penalty area and finished confidently with a driving shot. Three minutes later, Valakari curled a shot past goalkeeper Steve Mandanda from edge of penalty area.

France h a lot of possession in second half yet created little until latter sts.

Thuram tried his luck with a speculative shot from outside area with 20 minutes left but it was easily saved, and n midfielder N’Golo Kante sliced well wide after being set up by Anthony Martial's neat flick.

Thuram was France's most dangerous player throughout and his cushioned touch allowed Martial a late shot which he blasted over. n, in last minute of injury time, striker Antoine Griezmann rolled a shot wide from Martial's pass on a sloppy night for France.

“We h a couple of chances from Marcus. If we h put m away it would have been a different story," Griezmann said. “But we need to figure out what we didn’t do well and look forward to Saturday.”

France has Nations League matches away to Portugal on Saturday and at home to Sweden next Tuesday, with Portugal leing France on goal difference in that group.

Im credits: AP