France had to come from behind to record a comprehensive win over Scotland during a friendly game at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy on Tuesday night.
Both teams went into the clash as part of their preparation for the 2024 European Champion, having qualified for the Mundial to be hosted in Germany.
The draw for the tournament is scheduled to be held in Hamburg on December 2, 2023.
As Steve Clark’s men went ahead in the clash, Benjamin Pavard was the scorer of an unlikely brace as France came behind to beat their unimpressive visitors.
The Scottish team took a surprise lead when, on loan, Brighton midfielder Billy Gilmour scored his first international goal.
Didier Descamps’ side came back into the game and turned the table with Pavard netting twice.
Kylian Mbappe made it three from the penalty spot after Oliver Giroud was fouled in the box, and Bayern Munich winger Kingsley Coman added a fourth in the second half.
The visitors couldn’t give France a tough time as they struggled to make much of an impression on the game in an attacking sense. They eventually took the lead when Billy Gilmour beautifully curled past Mike Maignan.
France restored parity within five minutes of going behind when Pavard nodded home the equaliser. He then netted his brace when he met Kylian Mbappe’s cross to make it 2-1 shortly afterward.
Mbappe finally got his name on the scoresheet before the break when he converted the penalty spot after Liam Cooper’s foul on Olivier Giroud.
With four goals already scored in the first half, the second half became a much quieter affair, more befitting of the friendly occasion.
France still managed to make it four when substitute Kingsley Coman netted from inside the box after Antoine Griezmaan’s effort hit the bar.
The game became end-to-end as both teams continued creating one attack after the other.
Written by Oladipupo Mojeed