Luxembourg 1-1 Bulgaria: Eliminated sides draw

Olivier Thill scored his first goal for Luxembourg, but the hosts failed to hold their lead at home against Bulgaria.
Olivier Thill scored his first goal for Luxembourg, but the hosts failed to hold their lead at home against Bulgaria.
We have reached the stage of the 2018 World Cup qualifiers when it all feels like a local long distance charity race. The favourites, Brazil, crossed the line ages ago; Iran and Japan joined them soon after; we've politely applauded Mexico, Belgium, South Korea and Saudi Arabia and now we're anxiously looking down the track wondering where everyone else has gone.
Spain are striding effortlessly towards us; Costa Rica, grinning broadly, are right behind them. And, look... there's England, clad in...
France coach Didier Deschamps preferred to retain a positive outlook despite seeing his star-studded side held to a shock goalless draw at home by minnows Luxembourg.
Les Bleus went into the World Cup qualifier in Toulouse on the back of a 4-0 mauling of Holland on Thursday and would have been expected to inflict even more damage on a nation placed 126 below them in the FIFA world rankings.
But a combination of the woodwork, inspired goalkeeping from Jonathan Joubert and indifferent finishing saw...
France's World Cup qualification hopes suffered a setback as they were held to a shock goalless draw at home to minnows Luxembourg.
Didier Deschamps's side, who thrashed the Netherlands 4-0 on Thursday, were expected to win convincingly in Toulouse but they were unable to break down a country positioned 126 places below them in the FIFA world rankings.
Midfielder Paul Pogba headed against the crossbar in the second half while Luxembourg goalkeeper Jonathan Joubert produced some fine saves to earn...
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...