Through 45 minutes of their match on Tuesday, France looked like the same boring side that has failed to play up to their talent level since around 2007. In the second half, they turned on the style and scored three goals in a 3-1 victory over Belarus.
Etienne Capoue got France on the board in the 49th, finishing off a cross by Franck Ribery, who was played in behind the defense by Cristophe Jallet. In the 69th minute, the right back scored a goal of his own on a freak shot that actually appeared to be a cross.
Belarus surprisingly got back into the game just a couple of minutes later when Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa gave away a penalty. Sergei Kornilenko missed the penalty, but Anton Poutilo was able to score on the follow-up.
Unfortunately for the visitors, they wouldn't remain in the match for very long. Ribery sealed France's win in the 80th minute, scoring an absolutely brilliant goal that featured a weaving run through the defense and a chipped finish.
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