France earn away win in Bosnia and Herzegovina
France defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina to collect their first points of the 2012 European championship qualifying campaign.
The 2–0 win came after Laurent Blanc's side suffered an astonishing defeat to Belarus in Paris last Friday.
Benzema's many misses
Karim Benzema showed his intent to repay Blanc for including him in the French squad in the 12th minute, as the Real Madrid forward entertained two defenders on the edge of the box before having his shot parried by keeper Kenan Hasagic.
Benzema then struck a delicate free kick that brushed the top of the netting in the 19th minute, after which another of his advances into the penalty area resulted in a block from Hasagic.
Arsenal's Abou Diaby combined well with Florent Malouda on 28 minutes, but his final touch was slightly too heavy as he approached the keeper and the chance came to nothing.
After the kind of quick passing Blanc had said he wanted to see before the game, Benzema fired a long-range shot just before the break. Again, Hasagic was able to parry to finish the half with a clean sheet.
France enjoyed a few half-chances at the beginning of the second half, but it was Bosnia and Herzegovina who came closest to scoring in the 64th minute, as Miralem Pjanic's dipping free kick from far out forced keeper Hugo Lloris to stretch for the save.
France finally score
Eight minutes later, Benzema was finally able to make up for his misses. The 22-year-old collected a pass inside the penalty area with his back to goal before a brilliant turn afforded him enough space to finish with his left foot. This time, it proved too much for Hasagic as France's goal drought was ended.
In the 78th minute, Malouda doubled France's lead after a fine move. After a quick counter attack, Diaby was played through on goal, and backheeled the ball to Mathieu Valbuena just behind him. Valbuena squared the ball to Malouda, who only had to tap in for his fourth international goal.
Minutes later, Valbuena was denied after being played through on the right side of the penalty area, and Benzema missed the goal after chesting the ball down.
Third place in Group D
Despite a lack of sharpness in front of goal, Blanc will be pleased to have won a tough away test. His first three points as French manager came in the nick of time.
France are now third in Group D on three points. With four points each, Albania and Belarus sit in first and second place. Bosnia and Herzegovina are fourth with three points, trailing France by goal difference.
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