France kept their noses in front in the European Group A race to qualify for the 2018 World Cup as Blaise Matuidi's early strike earned a 1-0 win in Bulgaria on Saturday. Following Sweden's crushing 8-0 thrashing of Luxembourg, this win was enough to keep Didier Deschamps's team a point ahead of the Scandinavians, with one match to come. Hosting minnows Belarus on Tuesday, France will be confident of holding onto top spot and securing a place in Russia next June. "It was a difficult match with lots of mistakes, commitment," said Deschamps, who became France's most successful coach with a 42nd victory from 68 matches since taking over the reins in 2012.

France's midfielder Blaise Matuidi (C) celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2018 qualifying football match between Bulgaria and France at The Vasil Levski Stadium in Sofia on October 7, 2017. Pic/AFP