Giroud seals Welsh misery
FRANCE
ANTOINE Griezmann starred in an attacking masterclass to force a stubborn Wales side into submission in Paris.
The Atletico Madrid striker produced an acrobatic finish to give France a deserved first-half lead at the Stade de France.
Olivier Giroud made it 2-0 after 70 minutes just when the Dragons’ next generation looked to be turning it around.
Wales faced a big task in Paris without Gareth Bale against a France packed full of European football royalty.
Bale’s presence was missed against rivals who had Kylian Mbappe backing up Griezmann up front.
Midfield partners Blaise Matuidi and Clorentin Tolisso had already had gilt-edged chances to break the deadlock before the crossbar came to the rescue for Wales.
Giroud slipped Mbappe in behind and he unleashed a goalbound shot which cannoned off the feet of Wayne Hennessey on to the bar and to safety.
Wales’ luck ran out after 18 minutes. Tolisso clipped an inch-perfect pass between the Welsh back line for Griezmann to leap and finish with his left foot past Hennessey.
Chris Gunter had a rare chance to cut the deficit before the break but he could only shoot straight at French keeper Steve Mandanda from Neil Taylor’s cross.
France showed no sign of letting up as they piled on the pressure after the restart.
Just after the hour mark Chris Coleman gave Wales fans a glimpse of the future by sending on Ben Woodburn, Ethan Ampadu and David Brooks.
Chelsea youngster Ampadu saw his shot almost turned in by Aaron Ramsey before Giroud’s deflected shot found the net to sew up the win.