France stun Ukraine to qualify for World Cup

France have overturned a 2-0 deficit from the first leg of their playoff tie against Ukraine to qualify for the World Cup with a 3-2 aggregate victory.

The former World and European Champions were in danger of missing out on the tournament in Brazil following a 2-0 loss in Ukraine last Friday.

However, Didier Deschamps's side marched on to a comfortable 3-0 home win in Paris to book their place in next summer's showpiece event.

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France were in control of the contest right from the start and surged ahead in the 22nd minute when Mamadou Sakho slotted home from just yards out after Franck Ribery had seen his effort saved by Andriy Pyatov.

Karim Benzema doubled Les Bleus' lead in the 34th minute when he turned in from close range after collecting a loose ball inside the Ukraine penalty box.

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Things went from bad to worse for the visitors as they were reduced to 10 men just after the break, Yevhen Khacheridi being sent off for a second bookable offence.

That provided the incentive to France to wrap up the tie inside normal time and they did just that, as Oleg Gusev turned the ball into his own net under pressure from Sakho in the 72nd minute.

The hosts could have added more to their tally in the final minutes of the contest, but would still be happy with a 3-0 win that secures their place in next summer's World Cup.