Good evening and welcome to coverage of European Championships runners-up France as they take on Belarus in their first game of World Cup qualifying. France beat Italy 3-1 in a friendly early in this international break and they are the favourites to qualify for their group but face a tricky opening game in Minsk. Teams new will follow.

World Cup Qualification UEFA / Matchday 1

Borisov Arena / 06.09.2016

Belarus

Completed

France

Live

Live Updates

ByThe Editorial Team

Updated 06/09/2016 at 20:34 GMT

All
Highlights

90+3'

And that's full-time, not the result that France would have wanted but Belarus will be delighted. Next up for France is a game against Bulgaria at home, one that they simply have to win.

90'

it's a booking for Maevski as he brings down Dembele as the youngster looked to break away on the counter from a corner.

88'

Wonderful composure from Koscielny as he steps out of defence to snuff out some danger and get his team on the move.

83'

Final change made for France as Kevin Gameiro comes on to replace the disappointing Giroud. He nearly makes an immediate impact but can't get the necessary connection on a scissor kick.

82'

Dembele skips his way down the wing but when he comes onto his left the cross is weak. The ball ends up with Sidibe but once again his cross can't beat the first man.

81'

Belarus are bringing on Kornilenko to replace Signevich

79'

Sidibe gets clear down the right but he can't get his cross past the first man.

77'

Probably around 15 minutes left including stoppage time for France to find a winner, can they do it?

74'

Great chance for France as the ball comes in from the wide areas but once again they are denied by Gorbunov

73'

Dembele's exciting isn't he? Loses the ball but tracks back to win it and then goes on a lovely little run before offloading the ball.

69'

There's a change for Belarus as Sergey Krivets comes on for Stasevich.

Meanwhile for France Ousmane Dembele comes on for Sissoko.

68'

CHANCE!

Giroud and Sissoko link up well on the right with the latter sending a good ball in but Griezmann is denied again by Gorbunov

65'

It's a great ball in from Payet and Kurzawa gets the flick-on at the near post. The keeper does well to tip it over.

65'

Dangerous free-kick for France. Payet stands over it

62'

Another speculative effort from Varane as he finds space outside the box. Admittedly it's closer than the last one but it still seems a bit pointless

59'

Here's that outrageous Griezmann pass.

58'

CROSSBAR!

Payet's first involvement is to float a wonderful cross in from a corner but Giroud's header clips the bar and goes over.

58'

It's a great hit from the free-kick from Griezmann but it's far enough out that Gorbunov can tip it over.

57'

FIRST CHANGE OF THE NIGHT

And it's Dimitri Payet time as he comes on to replace the disappointing Martial.

56'

Sivakov goes in for a 50-50 with Koscielny but doesn't get too much of the ball. The fact that his studs are raised means he is shown the first yellow of the game.

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