Hello and welcome to Eurosport's LIVE text coverage of the World Cup qualifier between France and Finland in Group D. Could this be classed as a must-win for France? Didier Deschamps' side are without a win in five games and what's more, they'll have to do without Kylian Mbappe, who limped out of training with a calf problem. Les Bleus are still top of the group but Finland - full of confidence after qualifying for their major tournament - are hot on their heels. We'll have all the build-up followed by minute-by-minute commentary when the match starts at 19:45.
World Cup Qualification UEFA / Matchday 6
Groupama Stadium / 07.09.2021
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- A. Griezmann(26', 54')
Live
Live Updates
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Updated 07/09/2021 at 21:02 GMT
21'
France's attempt to play out from the back is unsuccessful and Finland's high press helps them to win the ball back. This is a really bright spell for the visitors. O'Shaughnessy launches another throw-in into the heart of the France penalty area, but it comes to nothing.
20'
Over! Lloris opts to play it safe by tipping Nissila's deflected shot over the top for a Finland corner, which brings about another moment of encouragement for the visitors as Schuller floats a cross in from the by-line to find Vaisanen but he can't keep his header down.
16'
A ball over the top has Pukki chasing but Kimpembe gets across well and wins the aerial battle. Having enjoyed a little more possession, Finland are growing in confidence.
12'
A worrying moment at the back for France as Pukki gets free on the left flank but his cross is dealt with by Kimpembe.
11'
Wide! Hernandez has a clear sight of goal 25 yards out but fizzes his low effort wide of goal.
10'
Pogba spots the run of Griezmann in behind the Finland defence and plays a beautiful pinpoint pass into the feet of the Atletico Madrid star, who - you guessed it - forces another corner.
9'
Hernandez wins France's third corner of the game. Griezmann's initial delivery is cleared but he'll get a second bite of the cherry and this time his cross bounces off Benzema, allowing Finland to hack clear.
6'
Benzema, playing in his home city of Lyon, receives a huge cheer as he wins France their first corner of the game. Zouma rises tallest to head on Griezmann's corner delivery but Schuller gets the last touch as France win another corner. And this time, the referee spots an infringement inside the box and awards Finland a free-kick.
4'
France deal with the corner and Dubois, who conceded it, leads a counter-attack before he's fouled. Schuller goes into the book and because he plays central midfield, that makes his night very difficult.
3'
O'Shaughnessy, whose father is Irish, launches a long throw-in into the French penalty area and Dubois isn't taking any chances, knocking it behind for an early Finland corner.
2'
Just a reminder, France are top of the group, but Finland are right on their tail and have played two games fewer than Les Bleus. This is a crucial game for both nations.
1st Half
1'
Kick-off! Finland get us underway in this Group D clash!
19:44
There's a raucous atmosphere ahead of kick-off; isn't it great to have supporters back in football stadiums?
19:42
The players are out, the national anthems are ongoing and it's almost time for kick-off at Parc Olympique Lyonnais!
19:35
TEAMS IN FULL - France XI: Lloris, Zouma, Varane, Kimpembe, Dubois, Pogba, Rabiot, Hernandez, Martial, Griezmann, Benzema.. subs: Mandanda, Mukiele, Tchouameni, Diaby, Lenglet, Guendouzi, Veretout, Maignan, Ben Yedder, Lemar, Digne. /// Finland XI: Hradecky, Alho, Vaisanen, Arajuuri, O'Shaughnessy, Urone, Nissila, Schuller, Kamara, Pohjanpalo, Pukki.. subs: Sparv, Soiri, Jensen, Ivanov, Joronen, Eriksson, Forss, Valakari, Raitala, Taylor, Toivio, Kairinen.
19:30
"We have to show some pride as well and not accept it all," Paul Pogba said about France's recent form, per the Daily Mail. "Pardon the language, but it p***es me off to not be winning. I haven't won with the French team in a while, and it's something that I've missed. I think that's the case with everyone, with all of the players, we want to show a reaction. We'll keep the positives, we got a point, despite the performance which needs to change."
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Image credit: Getty Images
19:20
Finland, of course, have fond memories in France, having recorded a surprise victory here back in November of last year.
19:15
Martin Mosnier of Eurosport France believes that Les Bleus' poor form is partly down to the poor form of Antoine Griezmann. "Benzema's return changed Griezmann's role and that's the biggest problem for the team today,” Mosnier says. The Atletico Madrid star is playing in behind Benzema and Martial tonight and it's fair to say there is considerable pressure on him to perform.
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Image credit: Getty Images
19:10
France are in a right mess, it has to be said. Find out why by reading our comprehensive article below...
19:05
Rangers' Glen Kamara returns from suspension to feature in Finland's midfield while Teemu Pukki, who scored in the win over Kazakhstan at the weekend, spearheads the attack, knowing three more goals will see him overtake Jari Litmanen as his country's all-time goalscorer.
19:00
Karim Benzema and Raphael Varane are recalled to France's XI after missing out the 1-1 draw with Ukraine last time out. Anthony Martial's reward for scoring Les Bleus' equaliser is a place alongside the Real Madrid striker.