This archive report was first published on 15 November 2019.
France secured a spot at Euro 2020 on Thursday, November 14, 2019, before their final home qualifier against Moldova. However, their hopes of celebrating the occasion were compromised when Vadim Rata punished abject defending to give Moldova a shock ninth-minute lead.
World champions France, who lost the Euro 2016 final as hosts to Portugal, were guaranteed a ticket to next year's tournament following a 0-0 draw between Turkey and Iceland.
However, their hopes of turning the final home qualifier into an evening of celebration at a chilly Stade de France were compromised when Vadim Rata punished abject defending to give Moldova a shock ninth-minute lead.
France's hopes of a celebratory evening were further dampened when Raphael Varane levelled for France 10 minutes before half-time, sparking furious protests from Moldovan players and their coach who argued goalkeeper Alexei Koselev was fouled by Giroud.
The Chelsea forward grabbed the winner from the spot 11 minutes from time after Lucas Digne was cut down in the box to leave France two points clear of Turkey at the top of Group H.
"I could and should have scored before the penalty. We quite simply didn't get off to the start we should have done," Giroud told French television.
France coach Didier Deschamps recalled Kylian Mbappe and N'Golo Kante from injury for the match, while Steve Mandanda retained his place in goal with Hugo Lloris ruled out until next year after elbow surgery.
Deschamps praised Giroud's performance, saying, "Whether he's indispensable or not, he's very useful and efficient. Despite what he doesn't have at Chelsea, he still has it with us."
