Luxembourg 1 France 3: Arsenal star Olivier Giroud makes the difference as Les Bleus are made to work for victory over stubborn minnows

AN OLIVIER GIROUD brace proved the difference as France were made to work hard for victory in Luxembourg.

The Arsenal star gave Les Bleus the lead after a simple tap-in following some brilliant build-up play.

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But things turned sour for Giroud in the 34th minute when he and Blaise Matuidi double-teamed the opposition striker to hand Luxembourg a penalty.

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With a remarkably cool spot kick, former Burton Albion forward Aurelien Joachim levelled the scores.

The minnows will have felt aggrieved to find themselves back behind three minutes later when Djibril Sidibe threw himself to the floor to even up the penalty count.

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Antoine Griezmann made no mistake from the spot to put the French 2-1 up at the break.

Giroud then made the game safe with a bullet header in the 77th minute.

The result keeps the French three points ahead of second place Sweden and four ahead of Bulgaria in third.