Best possible result for France

France 3 Faroe Islands 0

France kick-started the final lap of their qualifying campaign in the best possible manner in Lens with a 3-0 win against the Faroe Islands at a sold-out Stade Felix Bollaert.

Two goals from Djibril Cisse and an own-goal from Suni Olsen allowed Les Bleus to take maximum of points and boost their confidence just four days before their must-win clash in Dublin against rivals and now second-placed Republic of Ireland.

Switzerland are now top of Group Four following their 1-1 draw with Israel earlier in the day.

Last year France over came the same opposition with a shaky display, but this time Raymond Domenech’s men – rejuvenated by the recent returns of Zinedine Zidane, Claude Makelele and Lilian Thuram – displayed better control throughout.

The hosts took the reins of the clash right from the start with Chelsea defender William Gallas firing the first chance for Les Bleus over the crossbar in the 10th minute.

Two minutes later Cisse headed the ball past the right post before netting the opener in the 13th minute.

The action started off on the left, with Thierry Henry crossing towards Florent Malouda. The Lyon midfielder then passed the ball to Cisse, the Liverpool striker, who headed it in.

The visitors proved dangerous three minutes later and almost got the equaliser with Claus Bech Jorgensen’s header into the bottom right corner, but France goalkeeper Gregory Coupet pushed the ball to safety.

In the 18th minute France got a second goal on the scoresheet thanks to Faroe Islands stopper Olsen, who deflected a dangerous cross in his own net.

France piled on the pressure, leaving few spaces to their rivals and remaining aggressive up front.

Henry waltzed past defenders in the 33rd minute before firing a strike – but goalkeeper Jakup Mikkelsen saved.

Two minutes later Bayern Munich’s Willy Sagnol missed a golden opportunity to add a third when his impressive shot hit the bottom of the right post.

In the 41st minute Henry found himself in one-on-one situation with Mikkelsen, who saved well. Then, on the stroke of half-time, the hosts missed a glorious chance when Malouda crossed the ball towards Cisse whose shot was once again saved.

At the start of the second half Les Bleus proved more hesitant, with Patrick Vieira missing out with an easy shot after 52 minutes. The former Arsenal midfielder was off target with his shot from a promising position.

The Faroe Islands came to France with hopes of a draw, and they stayed in the game as Malouda and Henry saw shots saved by the impressive Mikkelsen.

Thuram, who had already injured his right knee during France’s win against Ivory Coast last month, limped off the pitch with what appeared to be an injury to his right leg in the 72nd minute.

The absence of the Juventus stopper did not disturb the hosts as Cisse added a third goal for his side and his second of the match after firing a powerful strike in the 76th minute.