Football
Ian Holyman, France correspondent 6y

Blaise Matuidi unconcerned by France World Cup qualifying struggles

France midfielder Blaise Matuidi has said he is not worried by the team's unconvincing World Cup qualifying campaign, saying they have "huge potential."

Euro 2016 finalists France clinched their place in Russia with a nervy 2-1 win over Belarus in Paris on Tuesday, leaving them four points clear at the top of Group A.

The campaign contained poor performances including a defeat to Sweden and a goalless draw at home to Luxembourg, with France struggling for goals at times despite boasting Antoine Griezmann and Kylian Mbappe.

But with the injured Ousmane Dembele, Paul Pogba and Benjamin Mendy still to return, Matuidi told reporters: "We have huge potential.

"We know we can improve things but, in terms of results, we got it done. We have youngsters who have a huge amount of talent and the older players are still on it.

"We weren't necessarily used to playing together. Everyone has to build an understanding. I'm not worried because we are getting results."

The Juventus midfielder added said France should enjoy the achievement of qualifying "and we'll have time to think about tomorrow."

Dimitri Payet echoed Matuidi's sentiments, saying France were "not the only ones to have had some difficulties."

He added: "It's been a good qualifying campaign -- we only lost one game -- but we have to improve for the big competition.

"We know we can do better and it's encouraging to want to do better. We haven't been good to watch in qualifying, but I prefer to play badly and win."

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