France delivered a composed and commanding display in Paris, brushing aside Azerbaijan 3-0 to maintain their perfect start to the FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
It was a night that showcased Les Bleus at their elegant best; controlled, clinical, and confident.
Kylian Mbappe, as ever, was the heartbeat of the French attack. The captain opened the scoring just before halftime, weaving through a crowd of defenders to guide his shot into the bottom corner.
It was his 10th consecutive game on the scoresheet for club and country; a mark of the consistency that continues to set him apart.
Didier Deschamps’ side controlled the tempo throughout, their dominance underlined by patient passing and quick transitions.
Adrien Rabiot doubled France’s lead after the interval, rising highest to meet Mbappe’s teasing cross with a precise header.
The final flourish came from Florian Thauvin, who marked his first France appearance in over six years with a beautifully taken goal moments after coming on.
The winger curled home from the edge of the area to seal a result that reflected France’s authority from start to finish.
Azerbaijan, however, emerged with credit. Goalkeeper Shakhruddin Magomedaliyev made several sharp saves to deny Mbappe and Hugo Ekitike, while defender Behlul Mustafazade stood out for his composure under pressure.
Their resilience ensured the defeat was far more respectable than the 10-0 drubbing suffered in 1995 when these sides last met.
A brief scare came late on when Mbappe requested to be substituted, but France closed out the contest without disruption.
The result extends their lead to five points at the top of Group D, as Deschamps’ men continue their serene march toward qualification.
