Vadim Rata provided the opening goal for Moldova after just nine minutes. This was the first goal scored by Moldova since their narrow 1-0 win over Andorra back in June. Moldova are not a strong offensive team and their shock lead was a huge setback for France.
Stade de France was silenced with this goal, but parity was restored in the 35th minute when defender Raphael Varane came up with the equaliser. Moldova cried foul play in the buildup to this goal, as they felt that goalkeeper Alexei Koselev was impeded by Giroud. Ironically, the Chelsea forward came to France’s rescue in the 11th minute when Lucas Digne was fouled by Moldova. The resulting penalty was converted by Giroud, who helped France go top of the table with a two-point advantage.
“I could and should have scored before the penalty. We quite simply didn't get off to the start we should have done.In the second half there was much more intensity and precision so we created lots of chances but at times lacked the finishing touch. The penalty feels good though,” said Giroud. The next game for Moldova will be up against Iceland with the team looking to break a sequence of six consecutive defeats.