France struggle past Moldova; Ronaldo, Kane net 3

ris, November 15

France’s efforts to celebrate their qualification for Euro 2020 were almost spoiled by Moldova, with an Olivier Giroud penalty sparing their blushes as they came from behind to win 2-1 and go top of Group H on Thursday.

Turkey’s scoreless draw with Iceland earlier in the evening ensured they and world champions France would qualify from the group, but the Moldovans were intent on spoiling the French party. The visitors took the lead in the ninth minute after a defensive lapse, with Moldovan striker Vadim Rata poking the ball home.

France equalised in controversial circumstances in the 35th minute as Giroud contested with Moldova keeper Alexei Cosele for a free kick lifted into the box, forcing Cosele to spill the ball for Raphael Varane to head into an empty net. It took a 79th-minute Giroud penalty for a foul on Lucas Digne to secure the three points.

Ronaldo on to 98 goals

Faro (Portugal): Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo scored another treble, moving closer to 100 international goals, as he led the European champions to a 6-0 drubbing of Lithuania. Ronaldo, whose hat-trick was the 55th of his career and ninth for Portugal, has 98 goals and could become only the second player to score a century for his country after Iran’s Ali Daei. Pizzi, Goncalo Paciencia and Bernardo Silva also scored in the Group B match.

Kane crushes Montenegro

London: Harry Kane scored a first half hat-trick as England booked their place in Euro 2020 as group winners with a crushing 7-0 victory over Montenegro at Wembley Stadium. England lead Group A on 18 points with one game remaining and can now look forward to next year’s tournament in which the semifinals and final will be played at Wembley.

England’s total of 33 goals from seven games certainly shows the potency of their attack. — Reuters