Dushanbe, 11.10.2016. /NIAT “Khovar”/. France booked a 1-0 victory against the Netherlands in 2018 World Cup qualification Group A on Monday in Amsterdam. Xinhua news agency reports.

The visitors took control from the start in the Amsterdam Arena, passing the ball smoothly and giving the home-team no chance. Striker Kevin Gameiro had the first opportunity, but his shot was stopped by Dutch goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg.

After fifteen minutes the Dutch regained some ground with substitute Memphis Depay coming in for injured Quincy Promes, but they remained uncomfortable in possession. When Jeffrey Bruma lost the ball France took over and Paul Pogba launched a long-distance shot, which surprised Stekelenburg. The goalkeeper touched the ball, but could not prevent the French opening goal.

The Dutch defeat meant an end to an unbeaten run in their last 34 World Cup qualifiers since the 1-0 defeat at Republic of Ireland on September 1, 2001. In addition, the unbeaten Dutch streak of 19 World Cup qualifying matches at home, since the 2-0 defeat against Portugal on 11 October 2000, ended.

France now lead Group A with seven points from three matches, together with Sweden, which beat Bulgaria 3-0 in Solna. The Netherlands are third with four points, followed by Belarus, which drew 1-1 against bottom side Luxembourg.