Les Bleus grateful to Gouffran

France remained in contention for a place in this summer's UEFA European Under-19 Championship finals as a Yohan Gouffran strike earned a slender Elite round Group 3 win against Israel.

Second win
Having begun their campaign with a 3-2 success against Portugal on Tuesday, Jean Gallice's side were quickly into their stride against a side that lost their opener 3-0 to mini-tournament hosts Spain. However, the French struggled to find a way past Israel reserve goalkeeper Guy Haimov, in for the suspended Gil Offek, and the match was goalless at the interval.

Gouffran goal
The breakthrough did arrive seven minutes into the second period, however, Gouffran finally beating Haimov for what proved to be the winning goal. France meet Spain on Saturday needing a victory to pip the holders to the finals in July, while Israel, who can no longer reach the finals in Northern Ireland, play Portugal, who lost 2-0 to the Spanish today and are also out.