Gourcuff spot on for France

By Andrew Haslam at Windsor Park

A Yohan Gourcuff hat-trick, including two penalties, helped France to a victory against Norway in Belfast that took Jean Gallice's team top of UEFA European Under-19 Championship Group B.

Point required
The Stade Rennais FC midfield player struck twice in the opening period, the first a penalty, and although Kevin Larsen halved the deficit early in the second half, Gourcuff wrapped up the win with his second spot-kick late on. France next face an Armenia side who tonight drew 1-1 with England on Saturday, and need just a point to reach the semi-finals, as do Norway against the English.

Duo return
Vassiriki Diaby and Franck Dja Djedje returned from suspension for France, Djamel Abdoun also starting, while Norway's Jesper Mathiesen had also served his one-match ban. The Scandinavian team were forced into an early reshuffle, however, as Alexander Mathiesen was carried off on a stretcher and replaced by Morten Krüger Hæstad.

Penalty opener
France had already threatened through Abdoulaye Balde before breaking through just past the quarter-hour. Dja Djedje was brought down by centre-back Johan Laedre Bjørdal inside the penalty area, and the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Gourcuff clinically placed his kick low to Joakim Heier's right.

Opportunist second
The same player doubled the advantage 14 minutes later, as Abdoun's left-wing cross cross looped into the air off the head of Norwegian captain Steffen Hagen. Gourcuff was the first to react, racing in from the right to thump his shot beyond Heier.

Norway rally
Norway strove for a way back into the match, Jesper Mathiesen making one dangerous burst into the French penalty area and Kavin Larsen flashing a 25-metre shot wide. Although France reached half-time with their two-goal cushion intact, there were occasional moments of alarm in defence, Førsund firing just over from a narrow angle.

Larsen delight
Twelve minutes into the second period, Norway hauled themselves back into the match, Larsen's attempted cross from the left curling beyond Hugo Lloris and dropping into the net. The goal visibly revived the Norwegians, who might have levelled just past the hour as a swift passing move sliced open France, but Mathiesen dragged his angled shot across goal.

Hat-trick completed
Norwegian hopes were finally dashed six minutes from time as Dja Djedje raced clear, rounding Heier only to be brought down by the Norwegian goalkeeper. Gourcuff stepped up again and this time slotted the spot-kick to the goalkeeper's left, sending Heier the wrong way to complete France's night.