Bellaid goal revives French fortunes

France joined Group 10 winners Wales in the play-offs after Habib Bellaid's 68th-minute strike in Bosnia-Herzegovina clinched second spot in the section and one of four places reserved for the best runners-up.

Mahmutović miss
Starting the day a point behind both Romania and Wales, France needed to win to have a chance of progressing but it was the home side who created the first opportunity in the third minute when Aidin Mahmutović darted into the visiting area before shooting narrowly wide. France came closest in the opening period on 20 minutes when Adis Nurković saved Loïc Rémy's shot.

Bellaid strike
France, without the suspended Yoan Gouffran, upped the tempo after the break and were soon rewarded for their efforts. On 65 minutes Blaise Matuidi hit the right post, as a prelude to the breakthrough three minutes later. Yohan Cabaye controlled a corner from the right then drilled a cross back across goal where the unmarked Bellaid was on hand to head in his second goal for Les Bleuets. Mahmutović had a further chance to bring his team back into the game, but France held on for a crucial victory.