Slovakia stun France to end winning run

Slovakia came from behind to end France's 100% record in UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying Group 9, a victory which keeps Ivan Galád's side in the mix to secure a play-off berth.

Section winners France, who started the match 12 points ahead of their opponents, were on course to end their campaign with a perfect eight victories when Real Madrid CF defender Raphaël Varane headed in Rémi Cabella's fourth-minute corner.

France conceded their first goal of the campaign on 21 minutes, Adam Žilák cutely turning in Róbert Mak's left-wing cross. They nearly leaked a second before half-time, Žilák bringing the best out of Ali Ahamada having dribbled through the visitors' defence.

After goalkeeper Michal Šulla prevented Alexandre Lacazette from restoring France's lead, Slovakia went ahead on 67 minutes. Martin Mikovič tested Ahamada with a fierce shot, the rebound falling kindly to Filip Oršula for a simple finish. France's frustration was compounded when Francis Coquelin was shown a straight red card with a quarter of an hour remaining.

Slovakia host Kazakhstan on Monday in their final qualifier, knowing another victory will assure them of runners-up spot ahead of third-placed Romania, who face Latvia the same night.