France did what England could not do last night, they won a World Cup Qualification match.
They ran out 3-1 winners at home to Belarus. Striker Olivier Giroud did not get on the scoresheet, and was substituted after 61 minutes with the scores at 1-0.
The opening goal was scored by Etienne Capoue, who was only playing because Abou Diaby had been ruled out with injury.
The midfielder carried on where the Arsenal man left off, by opening the scoring in the 22nd minute.
The 24-year-old was strongly linked with an £8 million move to the Emirates this summer and even Barcelona at one stage but remained with Toulouse where he has been in fine form so far this season.
The second half goals were scored by Christophe Jallet and Franck Ribery, with Anton Putsila scoring a consolation for the visitors.
You can watch Capoue's goal below...
Should Arsenal have followed up their interest in the midfielder?
Dan Coombs
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Dan Coombs is a writer who is keen to embrace the internet revolution. He first started writing for us in June 2011 and commenced his new role as Sports Editor in February 2012.
As a trained journalist he has met famous faces from Mr T to Boris Johnson. He once featured in an England World Cup music video too, but it did not make the charts.
He grew up wanting to be a Formula 1 driver, but it looks like this dream has passed him by. Instead, he hopes you enjoy reading his writing on our site, as we seek to debate the day's sporting hot topics.
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