France cruised to an easy victory against Malta yesterday at Ta' Qali scoring a goal in each half against Mark Miller's boys. It must be said that the Maltese lads played a gallant match, but the French were simply superior, especially in midfield were Blaise Matuidi was in a class of his own.

Without Milan's starlet Gourcuff, the French were always in command of the match, especially after taking the lead after the first quarter of an hour. The Maltese shared the exchanges for long stretches but never gave the impression they could level terms with their opponents.

France killed the locals residual hopes scoring the second goal fifteen minutes from time to secure their victory, even missing the third goal near the end as the Maltese threw in the towel.

Malta had Valletta's Steve Bezzina and Jonathan Caruana as central defenders with Steve Borg and Ryan Fenech on the flanks. Captain Paul Fenech marshalled the midfield sector, aided by the hard working Edmond Agius and Edward Herrera Dyson Falzon had some good touches on the left flank, but the Maltese attack was found lacking, against a strong defence impeccably piloted by Kaboul and Bellaid, who even scored the second goal with a beautiful header.

The French made their intentions clear from the beginning and forged ahead after 14minutes when Yoan Gouffran beat the Maltese offside trap to beat Luke Woods with a hard drive.

Malta's best chance in the first half came from a Fenech free-kick that was well saved by Jourdren.

At the start of the second half Malta looked more aggressive with Falzon going near with a well taken shot from the edge of the area. However the French kept their cool and kept the upper hand in midfield as they moved the ball smoothly in an attempt to open up the Maltese defence.

On 73 minutes France sealed the issue when from a well taken corner by Payet, Habib Bellaid rose above friends and foe to head beautifully inside the net. The Maltese were now a demoralised lot and defender Steve Borg saved our lads minutes later when he blocked on the fatal line a shot from substitute Quercia.

In the dying minutes Mark Miller romped in Clifford Gatt Baldacchino and Steve Meilak but their was no time left, as the French gained well deserved victory.