The Crystal Palace star was at it again for his country in Azerbaijan…
France came from behind to complete their World Cup qualifying campaign with a 3-1 win over Azerbaijan in Baku, overturning an early scare to finish the group in style.
A youthful French side, featuring senior debuts for goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier and midfielder Maghnes Akliouche, made a sluggish start and fell behind after just four minutes.
Azerbaijan broke down the left through Rahman Dasdamirov, whose first-time cross picked out Renat Dadashov at the near post.
The striker reacted sharply to guide the ball home, becoming the first Azerbaijani player ever to score against France.
The hosts continued to threaten in the opening stages, with Khayal Aliyev and Emin Mahmudov both testing the visitors during a lively spell.
But France gradually settled and levelled the match after 17 minutes. Malo Gusto, already prominent down the right, surged forward to meet Akliouche’s slide-rule pass and delivered a cross for Jean-Philippe Mateta to rise highest and head in at the far post.
C’est terminé à Bakou ! L’Équipe de France conclut l’année 2025 en beauté avec une victoire 3-1 face à l’Azerbaïdjan 🔥💙
On se donne désormais rendez-vous en mars pour lancer la préparation à la Coupe du monde 🌎😄#AZEFRA pic.twitter.com/exz4SdGQSB
— Equipe de France ⭐⭐ (@equipedefrance) November 16, 2025
Gusto’s influence only grew as France turned the match around. After Christopher Nkunku had a finish ruled out for handball following a VAR check, the Chelsea full-back claimed his second assist on the half-hour.
Warren Zaire-Emery released him with a sweeping diagonal pass, and Gusto again provided a teasing ball across goal that Akliouche converted from close range to make it 2-1.
France thought they had a third when Marcus Thuram tapped in after another scramble in the box, but VAR intervened for a second time to chalk the goal off for handball.
The visitors eventually did extend their lead on the stroke of half-time in chaotic fashion. A corner from the right caused confusion, and Azerbaijan goalkeeper Shahrudin Mahammadaliyev misjudged a punch, inadvertently turning the loose ball into his own net.
The second half unfolded with far less urgency, though France continued to create opportunities. Nkunku, Cherki and Theo Hernandez all went close, while Thuram twice flashed efforts off target as Didier Deschamps’ rotated side looked for a fourth goal.
Azerbaijan battled but struggled to rediscover their early rhythm, making a series of changes that disrupted their shape and attacking threat.
A stoppage for a pitch invader briefly halted play, but the result never looked in doubt. France managed the closing stages with control as they saw out the final minutes to end their qualifying campaign.
