World Cup Qualifers: Giroud Goal Gives France One Point Against Spain

France coach Didier Deschamps hailed his side's second-half performance after his side fought back to salvage a 1-1 draw against World and European champions Spain.

Sergio Ramos put Spain on curse for another victory at the Vicente Calderon Stadium, before Olivier Giroud popped up with a late equalizer to earn a share of the spoils.

"In the first half we suffered, we defended well, but they didn't give us the ball and we weren't able to attack practically at all," Deschamps said.

"In the second half we had more presence, we were liberated and created more chances. You can't also forget that they ruled out a legal goal.

"We had to be magnificent, we were playing the best team in Europe and the world. The players have seen the recompense for their efforts.

"If this match brings more enthusiasm and confidence to the players then good, but we are not the best just because we have drawn with Spain.

"We are a young team, we haven't done everything well but we have character and a lot of margin to improve."

Vicente Del Bosque, the Spain manager, was said the injury problems suffered by his team in the game played a big factor in the eventual result. David Silva was taken off after ten minutes, while Alvaro Arbeloa suffered an injury early in the second half.

"The injuries were an immediate misfortune because it prevented us from managing the changes," Del Bosque said.

"There haven't been any muscular injuries in my four years here and so to have two I am sorry about."

Del Bosque, however, was added there was still a long way to go before the group winners will be decided. "We have played only three games," he added. "In the first half we had control of the game and perhaps we lacked a bit of penetration with the missed penalty by Cesc and the other chance that Pedro had.

"The home and away games against France have always been dangerous for us. What will happen with the rest of the games I don't know, it would appear March already will be important, but we can't take anything for granted with the other teams in the group as they will all aspire to be first."

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