Without captain Kylian Mbappé, vice world champion France’s winning streak in World Cup qualification has ended.
After three wins, the title holder from 1998 and 2018 couldn’t go beyond a 2-2 (0-1) draw in Iceland, but with ten points as first in Group D, they still have a good chance of taking part in the XXL World Championship in North America.
Iceland scores with the first chance to score
Star striker Mbappé was missing due to an ankle injury he suffered in the 3-0 win against Azerbaijan last Friday – but it is not expected to be too serious. The Icelanders took their first real chance to take the lead: Former Schalke player Victor Palsson reacted quicker to a free kick than Bayern defender Dayot Upamecano and pushed the ball over the line to make it 1-0 (39′).
The French’s biggest chance before the break was missed by former Mainz player Jean-Philippe Mateta, whose shot was saved by Mikael Ellertsson for his defeated goalkeeper Elias Olafsson (45th + 4). Ex-Leipzig player Christopher Nkunku also failed miserably twice before scoring the well-deserved equalizer for the favorites, who were much more determined after the break (63′).
Mbappé substitute Mateta turned the game around with his first goal for Les Bleus (68th), but Kristian Hlynsson took advantage of a lack of attention in the visitors’ defense to make it 2-2 (70th).