Struggling France beaten by Albania in friendly

Reuters , Saturday 13 Jun 2015

France
France's Oliver Giroud, right, fights for the ball with Albania's Sokol Cikalleshi, during the friendly international soccer match between Albania and France, in the central city of Elbasan, Albania, Saturday, June 13, 2015 (Photo: AP)

Euro 2016 hosts France suffered their third defeat in four games when they were surprisingly beaten 1-0 away to Albania in a friendly international on Saturday.

After defeats by Brazil and Belgium, either side of beating Denmark, Didier Deschamps' side produced an unconvincing display and despite dominating possession they lacked a cutting edge.

Lively Albania had already had two good chances through Ermir Lenjani before Ergys Kace curled a superb free kick past France goalie Hugo Lloris into the top corner in the 43rd minute.

In baking heat the home side continued to be the more threatening after the interval.

France's best effort came from Mathieu Valbuena, whose fierce free kick was parried away by Etrit Berisha.

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