FRANCE V UKRAINE A CRUNCH TIE NOW

Nov 13 encounter may prove decisive after they 'switch off' in 2-2 draw with Iceland

- 

France coach Didier Deschamps accused his side of "switching off", as their perfect record in their World Cup qualifying campaign ended when they were held to a 2-2 draw away to Iceland in an entertaining Group D clash on Oct 13.

Jean-Philippe Mateta scored his first goal for Les Bleus to put them 2-1 ahead on his second appearance, after Christopher Nkunku had equalised for the visitors following Victor Palsson's opener, but Kristian Hlynsson salvaged a point for Iceland.

"We are a bit frustrated. We wanted the victory and we were looking for the third goal at the end. We could have done better overall," Mateta told broadcaster TF1.

"It is always a big moment for a striker to score, and especially for me to get a goal on my first start for France."

France remain top with 10 points from four games, three ahead of Ukraine, who beat Azerbaijan 2-1.

Les Bleus face Ukraine in Paris on Nov 13 in what could prove a decisive fixture in the race to qualify for the 2026 World Cup in the US, Mexico and Canada.

"Iceland had two shots on target and scored twice, but we didn't do enough in the first half," said Deschamps.

"We then did what we had to but what's frustrating is the way we conceded the second goal.