ANTOINE GRIEZMANN produced a masterclass to inflict more pain on battling Wales.
The France striker scored his 19th international goal and showed supreme quality in this friendly at the Stade de France.
Arsenal's Olivier Giroud sealed the win with a second half strike but Griezmann was the star of the show against Chris Coleman's men in Paris. No wonder the Atletico Madrid playmaker has once again been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United. Griezmann had been criticised in his homeland for a below-par start to the season with a debate over whether he should remain a first-choice for Didier Deschamps' side.
He had not netted for his club side in the last six matches but the 26-year-old responded in emphatic style by showcasing his creative talents, netting the opener and receiving a standing ovation from the home support when he was subbed. Griezmann broke the offside trap and volleyed home from Corentin Tolisso's clipped through ball to beat Welsh keeper Wayne Hennessey from close range.
But Hennessey, out of favour in recent weeks at Crystal Palace, should have reacted better to keep the ball out. Wales, who failed to qualify for the World Cup following a devastating 1-0 home defeat to the Republic of Ireland last month, fought hard despite being second best for large periods.
And there was encouragement for boss Coleman - whose future remains in doubt with his contract running out at the end of this month - late on as the trio of young guns Ben Woodburn and debutants Ethan Ampadu and David Brooks impressed and injected new life into the Welsh display. So it was little surprise that in the early exchanges this match resembled an attack versus defence training game.
France captain Blaise Matuidi and Bayern Munich ace Tolisso had chances before teenage sensation Mbappe crashed the bar - following a delicious Griezmann stepover. Samuel Umtiti and Benjamin Pavard also hit the woodwork. You sensed the opening goal was coming and Griezmann claimed it on 18 minutes, latching onto Tolisso's pass and beating Hennessey with ease.
From The Sun
Without the crocked Gareth Bale, Wales rarely threatened going forward and it took them until the 36th minute to register a shot when Gunter, who has not scored in 84 appearances, fired into the arms of Steve Mandanda after a penalty claim for a Laurent Koscielny foul on Joe Ledley in the build-up.
From The Sun
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