Historically, France have struggled to qualify directly for a World Cup. In the last 30 years, Les Bleus have only done it twice: in 1986 and 2006. The rest of the time, they either crashed out in qualifiers (1990 and 1994), were automatically qualified (1998 and 2002) or had to go through painful and eventful playoffs (2010 and 2014.)
So it's not a surprise to see the French starting down the road to Russia 2018 on Tuesday evening with a disappointing 0-0 draw away in Belarus. It is never easy for France when it comes to World Cup qualifying campaigns, even in a group that doesn't look that difficult (a Zlatan Ibrahimovic-less Sweden, troubled Netherlands, Bulgaria, and minnows Luxemburg.)
People say there are no easy games anymore at international level, but Tuesday's game was a very underwhelming performance. France have one of the best offensive groups in the world and yet, for the second time in their last three games, they failed to score -- which is very rare (the 3-1 win in Italy came in between goalless performances against Portugal and Belarus.)
France were clinical against the Italians in Bari last week with three goals in almost as many chances. They were driven, efficient, focused and did a perfect "Italian job." But against Portugal back on July 10, they failed to score from 22 shots and, on Tuesday in Borisov, they had 24 and yet couldn't break through.
Against Italy, France had less possession but their transition between defence and attack when they got the ball back was spot on. Didier Deschamps' men are always better when they can play almost exclusively on the counter like they did against Germany at Euro 2016; when Paul Pogba can run with the ball and when their two wide players have a bit of space and are able to take on their markers one-on-one.
When France have a lot of the ball though, like against Portugal in the Euro 2016 final or on Tuesday in Belarus, they find it more difficult to break the deadlock. Pogba was below par again in a midfield two, the same place he plays at Manchester United, and the debate over his best position (deeper in a 4-4-2 or higher in a 4-3-3) will re-emerge after his performance.