Pogba and Griezmann link up for incredible opening goal but Mbappe booked for blatant dive as world champs cruise to victory
The World Cup Winners kicked-off their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign with a routine win in the Group H match in Chisinau
PAUL POGBA and Antoine Griezmann linked up brilliantly for France's incredible opening goal as the world champions began their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign.
The Athletico Madrid star set Didier Deschamps' side on their way before strikes from Raphael Varane, Olivier Giroud, and Kylian Mbappe secured a comfortable 4-1 victory over Moldova.
Vladimir Ambros netted a consolation for the minnows ranked 170 by FIFA, but number one France eased over the line in what was the first meeting between the sides.
Moldova failed to register a single shot on target at the Zimbru Stadium until their late strike, and France had already raced into a dominated lead, with three goals in 13 first-half minutes.
Manchester United's resurgent Pogba carved out a goal of sheer quality for his sides' first as he lofted a pass over the Moldovan defence for Griezmann to thunder home.
The Atletico Madrid striker, who made it 27 goals in 68 international appearances with the close-range effort, then turned provider for Varane three minutes later.
The 28-year-old whipped in an inswinging corner that was met by the head of the Real Madrid defender at the near post to flick into the net for his fourth goal for his country.
After Blaize Matuidi - starting due to Kingsley Coman sustaining a hamstring injury minutes before kick-off - combined with Pogba inside the area, it was soon 3-0.
The Juventus midfielder dinked in a cross into the path of Chelsea forward Oliver Giroud, who displaced no rust from his lack of playing time by touching home.
Pogba, who had been involved in so much of France's opening play, almost made it 4-0 himself in the 66th minute only to see Alexei Koselev palm away his 22-yard curler.
Benjamin Pavard should have then scored from the follow up after the brilliant save from the Moldovan keeper, but the full-back's attempt flew over the bar.
Pogba had another chance to grab the goal that his performance justified but his header was thwarted by Koselev after the midfielder had met a Griezmann free-kick.
Mbappe had also been denied by the keeper with a low second-half drive but almost atoned with a shot following a jinking solo run.
The Paris Saint-Germain star finally grabbed his goal three minutes from time after cooly slotting home from the penalty spot after Thomas Lemar had been fouled.
However, the former Monaco star managed to sour his night after he then picked up a late booking for a blatant dive after purposely trying to initiate contact with Koselev.
The home side managed to earn some cheers from the crowd just before stoppage time as Ambros tapped home his first international goal after Vitalie Damascan struck the post.