Kylian Mbappe's double dealt hosts Russia's World Cup preparations another blow as France claimed a 3-1 friendly win in St Petersburg. Mbappe and Paul Pogba struck either side of half-time to put France in control and although Fyodor Smolov pulled one back for Russia, Mbappe's late second ensured a deserved win for Didier Deschamps' side. France began to dominate possession and were rewarded for their superior creativity when Mbappe fired them into a 40th-minute lead. France struck their second four minutes after the restart. But with seven minutes left, Mbappe put the result beyond doubt, showing superb technique to make space in the penalty area before drilling a low shot between Lunev's legs.

Source: Evening echo March 27, 2018 18:11 UTC