Iceland 2-2 France: Hlynsson equaliser thwarts comeback

France edged closer to World Cup qualification despite seeing their winning start to their Group D campaign come to an end in a 2-2 draw with Iceland.

Already assured of at least a play-off spot due to their Nations League results, France are nevertheless out to automatically qualify for next year’s tournament by finishing top of the group.

However, without the injured Kylian Mbappe, Les Bleus could not make it four wins from four as a comeback charge ultimately failed to yield a victory in Reykjavik, where Kristian Hlynsson earned a share of the spoils for the hosts.

Largely against the run of play, Victor Palsson put Iceland ahead in the 39th minute when he prodded home after France failed to clear from a set-piece.

Yet moments after seeing a great chance go begging when he blazed over from close range, Christopher Nkunku made amends with a brilliant finish to restore parity in the 63rd minute.

Substitute Maghnes Akliouche then put it on a plate for Jean-Philippe Mateta to mark his full France debut with a simple close-range finish five minutes later.

Yet Iceland were back on level terms within two minutes when Hlynsson raced through and finished coolly beyond Mike Maignan, keeping Iceland’s hopes of at least reaching the play-offs alive.

Les Bleus bring a point back from Iceland