Ligue 1 top scorer helps France down Denmark 2-0

Ligue 1 top scorer Alexandre Lacazette netted his first international goal to help France ease to a routine 2-0 friendly victory over Denmark at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard in Saint-Etienne, France on Sunday.

It has been the Lyon striker's sixth appearance for the French national team and his close range goal opened the scoring for the Euro 2016 hosts after less than 15 minutes.

Dominating from the kickoff, France flew into the lead on 13 minutes as Antoine Griezmann had his chipped effort saved by Kasper Schmeichel before Lacazette fired in the rebound.

Dimitri Payet went close to score soon after but just curled his long-range shoot over the far top corner in the 23th minute.

Olivier Giroud came out the one helping France double their advantage a quarter later when he slipped Geoffrey Kondogbia's through ball underneath Schmeicel to claim his tenth France goal.

In the second half, Morten Olsen's men began to control proceedings but failed to score, though Saint-Etienne keeper Stephane Ruffier, who's on his third France start, was kept busy after the interval.

With the victory, Didier Deschamps' side put their friendly defeat to Brazil behind them. Having seen his regular starting lineup beaten convincingly 3-1 by Brazil at Stade de France on Thursday, the coach handed chances to some bench players.

Only goalscorer Raphael Varane from Thursday's match, Morgan Schneiderlin and Antoine Griezmann kept their places in the first-11.

France will next host Belgium in international friendly in June, while Denmark, leading Group I in Euro 2016 qualifiers, will welcome Montenegro on resumption of their European qualifications. Endi