VIDEO France 2-0 Serbia: Highlights As Les Bleus Win Is Tainted By M?Vila Injury
France continued their preparations with an impressive 2-0 victory over Serbia in Reims. But the result will be overshadowed by an injury to midfielder Yann M'Vila that could well rule him out of Euro 2012.
M'Vila, a much publicized target for Arsenal appeared to go over on his ankle inside of the first five minutes, before trying to play on. But the pain proved too much to bare and the Rennes star was soon forced off. He was later shown in tears on the bench.
After initially being taken away, the 23-year-old was later seen back on the sidelines, suggesting that the injury may not be as bad as was feared by all concerned. Reports indicate he will undergo a scan later tonight.
As for the match itself France showed positive signs as they get set for their opening game of the European Championships against England on June 11.
Franck Ribery got France off to the best possible start just 11 minutes in with a fine strike that suggested he may be able to shake off the disappointment of Bayern Munich's Champions League final defeat. A cross from the left was parried out by Serbia keeper Zeljko Brkic into the path of Ribery who smashed the ball home from 14 yards out.
And the home side would only have to wait four minutes before firing in a stunning second goal. Chelsea midfielder Florent Malouda picked up the ball 25 yards out and unleashed a thundering left-footed strike into the top corner that gave Brkic no chance.
And that was how the game finished as France ran out comfortable winners against a lackluster Serbia side.
With the quality in their ranks, Laurent Blanc's side has the potential to be dark horses for Euro 2012. And French fans will certainly have been more encouraged with this latest performance than in a narrow 3-2 victory over Iceland at the weekend.
Les Bleus now just have the friendly against Estonia next Tuesday before the much-anticipated duel with England in Donetsk.
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