Here’s a paraphrased and polished version of your story, keeping the same details but tightening the flow and making it read like a clear sports report:
France edged closer to 2026 World Cup qualification with a 2-1 victory over Iceland at the Parc des Princes.
New Blackburn signing Andri Gudjohnsen—son of former Chelsea striker Eidur—stunned the home crowd by giving Iceland the lead after 21 minutes. But France responded, with Kylian Mbappé equalizing before half-time and Bradley Barcola completing the turnaround shortly after the restart.
Les Bleus are in a small four-team qualifying group alongside Ukraine and Azerbaijan, meaning they play just four fixtures. Two wins from two already guarantee Didier Deschamps’ side at least a play-off berth.
In stoppage time, Deschamps introduced Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike to help see out the game. However, the 22-year-old didn’t touch the ball before the final whistle blew.
The substitute appearance handed Ekitike his second senior cap, both earned during this international break after his long-awaited call-up. With Deschamps set to step down following the 2026 World Cup, some supporters criticized the manager’s decision to use him so late.
“Very disrespectful,” one fan wrote on social media. Another added: “I would’ve refused to come on.”
Others, however, defended the decision. “Is this really news? Players get subbed late all the time,” one comment read. Another pointed out: “It still counts as a cap—two now from his first call-up.” A third fan added: “Good game management. Just unfortunate that it was Ekitike who came on so late.”
