France remain atop the standings in World Cup qualifying Group D with a four-point margin over second-placed Ukraine, who drew 2-2 in Kazakhstan on the same night, but coach Didier Deschamps admitted that he had been hoping for better than the scored draw clinched by Antoine Griezmann (40') after Edin Dzeko had put the visitors ahead (36').

"We knew it beforehand, it's complicated in the qualifying stages. We have to be satisfied with this draw. It's not what we expected," said Deschamps in his post-match presser before admitting that Jules Koundé's sending off for a rash challenge (50') proved something of a turning point. "Obviously, it was a bit complicated when we were reduced to ten men. It wasn't the scenario we expected. We have one more point."

Deschamps: 'No regrets'

With a starting front three consisting of Karim Benzema, Kylian Mbappé and Antoine Griezmann, many would have expected more goals from the reigning World Champions, but Deschamps felt his side had the right idea.  

"I have no regrets because the intentions were there. We didn't do everything right. It wasn't easy with such a packed defence," explained Deschamps, doubtless aware of how defensively most teams line up against his dangerous, talent-packed France side. "The regret I have is the goal we conceded with a missed pass as were putting an attack together. But we reacted afterwards. In the second half, we didn't have the ball as much. We couldn't go after them as high up the pitch, and we had fewer chances."

France's next clash comes on Saturday as they travel to Kiev to take on Group D's second-placed side Ukraine.