Didier Deschamps has paid tribute to the impact made by Olivier Giroud to help France eventually find their form after a poor start to 2013.

The Arsenal hitman scored a brace in the thrashing of Australia in a friendly on Friday, before forcing Joona Toivio into putting the ball in the back of his own net for Les Bleus' decisive second goal during their 3-0 win over Finland on Tuesday.

France secured a World Cup playoff spot following that victory, where they will face a fellow group runner-up over two legs for a spot in Brazil.

"There was good teamwork in our attack," Deschamps said in his press conference.

"Olivier Giroud had an important impact, a good presence, and he scored even the second goal even if he had been helped by the defender.

"Olivier is valuable when he works like that."

The draw will take place for the playoffs on October 21.

Written by
Matt Cotton