France captain Alou Diarra focused on the positives of a third straight win after his side saw off minnows Luxembourg 2-0 in their UEFA EURO 2012 qualifier last night.

The expected avalanche of goals did not arrive, but the result left Les Bleus a point clear of Belarus at the top of Group D, a situation which looked unlikely when they lost their opener to Bernd Stange's side.

Reflecting on their latest victory, which came courtesy of goals from Karim Benzema and Yoann Gourcuff, Diarra said: "It was not that easy. They kept tight lines and put in a big effort. They had to play physically. But when their levels dropped we found more opportunities.

"This is our third straight win. It's good for morale and for our position in the group. We can deal more confidently with the next matches. The group is on track. It is through winning that we progress."

This is our third straight win. It's good for morale and for our position in the group. We can deal more confidently with the next matches.
Alou Diarra, France captain

Diarra last night wore the captain's armband for the third time in Laurent Blanc's five matches in charge. The new coach has yet to appoint a permanent skipper, but Bordeaux midfielder Diarra is enjoying the role.

"It gives me responsibility in the France team and that's something that doesn't scare me," he said on FFF.fr. "I am one of the most experienced players. That tells me the armband is a mark of confidence and it makes me happy. I try to give everything in this role to support the staff and my team-mates."

Unspectacular in victory
Blanc accepted the match was not the greatest spectacle, but having claimed two victories in four days, he declared himself satisfied. "We knew what to expect," he said. "For there to be a show there must be two teams that play football. However this was not the case. One wanted to attack and the other wanted to defend.

"But what matters is that we have six points in two games. After the first game, we were a little pessimistic, especially you (the media), and we see that after three wins we top the group."

What matters is that we have six points in two games. After the first game, we were a little pessimistic, especially you (the media), and we see that after three wins we top the group.
Laurent Blanc, France coach

Lyon defender Anthony Reveillere believes France can take more out of the week than simply the two victories achieved against Romania on Saturday and Luxembourg last night.

"We had a great week at Clairefontaine and the reward is the work we've done," he said. "Yoann (who also scored against Romania) got his second goal and Karim was also important.

"We could have scored more goals but must be content with this victory. It was important to take six points from two games. There is a good cohesion between the coach, the staff and the players."