Antoine Griezmann scored the only goal as a below-par France edged past Bosnia-Herzegovina 1-0 in their World Cup qualifying clash on Wednesday.

The 2018 winners followed up their opening Group D draw against Ukraine with a routine win over Kazakhstan on Sunday, but back-to-back wins did not look likely during a dismal first half from Didier Deschamps' side.

They perked up in the second period, though, and sealed all three points when Griezmann headed home his 35th international goal in the 60th minute.

The result means Les Bleus are top of Group D on seven points, four points clear of second-placed Ukraine.

That's now 35 goals for Griezmann with Les Bleus #BOSFRA #FiersdetreBleus pic.twitter.com/396GRhHw4N
— French Team (@FrenchTeam) March 31, 2021

Hugo Lloris, whose 123rd appearance moved him level with Thierry Henry as France's second-most capped player, was twice called into action shortly before the half-hour mark.

First, he pawed away Darko Todorovic's fierce strike from distance before superbly tipping away Anel Ahmedhodzic's close-range header from a corner.

Kylian Mbappe and Griezmann cut isolated figures in attack for France in the opening 45 minutes, with Deschamps' side going in at the break having had just a single shot on target.

They improved after the interval and went ahead on the hour mark, Griezmann steering a superb header from Adrien Rabiot's cross into Ibrahim Sehic's top-right corner.

The hosts rarely looked like salvaging a point in the closing stages as France comfortably held on to take command of the group.

What does it mean? France do just enough

It was not pretty, but Deschamps will scarcely care after maximum points were secured with the minimum of fuss.

They enjoyed 13 shots to the hosts' four - although only two were on target - and had 56.2 per cent possession. Evidence enough they were good value for the win.

It has not been a scintillating start to their road to Qatar 2022, but seven points from a possible nine during this international break has put Les Bleus in a strong position to book their place at next year's finals at the earliest opportunity.

Solid Pogba sets the tone

Paul Pogba is not known for his discipline, but the Manchester United man's controlled midfield display was key to France's win. His 64 passes was bettered only by Raphael Varane (80), while he gained possession 12 times - three more than any other player on the pitch.

Mbappe well off the pace

Deschamps suggested Mbappe was low in confidence ahead of the clash and things did not get any better for the Paris Saint-Germain forward at the Grbavica Stadium. The 22-year-old had just a single shot and made only one key pass to a team-mate in what was a truly underwhelming performance.

What's next?

France will return to action at the end of the club season with pre-Euro 2020 friendlies, though their exact opponents are yet to be confirmed. Their next World Cup qualifier is against Bosnia-Herzegovina again in September, with Ivaylo Petev's side next in action on June 1 when they take on Montenegro in a friendly.