FOOTBALL NEWS FROM Euro 2012
Abidal catasprophe hands Belarus a point
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Eric Abidal came back down to earth after lifting the Champions League trophy for Barcelona as his own goal handed Belarus a point from Euro 2012 Group D qualifier.

The France defender diverted Timofey Kalachev's free-kick into the net to give the hosts the goal their impressive opening warranted.

Florent Malouda quickly equalised but Belarus hung on to make it four points from their two meetings with Les Bleus.

Bernd Stange's side had won 1-0 at the Stade de France in September and they started promisingly again today, though Kalachev's ambitious shot was off target.

Andrei Voronkov was next to threaten but headed Vitali Trubila's cross straight at goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.

Lloris had to react well to tip over Igor Shitov's excellent 25-yard left-foot drive and Trubila fired over after Abidal cleared Kalachev's cross.

The deserved breakthrough arrived in the 19th minute, though. Adil Rami was booked for fouling Jan Tigorev and Kalachev's left-wing delivery eluded Lloris and was bundled into his own net by Abidal, under pressure from Maksim Bordachev.

There was an immediate response from Laurent Blanc's men, though, as Karim Benzema teed up Malouda on the edge of the box and the Chelsea winger curled a well-struck low effort inside the far post.

Shitov tested Lloris again before France began to take the upper hand, Benzema shooting over after Samir Nasri's corner was only half-cleared by Sergei Omelyanchuk.

Malouda delivered the corner that led to France's next chance, defender Mamadou Sakho - making his first start for his country - heading wide of the far post.

Franck Ribery shot wide after also being set up by Malouda as half-time arrived with the teams all square.

In a slow start to the second half, Ribery was pulled up by an offside flag after linking up with Abou Diaby, before the latter blocked Omelyanchuk's long-range shot at the other end.

Benzema threatened three times in quick succession, shooting wide from a narrow angle before his second effort saw him outmuscle defender Alexander Martynovich but shoot straight at goalkeeper Sergey Veremko.

The in-demand Real Madrid striker then tried his luck from range after Rami's long pass had been cut out and fallen into his path, but Veremko was again equal to his effort.

Bordachev shot wide from distance for Belarus before France, seeking attacking inspiration, replaced Diaby with Loic Remy.

The Marseille forward almost made an immediate impact as he dispossessed Dmitry Verkhovtsov but was penalised for a foul as he prepared to shoot.

Belarus were happy with the scoreline and Veremko collected a yellow card for time-wasting, though Omelyanchuk went close with a 25-yard effort.

The win leaves France four points clear of their opponents at the group summit, with Belarus on course for a shock play-off place.