MINSK, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- European championship finalists France made a stuttering start to their 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign as they were held to a goalless draw by Belarus in Borisov on Tuesday night.

The Belarusians comported themselves well in the first half, not allowing the French special liberties, and making moves to threaten Deschamps' team. But almost from the beginning of the second half, the French persistently pushed forward. Still, Belarusian goalkeeper Andrei Gorbunov was very reliable that evening, time after time eliminating the attacks of the guests.

Two more games were held in qualifying Group A. They saw Sweden draw the Netherlands - 1-1, while Bulgaria took out Luxembourg - 4-3.

Now with one point in hand, France will focus their sights on moving toward the top of the Group A table as they meet Bulgaria on Oct. 7. Belarus are set to meet another European superpower in the next match of qualifying, encountering the Netherlands on Oct. 7.