Thierry Henry scored his first goal in six international games to clinch victory for France, but they were made to work hard by their FIFA World Cup qualifying Group 4 rivals.

Goal drought
The Arsenal FC striker latched on to Olivier Dacourt's through-ball on on 72 minutes and dinked the ball past the on-rushing Nikos Panayiotou, to give his side a much needed two-goal cushion against an energetic Cyprus side who had earlier fallen behind to a Sylvain Wiltord goal.

Wiltord opener
Wiltord, who also scored twice the last time the sides met in UEFA EURO 2004™ qualifying, was on target seven minutes before half-time. The two players brought into the side following the goalless draw against the Republic of Ireland on Saturday both played key roles in the goal. Péguy Luyindula, replacing Djibril Cissé, broke on the left and his pass inside found Robert Pires, who touched on to Patrick Vieira, back after suspension. His first-time ball was perfectly weighted for Wiltord to slide in.

Cypriot threat
Before the goal, France had been well contained by Cyprus. Indeed, it was the home side that posed the biggest threat in the early stages. On six minutes, a deft ball from Stavros Georgiou put Michalis Konstantinou clear of the static France back-line but his effort skewed wide. Midway through the half, Georgiou was again the instigator, threading a perfectly weighted pass to Ioannis Okkas, but the striker was twice denied by Fabien Barthez.

Victory sealed
Wiltord's goal did not really change the complexion of the game after the interval, as France struggled to find their rhythm and Cyprus had another great chance on 68 minutes when substitute Konstantinos Makridis's far-post cross was met by the unmarked Georgiou, who volleyed into the ground and over the bar. Four minutes later France had a two-goal cushion and the result, if not the scoreline at that stage, was settled.

Late chances
Daniel Moreira could have added a third goal with 15 minutes remaining and, at the other end, Lambros Lambrou was unlucky to see his header strike the upright and then go agonisingly across the goalline. But 2-0 it was, and France join leaders Ireland on eight points while Cyprus remain in fifth place.

November fixtures
The GSP stadium plays host to its next World Cup game on 17 November, when Israel are the visitors. France welcome Switzerland to Paris on the same night.