France, March 23 -- France boss Didier Deschamps warned his players against complacency when they take on Ukraine in the first qualifying match for the 2022 World Cup on Wednesday night at the Stade de France.

Five months ago in a friendly at the same venue, France striker Olivier Giroud bagged a brace in a 7-1 annihilation of Andrei Shevchenko's outfit.

But ahead of the Group D opener, Deschamps, who guided France to the 2018 title in Russia, said a repeat scoreline was unlikely.

"Ukraine are a very good team and they are a direct opponent."

After the clash, Deschamps' men will return to their base at Clairefontaine, just outside Paris before flying to Kazakhstan for their second qualifier on Sunday. A third game follows on 31 March ...