Republic of Ireland 0-1 France: Benjamin Pavard strike gives France Euro 2024 qualifying win in Group B

France held on to beat a resilient Ireland side 1-0 in their Euro 2024 Group B qualifier in Dublin.

Didier Deschamps’ side were poor in the first half, struggling to break down an organised and defensively disciplined team.

Eventually the French showed their quality when Josh Cullen’s loose ball was pounced on by Benjamin Pavard, who fired a long-range rocket into the back of the net early in the second half.

After Gavin Bazunu made a few good saves, Ireland pushed hard for the equaliser in the latter stages of the game but could not find a way through as France goalkeeper Mike Maignan made a couple of brilliant stops.

The win makes it two from two for France after they defeated the Netherlands 4-0 in their opening group game.

Ireland play Greece and Gibraltar in their next EUro 2024 qualifiers in June.

TALKING POINT – IRELAND SHOW SPIRIT

Ireland did not get the result they wanted but they did play very well and should take confidence from their performance.

France were frustrated throughout the game and it took a special goal to break them down. Ireland were not just all about defending though – late on in the game they had France worried and hanging on. Ireland have a youthful team that were at times wasteful in possession and hurried well by their opponents, but they have what it takes to pick up points in Group B.

It is a tough group with France and Netherlands expected to go through. Yet, if Stephen Kenny’s side continue to perform like that and make the Aviva Stadium a fortress they have the ability to cause an upset or two.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH – MIKE MAIGNAN (FRANCE)

France were not at their best and have their goalkeeper to thank for the three points. The visitors looked nervous late on in the game as Ireland threw the kitchen sink at them. Maignan made a fine double save to prevent it being 1-1, first saving Jules Kounde’s blushes after he accidentally headed towards his own net, then diving to keep out Nathan Collins’ powerful header. Hugo Lloris has retired from international duty but it seems like France have a man to trust in the form of the AC Milan No.1.

Ireland’s Chiedozie Ogbene deserves a special mention, his tireless running and hard work was outstanding and was the best player in a green shirt comfortably.

PLAYER RATINGS

Republic of Ireland: Bazunu 7, Collins 7, Egan 7, O’Shea 6, Coleman 7, Cullen 5, Molumby 7, Doherty 6, Knight 7, Ogbene 8, Ferguson 6.

Subs: Idah 5, McClean 7, Johnstone 6, Browne 6, Obafemi 6.

France: Maignan 8, Pavard 7, Konate 6, Upamecano 7, Hernandez 4, Rabiot 5, Camavinga 6, Griezmann 6, Mbappe 5, Kolo Muani 7, Giroud 5.

Subs: Diaby 6, Kounde 5, Tchouameni 5, Thuram 6.

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

50’ – GOAL (PAVARD) – A small error gets punished by Pavard. A brilliant goal. Rabiot gives the ball away cheaply and Ireland look to break, but Cullen gives the ball away badly as Pavard steps in. He takes one touch and fires it into the top corner, touching the bar on the way in.

76′ – SAVE (BAZUNU) – Rabiot finds himself with acres of space on the edge of the box. He lines up a shot and forces a great save by Bazunu.

90′ – SAVE (MAIGNAN) – Maignan take a bow. Kounde is lost at a corner with Irish players all over him. He heads to his own goal and the stopper tips it over. The next corner comes in and Collins jumps highest and powers it. Everyone thinks it is going in but Maignan saves another one in style. Wow.

KEY STAT

France have won their last five qualifying matches (World Cup + Euros) without conceding a goal.