With Kylian Mbappé stored quiet, France relied on one other sensible end from recalled defender Benjamin Pavard and two sensational late saves by Mike Maignan to win at Ireland 1-0 in European Championship qualifying on Monday (March 27). Making his first look since France’s opening match of final yr’s FIFA World Cup 2022, Pavard intercepted a stray go simply outdoors Ireland’s space and despatched in a shot that glanced in off the underside of the crossbar within the fiftieth.
It was the proper again’s third objective for France and all three have been screamers. His first, in opposition to Argentina within the 2018 World Cup, was voted objective of the event. France made it back-to-back wins to open Group B however this was removed from the simple journey that the Netherlands gave Les Bleus in a 4-0 thrashing on Friday. That night time, Mbappé scored twice in his first match as France captain however the striker was barely an element in opposition to a resolute Ireland workforce which defended stoutly early on earlier than piling on the stress close to the top on the Aviva Stadium.
It wanted Maignan to supply two beautiful stops at corners — first off his personal teammate, Jules Kounde, after which from a header from Ireland defender Nathan Collins that was heading into the highest nook — to protect the win. “It was a tough game. Ireland are always difficult to play here,” France manager Didier Deschamps said. “They were dangerous at the end, especially from set-pieces. We have a young team, but they have quality and character, too.”
With victory over the Republic of Ireland __, les Bleus consolidate their place on the high of their group in Euro 2024 qualifying _#FiersdetreBleus pic.twitter.com/pC3s8RPz9T
— French Team __ (@FrenchTeam) March 27, 2023
France introduced Olivier Giroud again into the lineup and the striker, at 36 years, 178 days, grew to become the oldest outfield participant within the historical past of the nationwide workforce to begin. Giroud was additionally quiet, although was concerned within the spotlight of a low-key first half when his header at a nook took a double deflection earlier than Ireland goalkeeper Gavin Bazuna flopped on the ball at Mbappé’s toes.
It fell to Pavard to supply the magic. “The World Cup didn’t go the way I would have imagined,” the defender mentioned. “But I was happy after every win, I was there for the collective.”
It was Ireland’s opening sport of group play. “We’re disappointed and frustrated, but that’s why they’re such a good team,” Ireland captain Seamus Coleman said of France. “We didn’t allow them a lot of chances. I thought we defended well, kept them quiet.”
