Pavard Screamer Seals Narrow Win For France Against Republic Of Ireland

Monday night saw the Republic of Ireland welcome France to Dublin as the Irish side kick off their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign.

France entered the Group B clash as clear favourites after putting four past the Netherlands on Friday night.

Deschamps’ French side made three changes to their XI while the Republic of Ireland made six changes to their team that triumphed 3-2 against Latvia in Friday’s friendly.

The Aviva Stadium in Dublin was a cauldron of noise as the Republic of Ireland enjoyed a fantastic first half display, keeping a well-drilled French side at bay with their solid defensive unit.

The teams went into the interval neck and neck in what was a frustrating half for the World Cup 2022 finalists France and a well-structured one for the Irish side.

Ireland were quick to close down any French attacks, forcing France’s deadly strike force to shoot from distance and snatch at their half-chances on goal.

As anticipated, France re-entered the pitch all guns blazing after a potentially stormy Deschamps team talk in the away dressing room.

Pavard’s screamer seals the deal

The French finally managed to pierce the Ireland defence through a stunning goal from right-back Benjamin Pavard who gave the away side the lead in the 50th minute.

Ireland midfielder Cullen gave the ball away on the edge of the box in a lapse of concentration. Pavard read the poorly delivered pass, took a touch and fired the ball off the underside of the bar. Bazanu had no chance of getting a hand on the Frenchman’s bullet.

Eased by their 1-0 lead, the French began to turn the switch and show their class, however, Ireland persisted with a set of dangerous counter-attacks, forcing Maignan to make two excellent saves.

The tie ended with a narrow victory for Deschamps and his France side.

Ireland will take heart from that performance against the third best side in the world. They gave France a run for their money with a gutsy display.

Over the two halves, France were the better side but only thanks to a wonder-goal from Pavard who sealed a narrow win for the French and their second win in Group B.

The other game in Group B between the Netherlands and Gibraltar ended with a 3-0 victory for the Dutch and a brace for Atletico Madrid forward Memphis Depay.