March 27, (THEWILL) – In a hard-fought Euro 2024 qualifier, France emerged victorious over the Republic of Ireland, thanks to Benjamin Pavard’s stunning goal that sealed the 1-0 win.
After beating Latvia 3-2 in a recent friendly, Ireland could not break down the French defence, allowing the team captained by Kylian Mbappe to take an early lead in Group B.
The game saw France control the pace of play, with the Irish side struggling to create any chances. Although they showed sparks of attacking threat, Ireland could only manage one shot in the first half. And, it took Pavard’s thunderbolt early in the second period to eventually break the deadlock and secure a hard-earned victory for the World Cup finalists.
The win puts France three points clear at the top of Group B, having secured two wins in the early stages of qualifying. Meanwhile, Ireland sits in fourth place, just above Gibraltar on goal difference. The Irish team will be looking to bounce back in their next fixture away to Greece in June.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
