Ibrahim Oladamola
Benjamin Pavard’s stunning strike was cruel punishment for the Republic of Ireland whose best efforts went unrewarded with a 1-0 defeat to France at the Aviva Stadium.
Pavard’s thunderbolt off the crossbar five minutes after half-time was the first shot on target either side had produced and would prove pivotal in a game of high drama but few chances, and one where Ireland matched their illustrious visitors throughout.
Manager Stephen Kenny had promised his side would play their own game in their Euro 2024 qualifying opener and he stuck to his word, with Ireland both restricting their hosts and also repeatedly looking threatening themselves.
But Kenny and his players will take heart from how close they ran a side who barely three months ago were a penalty shoot-out away from winning the World Cup – and will certainly now fancy their chances of maximum points in June’s double-header with Greece and Gibraltar.
