Dublin, March 28 (BNA): France defender Benjamin Pavard made a stunning return to the team as his stunning second-half strike saw Ireland beat Ireland 1-0 away in a Euro 2024 qualifier on Monday.
Pavard, who walked away from last year’s World Cup finals after an unfortunate opening game, struck from 18 meters to put France six points from two matches after the Netherlands lost 4-0 on Friday.
Reuters reported that France goalkeeper Mike Minnan, who took over after Hugo Lloris retired from international football, denied the hosts an equalizer in the last minute, three days after he stopped a penalty kick at the Stade de France.
France leads the group ahead of second-placed Greece, which has only three points and has played only once, while the Dutch lead the third standings by goal difference after beating Gibraltar 3-0 at home.
Ireland is fourth after one match.
France got off to a lively start and had a good chance in the ninth minute when Kolo Mane burst into the area, only to choose not to shoot and try to find Giroud with a backheel.
It was Les Blue’s only decent chance in the first half, as they lacked creativity against an Irish side aware of Kylian Mbappe’s pace and happy to sit and wait.
WWA