France held off Ireland for narrow 1-0 win with Pavard’s stunner

France beat Republic of Ireland 1-0 in a tightly-contested match for Euro 2024 qualifiers on Monday night.

Benjamin Pavard fired his team into the lead after a spectacular strike in the 50th minute.

The first half was even-steven with neither side creating anything too threatening in front of goal.

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The World Cup finalists were not by any stretch of the imagination the better team. A moment of solo brilliance from right-back Pavard saw them edge out their stubborn opponents.

Furthermore, the Irish team didn’t hold anything back and put the 2018 World Cup winners under severe pressure in the second half. Nathan Collins had a great chance to draw the game level late on, but a magnificent safe by goalkeeper Mike Maignan denied the opposing defender.

After today’s win, accompanied by the 4-0 rout to the Netherlands, France sit comfortably on top of Group B with six points out of possible six and are well under way to secure a spot for the Euro 2024 in Germany.