The Republic of Ireland lost again on their return to Stade de France – the venue of one of the most controversial moments in their footballing history – on Monday. Last time out in 2009, an unspotted Thierry Henry handball broke Irish hearts and handed France a place at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. This time, Olivier Giroud’s 31st international goal and Nabil Fekir’s curled finish gave the host a confidence-boosting 2-0 win in preparatory to the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Playing in Group C, Les Blues open their World Cup campaign against Australia on June 16th. Their other first-round opponents are Peru and Denmark.
Highlights
Moments
37′ Corentin Tolisso (France) hits the right post with a right footed shot from outside the box. Assisted by Djibril Sidibe.
40′ Goal! France 1, Republic of Ireland 0. Olivier Giroud (France) left footed shot from very close range to the bottom left corner following a corner.
43′ Goal! France 2, Republic of Ireland 0. Nabil Fekir (France) right footed shot from the left side of the box to the high centre of the goal. Assisted by Kylian Mbappé.
51′ Attempt saved. Olivier Giroud (France) left footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the bottom left corner. Assisted by Nabil Fekir.
65′ Offside, France. Antoine Griezmann tries a through ball, but Kylian Mbappé is caught offside.
66′ Missed chance. Kylian Mbappé (France) skilfully outwits his marker and plays Olivier Giroud through on goal, but Giroud fails to take the unexpected pass in his stride and play goes out.
90′ Attempt saved. Shaun Williams (Republic of Ireland) right footed shot from át the edge of the six-yard box is saved by the goalkeeper.
Match Stats
Player Ratings
Line-up
