Tchouameni and Thuram score as France beat Republic

2 years ago 105

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The Republic of Ireland players look dejected after conceding a goal

The Republic of Ireland's slim hopes of qualifying for Euro 2024 were further dented as France ran out comfortable winners at Parc des Princes.

Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni's stunning 19th-minute goal put the hosts ahead at the break.

Substitute Marcus Thuram ensured a home victory early in the second half as the French made it five wins from five.

For the Republic, however, it is a third defeat in four games, leaving them fourth in the group.

Stephen Kenny's side's chances of qualifying for next summer's finals in Germany are remote, but they must regroup quickly and look to revive their campaign at home to the Netherlands on Sunday.

When France visited Dublin in March, Didier Deschamps' side escaped with a 1-0 win having been put under intense pressure by a spirited Republic team, with French goalkeeper Mike Maignan in inspired form.

But it was a different story in the French capital, with Thuram's goal taking the sting out of the game and paving the way for a largely comfortable second half for Les Bleus.

While few expected a Republic victory, their latest defeat leaves them needing a minor-miracle if they are to qualify for a tournament for the first time under Kenny.

Liverpool's Gakpo scores as Netherlands beat Greece

Ferguson-less Republic struggle

Already facing a daunting task away to the beaten World Cup finalists, the Republic's preparations were hit on Tuesday by the injury-enforced withdrawal of in-form Brighton striker Evan Ferguson.

The 18-year-old, fresh off scoring a hat-trick against Newcastle, was set to spearhead the Irish attack against France and the Netherlands, and with Michael Obafemi, Troy Parrott, Callum Robinson, and Mikey Johnston already out, the Republic's attack struggled in Paris.

As for France, Kylian Mbappe endured a frustrating evening - as he did in Dublin - as the Paris St-Germain star fired a volley over the bar from an Antoine Griezmann corner before seeing a goal ruled out for offside.

There were no such frustrations for Tchouameni, though, who opened the scoring in spectacular fashion after being teed up by Mbappe.

The 23-year-old Real Madrid midfielder lit up the first half with an unstoppable right-footed shot, but it was an avoidable goal from a Republic perspective with Nathan Collins only able to half-clear a cross to Mbappe.

From there, France largely dominated possession but were unable to double the advantage before half-time. Mbappe thought he had done just that six minutes before the break but Thuram was correctly flagged for offside before he found the France captain.

More to follow.

Line-ups

France

Formation 4-2-3-1

16Maignan
5KoundéSubstituted forPavardat 89'minutes
4Upamecano
21HernándezSubstituted forSalibaat 73'minutes
22HernándezBooked at 21mins
8Tchouaméni
14Rabiot
11DembéléSubstituted forComanat 73'minutes
7GriezmannBooked at 87minsSubstituted forCamavingaat 90'minutes
10Mbappé
9GiroudSubstituted forThuramat 26'minutes

Substitutes

1Samba
2Pavard
3Disasi
6Camavinga
12Kolo Muani
13Todibo
15Thuram
17Saliba
18Fofana
19Kamara
20Coman
23Areola

Republic of Ireland

Formation 3-4-3

1Bazunu
12Collins
4Duffy
5Egan
8Browne
14MolumbySubstituted forO'Sheaat 68'minutes
6CullenBooked at 47mins
3StevensSubstituted forMcCleanat 45'minutes
20OgbeneSubstituted forEboseleat 84'minutes
9IdahSubstituted forKeaneat 68'minutesSubstituted forConnollyat 78'minutes
17Knight

Substitutes

2O'Shea
7Smallbone
10Keane
11McClean
13Hendrick
15Connolly
16Kelleher
18McGrath
19Lenihan
21Ebosele
22Manning
23Travers

Live Text

Match ends, France 2, Republic of Ireland 0.
Second Half ends, France 2, Republic of Ireland 0.
Attempt missed. Kingsley Coman (France) left footed shot from the centre of the box is just a bit too high. Assisted by Kylian Mbappé.
Attempt blocked. Marcus Thuram (France) right footed shot from the right side of the box is blocked. Assisted by Kylian Mbappé.
Corner, France. Conceded by Shane Duffy.
Attempt blocked. Kylian Mbappé (France) right footed shot from the left side of the box is blocked. Assisted by Adrien Rabiot.
Attempt missed. Marcus Thuram (France) header from the centre of the box is just a bit too high. Assisted by Théo Hernández with a cross.
Dayot Upamecano (France) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Foul by Festy Ebosele (Republic of Ireland).
Foul by Dayot Upamecano (France).
Aaron Connolly (Republic of Ireland) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Hand ball by Aaron Connolly (Republic of Ireland).
Substitution, France. Eduardo Camavinga replaces Antoine Griezmann.
Substitution, France. Benjamin Pavard replaces Jules Koundé.
Attempt missed. Kylian Mbappé (France) left footed shot from outside the box is too high.
Attempt saved. John Egan (Republic of Ireland) header from the centre of the box is saved in the top left corner. Assisted by James McClean with a cross.
Antoine Griezmann (France) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
Foul by Antoine Griezmann (France).
Festy Ebosele (Republic of Ireland) wins a free kick on the right wing.
Attempt blocked. Kingsley Coman (France) left footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Aurélien Tchouaméni.