(Football news) Following the 4-0 win against the Netherlands, France beat Ireland 1-0 at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Didier Deschamps made 3 changes to the side as Olivier Giroud replaced Randall Kolo Muani as the striker. Kingsley Coman dropped to the bench as Kolo Muani took his place on the wing. Eduardo Camavinga who was selected as a back up left back got an opportunity in the midfield as his Real Madrid teammate Aurélien Tchouaméni dropped to the bench. Benjamin Pavard also came in for Jules Kounde at right back.

France were completely dominating possession in the first half as Ireland just couldn’t keep hold of the ball. However the visitors didn’t carve out a clear goal scoring chance. The deadlock was broken in the 50th minute by Benjamin Pavard. He stole the ball on the edge of Ireland’s box before launching a rocket from outside the box past the Irish goalkeeper. Ireland had a chance to equalize in the 89th minute from a corner as Nathan Collins headed the ball goalwards but Mike Maignan pulled off an incredible save. The match ended 1-0 despite France’s efforts to make it more.

Ireland can be happy to keep the loss at just 1-0 however it may be disappointing as the only goal came from their own mistake. Their next match is against Greece which is crucial if they want to keep the hunt for a qualification position alive. France will be happy with the 3 points even though it was a scrappy win. They are now comfortably on top of the table after 2 wins. Eduardo Camavinga and Benjamin Pavard both had really good games which created a welcome selection problem for Deschamps. 

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