France's Commanding 2-0 Victory Over Ireland Strengthens Euro 2024 Bid

 France's Commanding 2-0 Victory Over Ireland Strengthens Euro 2024 Bid

France's Commanding 2-0 Victory Over Ireland Strengthens Euro 2024 Bid(Image-Getty)

France continued their dominant march toward the Euro 2024 finals, maintaining a flawless qualifying record with a commanding 2-0 victory over Ireland at home on Thursday. The match took place at the Parc des Princes to preserve the Stade de France pitch for the upcoming Rugby World Cup opener between France and New Zealand.

Les Bleus asserted their superiority in a one-sided affair, securing victory through goals from Aurelien Tchouameni and Marcus Thuram.

This victory marked France's fifth consecutive win in the qualifiers, earning them a maximum 15 points and a commanding lead in Group B, placing them nine points ahead of the Netherlands. The Netherlands also won their match, defeating Greece 3-0, although they have played two fewer games.

Coach Didier Deschamps expressed satisfaction with his team's performance, stating, "I can't complain. We're not qualified yet, but so far, it's been a good campaign. It was not always easy to find the solutions, and we could have scored more goals."

France's next challenge involves a friendly match against Germany in Dortmund, followed by a crucial qualifying clash against the Netherlands on October 13.

In the match against Ireland, France demonstrated their midfield dominance, and their relentless pressure paid off in the 19th minute when Aurelien Tchouameni's 18-meter strike, initiated by Kylian Mbappe's deft touch, found the back of the net.

However, the victory came at a cost as Olivier Giroud had to leave the pitch due to injury and was replaced by Marcus Thuram, who would go on to double France's lead. Thuram capitalized on a shot on the turn after Mbappe's effort had been deflected into his path, marking his first goal for the French national team.

Mike Maignan played a pivotal role in preserving France's clean sheet, making a remarkable save to deny Chiedozie Ogbene, ensuring that France remained unbeaten in their qualifying campaign.

Aurelien Tchouameni continued to threaten with his powerful strikes, but Ireland's goalkeeper, Gavin Bazunu, parried one of his attempts away.

Ousmane Dembele, who dazzled the Irish defense with his electrifying runs in the first half, had a chance to extend France's lead, but his shot struck the post.

Deschamps utilized substitutions to provide his bench players with valuable playing time, with Kingsley Coman and William Saliba replacing Dembele and Lucas Hernandez, and later, Eduardo Camavinga and Benjamin Pavard coming on for Antoine Griezmann and Jules Kounde.