France proved too tough for Stephen Kenny’s Ireland as they fell to a 2-0 defeat at the Parc des Princes. The boys in green were without the in-form Evan Ferguson who was missing with a knee injury. Stephen Kenny opted for a front pairing of Jason Knight and Chiedozie Ogbene supporting Adam Idah in the middle.
Ireland held their own for the opening spell before Kylian Mbappe played a pass for Aurelien Tchouameni whose tremendous curling shot sailed past Gavin Bazunu to give the French the lead after 19 minutes.
France increased the pressure and thought they had doubled their lead when Mbappe’s shot trickled into the Irish net on 39 minutes only to be ruled out for offside.
Ireland pressed at times however the quality of the opposition was evident with the likes of Ousmane Dembele causing Enda Stevens constant problems with his power and pace down the French right wing. Despite this, the teams headed into the tunnel at halftime with the score remaining 1-0.
That all changed just two minutes into the second half when Marcus Thuram followed up on a block in the Irish penalty area with a powerful shot on the turn which doubled the French lead.
Embed from Getty ImagesAdam Idah had a glorious chance on 51 minutes to pull a goal back when he was fed through one-on-one with Mike Maignan but his shot was comfortably saved.
Stephen Kenny introduced Will Keane for Adam Idah and Dara O’Shea for Jayson Molumby on 67 minutes in a bid to inject some fresh legs in the scorching Paris heat.
There was no such sign of French fatigue when Dembele struck the post on 71 minutes just before being replaced by Kingsley Coman.
Ireland were forced into a change on 77 minutes when Will Keane was forced off through injury having only played 10 minutes with Aaron Connolly his replacement.
Stephen Kenny decided to give Festy Ebosele his International debut when he was brought on for Chiedozie Ogbene on 84 minutes.
France continued their control and could have added to their lead in the closing stages before the final whistle solidified their 2-0 win.
Ireland now sit in fourth place in Group B with just one win from four games. Stephen Kenny must now turn his attention to the visit of the Netherlands on Sunday 10th September in what will be an encounter that should decide Ireland’s qualification fate.