Ireland-France is a match from the second day of Euro 2024 qualifying Group B and is played on Monday at 20:45: TV, line-ups, predictions
On the first day of Euro 2024 qualifying, a literally unplayable France made mincemeat of the other contender for top spot in Group B, the Netherlands.
After just two minutes of play the vice-world champions made things clear, taking the lead through Griezmann. And by half-time the selection led by Ronald Koeman was already practically on the flight back to Amsterdam. Upamecano and Mbappé – there could not have been a better debut for the new Bleus captain – sealed the deal, with the Psg phenomenon making the result even more rounded with two laps of the clock before the final whistle: a humiliating 4-0 for the Oranje, who were never really in the game in the big match at the Stade de France. The top two in each group qualify, but France now have a clear path to the top spot: they are unlikely to leave points on the road with Greece, Ireland and Gibraltar. Didier Deschamps, who, as usual, can count on a long and star-studded squad, will have to ensure that his side do not slip up, as they did in the last Nations League when France were only able to beat Austria in six games.
France haven’t lost to Ireland since 1982
The selector wants no let-up in the Dublin trip against Ireland, who have yet to make their debut in these qualifiers.
Kenny
Last week the Boys in Green played a friendly against Latvia (3-2), which they folded after suffering a resounding comeback. Stephen Kenny, who was confirmed despite failing to qualify for the World Cup, is aiming to take Ireland back to the final stage of a European Championship after eight years, making them forget the painful penalty shootout defeat to Slovakia that prevented the green-and-white selection from taking part in Euro 2020. There has been bad blood with France, who have not lost to Ireland since 1982, since Henry’s handball foul in the play-off for a place in the South African World Cup in 2009, which extinguished an entire country’s dream of returning to the World Cup.
The Prediction
Deschamps might rotate a few players compared to the match against Holland but the final result will not change. Ireland have the edge in front of their home crowd – they have been unbeaten for 13 years in European qualifying home games – but they will be able to do little against a selection that can count on a huge amount of talent like the French side. Deschamps’ men should also be able to keep their goal unbeaten.
Ireland v France squad
- IRLAND (3-5-2): Bazunu; Egan, Collins, O’Shea; Doherty, Cullen, Molumby, Knight, O’Dowda; Ferguson, Obafemi.
- FRANCE (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Koundé, Konaté, Upamecano, Theo Hernandez; Tchouaméni, Rabiot; Coman, Griezmann, Mbappé; Kolo Muani.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 0-3
