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France ratings: Benjamin Pavard screamer hands France hard-fought victory in tricky Ireland qualifier

Pavard's wonder strike gave France a 1-0 win over a dogged Ireland side to complete a successful week of Euro 2024 qualifying.

Ireland battled their way to a scoreless first half, and mostly kept France away from the goal, with les Blues only putting one shot on target.

But the visitors found a breakthrough shortly after half time, with Pavard sending a shot in off the bar from 20 yards after an Ireland giveaway. Les Blues failed to create much otherwise. Kylian Mbappe had a penalty shout turned down, while Eduardo Camavinga repeatedly won tackles in midfield to fight off the Irish attack.

Two saves from Mike Maignan at the other end sealed the deal, denying what would have been a famous equalisier.

And although it was far from convincing this time, France left Dublin with a duo of wins to open up Euro 2024 qualifying.

GOAL rates France's players from the Aviva Stadium...

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