Chiedozie Ogbene: We're devastated now - but the future is bright

Beaten, but unbowed. That was the message from Chiedozie Ogbene after Ireland's heartbreaking 1-0 defeat to France in their opening Euro 2024 qualifier at the Aviva Stadium on Monday night.

Stephen Kenny's side went down to a spectacular Benjamin Pavard goal in the 50th minute against the world champions in a game that saw the home side trade blows with their much vaunted opponents for large portions of the night .

Ogbene knows his is a results business, but the Rotherham United forward feels this was an Irish performance that should embolden the squad - and their fans - as they move into the teeth of the qualifying campaign.

"We gave a good account of ourselves today," Player of the Match Ogbene told RTÉ Sport after the game.

"We matched one of the best, if not the best team in the world. That's a credit to us and what we're trying to achieve here - the future's bright.

"The atmosphere says it all. A lot of positives to take from today. We had a lot of chances to take a point at least. I'm just devastated for the the guys, we gave everything out there

"That comes from the application all week, we trained to win this game. We were just unfortunate not to get a result.

"We know what kind of quality they possess. That's what we have to do, we have to make sacrifices, work hard. Credit to the boys, we know we all have to work really hard.

"We defended very well, we are unfortunate to be beaten by such a goal, a spectacular shot from long distance, what can you do...

"[France keeper Mike Maignan] pulled off some great saves towards the end... we're putting pressure on the best teams in the world. I'm very happy, I'm very positive about the team. We're obviously disappointed not to come away with a win.

"That's the level of