Euro qualification hopes recede as Ireland outclassed by France

Ireland were outclassed by a sparkling France side who cruised to a 2-0 Euro 2024 qualifying victory at the Parc des Princes in Paris.

It took the home side just 19 minutes to make their dominance count as Aurélien Tchouameni curled home a classy effort from the edge of the box.

Ireland managed to keep it to a minimum at the break, however, the contest was all but over three minutes after the restart as Marcus Thuram added a second from close range.

Stephen Kenny's side committed bodies forward looking for an avenue back into the contest but they rarely looked like threatening with Chiedozie Ogbene coming the closest to narrowing the gap.

Five wins out of five for the table-topping French as Ireland now must beat the Netherlands on Sunday night to harbour any hopes of qualification.

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Aurélien Tchouameni curls home France's first goal

Ireland set out with real intent and literally ran at the hosts from the kick-off as they charged through the centre with Chiedozie Ogbene getting chopped down inside the opening seconds – the free into the box easily cleared, however.

Ireland maintained an early press, yet the first chance of the game fell to France as Adrien Rabiot's third-minute shot was saved following a fine crossfield ball from Mbappe to Ousmane Dembele.

A minute later, the first long ball down the left sent Mbappe flying down the flank with Browne well beaten for pace, likewise the covering central defender Collins.

Ireland got away with a corner, which led to a