Pavard screamer sees France edge Ireland in Euro opener

Heartbreak for the Republic of Ireland in their opening Euro 2024 qualifier as they were edged out by World Cup finalists France, losing 1-0 at the Aviva Stadium.

Stephen Kenny's side matched their esteemed opponents in the opening 45 minutes, but then a moment’s lapse at the back allowed Benjamin Pavard fire home the only goal of the game five minutes after the re-start.

Ireland battled hard for an equaliser, most notably in the final ten minutes, however, it never arrived and Kenny’s charged were consigned to a defeat in their opening Group B encounter.

More to follow...