What else than belter, who else than Pavard: France edge die-hard Ireland with a single goal

It's never easy against hard-nosed Irish lads, especially on their soil. That's something even the World Cup runners-up are aware of after tonight, but Les Bleus somehow managed to grab an important 1-0 win in the end to continue their successful Euro 2024 qualifiers' campaign.

The only goal of the game was seen not before the second half when Bayern Munich's full-back Benjamin Pavard launched another stunner just below the crossbar for the win.

The player well-known for his trademark belters shone again for Didier Deschamps' side, in the same manner as he did, for instance, at the 2018 World Cup against Argentina.

However, even Pavard's piece of beauty could have been denied later on, as Ireland had two wonderful chances.

But there was AC Milan's keeper Mike Maignan with a sensational, clutch save of Collins' header that left the Irish fans in despair and with not a single point on their account, although the underdogs deserved a point for the die-hard approach.

EURO 2024 - Qualifiers

Monday

Austria - Estonia 2-1 (0-1)

/Kainz 68, Gregoritsch 88 - Sappinen 25/

Hungary - Bulgaria 3-0 (3-0)

/Vecsei 7, Szoboszlai 26, Adam 39/

Republic of Ireland - France 0-1 (0-0)

/Pavard 50/

Moldova - Czech Republic 0-0

Montenegro - Serbia 0-2 (0-0)

/Vlahovic 78, 90+6/

Netherlands - Gibraltar 3-0 (1-0)

/Depay 23, Ake 50, 82/

Poland - Albania 1-0 (1-0)

/Swiderski 41/

Sweden - Azerbaijan 5-0 (1-0)

/Forsberg 38, Mustafazada 65 og, Gyokeres 79, Karlsson 88, Elanga 89/