TOPS/FLOPS – Ireland suffered a heavy defeat to a revamped French side (3-1) as they look to qualify for Euro 2025.
Tops
Great goal by Russell
Julie Russell's goal is a wonder in a match that has rarely been down to technical excellence. Well-launched deep, the Irish hook on the right rolls a magnificent shot to the left that will lodge in the top corner of the piccadin. A gem to put Ireland two goals up front.
The Irish tried to…
As they were assured of finishing last in their Euro 2025 qualifying group, the Irish began with remarkable motivation and discipline. For a good part of the match, the strange, opening score allowed them to believe they could pull off a spectacular feat. Having scored just one goal up to that point in this qualifier, they would later score three against one of the best teams in the world, promising themselves a proud victory.
flops
… Faced with directionless blues
Herve Renard decided to completely change his starting line-up for this match. An understandable choice with the goal of fielding the entire team just days before the Olympic Games. In fact, these changes will destabilize the pool of players without any reference, never in rhythm with the competition. If the coach's decision is understandable, let's hope it doesn't come in the way of the Blue Army's good run.
Piccadilly could do better
Constance Picard was not the only one responsible for the Blues' poor match-ups and scoring streak. But the Irishwoman's effort was certainly good, but a goalkeeper of this caliber should be at her best when Denis O'Sullivan's average strike was betrayed in the 67th minute of the game. This goal gave confidence to the Irish who started to believe and two more goals would add to the score.
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