Posted by Juba Touabi, Media365 on Tuesday, July 16, 2024 at 9:02 am.

The French women's team, who have already qualified for Euro 2025, face Ireland this Tuesday at Páirc Uí Chaoimh in Cork. The Blues lost 3-1 against a determined Irish side in the match, which the staff used as preparation ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Spanish central referee Mrs Olatz Rivera Olmedo gives the kick-off under a gray Irish sky. From the opening minutes, the Blues showed their intent to attack with Bacha and Baltimore trying to take advantage of the pressure on the right wing. Le Garec unleashed his first strike of the match in the 6th minute but his shot was blocked for a corner. The French were building their game and Dufour had a great chance in the 9th minute, but the Irish defense was staring. French attacks lacked precision, as Cascarino's over-bent cross in the 11th minute showed.

Ireland responded with O'Sullivan and Kiernan threatening the French defence. French goalkeeper Picard had to intervene several times, most notably Kiernan's dangerous half-volley in the 18th minute. As in Baltimore and Becho, the Blues are struggling to find themselves, with production errors and turnovers ramping up. At half-time, the score remained goalless and the Irish dominated in terms of chances. From the beginning of the second half, the newly entered D. Cascarino looked dangerous from his first ball, forcing Brosnan to save.

France missed the equalizer

Ireland opened the scoring in the 67th minute through O'Sullivan. The Blues tried to respond but Bacha's half volley in the 70th minute was inaccurate. In the 76th minute, Russell doubled the lead with a curling shot into the opposite corner, giving Picard no chance. Becho gave hope to the French in the 79th minute, capitalizing on D.Cascarino's assist to close the gap. As France pushed for an equaliser, Dianne Brosnan's shot deflected off the right post in the 83rd minute. The coup came in the 90th minute when Patton headed in a corner from Connolly. His recovery, diverted by Gioro, ends up under the French crossbar.

Despite this defeat, France retained top spot in the group, with England drawing (0-0) against Sweden. The Blues will have to quickly forget this misunderstanding to focus on the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, with the first match against Colombia on July 25 in Dessins. France will face other major football nations at Women's Euro 2025 in Switzerland from July 2 to 27. The group draw will be held on December 16. Meanwhile, Les Bleus will have to put on a good show at the Olympics to hope to shine on the international stage.