Battling Republic of Ireland narrowly beaten by France

Republic of Ireland conceded early but will take confidence from their showingThe Republic of Ireland were defeated 1-0 by France in their opening game of the Euro 2025 qualifiers in Metz.

Marie-Antoinette Katoto’s close-range strike proved to be the only goal in a game of few chances for the hosts.

Eileen Gleeson’s side recovered from the early goal and showed resilience to deny the home side a more comfortable lead.

Another tough task awaits the Republic of Ireland on Tuesday as they welcome European champions England to Dublin.

France dominated from the get-go and immediately tested the Republic of Ireland defence with Caitlin Hayes having to make a good clearance to divert an early corner.

They broke the deadlock in the sixth minute when Kenza Dali’s free-kick was steered across the face of goal by Maelle Lakrar, with Katoto able to guide the ball home from the back post.

Set-pieces proved to be an issue for the visitors with Kadidiatou Diani’s corner causing a scramble in the box, which left Griedge Mbock unmarked, but her resulting strike was off target.

Sandie Toletti’s powerful effort required a superb save from Courtney Brosnan and she then had to be alert to collect Dali’s free-kick in the final minute of first half additional time.

Brosnan remained busy, preventing France from going further ahead by making a diving save to stop Lakrar’s strike from finding the bottom right-hand corner.

France continued to be in command and substitute Eugenie Le Sommer nearly made an instant impact as she rose highest to connect with a looping cross, her header only denied by the crossbar.

The Republic of Ireland pushed for an equaliser in the final 10 minutes. They had a good opportunity when substitute Leanne Kiernan found space and travelled forward, but she opted to test Pauline Peyraud-Magnin herself rather than passing to the onrushing Katie McCabe and her resulting strike was wide.

Line-upsFranceFormation 4-3-3

16Peyraud-Magnin22PérissetSubstituted forRenardat 77’minutes2Lakrar19Mbock Bathy7Karchaoui15Dali14TolettiSubstituted forHenryat 78’minutesBooked at 79mins8Geyoro11DianiSubstituted forBaltimoreat 84’minutes12KatotoSubstituted forLe Sommerat 62’minutes20CascarinoSubstituted forBèchoat 62’minutesSubstitutes1Durand3Renard4Cascarino5Le Guilly6Henry9Le Sommer10Le Garrec13Bacha17Baltimore18Dufour21Picaud23BèchoRepublic of IrelandFormation 5-4-1

1BrosnanBooked at 66mins14PayneSubstituted forKiernanat 64’minutes5Hayes4Quinn12Patten13MannionBooked at 81minsSubstituted forStapletonat 90’minutes21MurphySubstituted forCampbellat 45’minutesBooked at 83mins6Connolly10O’SullivanBooked at 55mins11McCabe18CarusaSubstituted forBarrettat 64’minutesSubstituted forQuinnat 73’minutesSubstitutes2Stapleton3Campbell7Caldwell8Littlejohn9Barrett15Quinn16Moloney17Agg19Toland20Kiernan22Atkinson23WhitehouseReferee:Maria Ferrieri Caputi

Match StatsLive TextMatch ends, France 1, Republic of Ireland 0.

Second Half ends, France 1, Republic of Ireland 0.

Foul by Amandine Henry (France).

Lucy Quinn (Republic of Ireland) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

Delay over. They are ready to continue.

Delay in match because of an injury Wendie Renard (France).

Foul by Grace Geyoro (France).

Courtney Brosnan (Republic of Ireland) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

Attempt saved. Vicki Bècho (France) left footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the top centre of the goal. Assisted by Maëlle Lakrar.

Substitution, Republic of Ireland. Jessie Stapleton replaces Aoife Mannion.

Attempt missed. Amandine Henry (France) left footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the right.

Attempt saved. Caitlin Hayes (Republic of Ireland) header from the centre of the box is saved in the top centre of the goal. Assisted by Megan Campbell.

Substitution, France. Sandy Baltimore replaces Kadidiatou Diani.

Foul by Kadidiatou Diani (France).

Megan Campbell (Republic of Ireland) wins a free kick on the left wing.

Megan Campbell (Republic of Ireland) is shown the yellow card.

Aoife Mannion (Republic of Ireland) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.

Kadidiatou Diani (France) wins a free kick on the right wing.

Foul by Aoife Mannion (Republic of Ireland).

Amandine Henry (France) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.