Republic of Ireland V France - Monday, 27th March 2023 - Euro 2024 Qualifier

**pineapple stu** · 27/03/2023, 7:37 PM

You'd have to imagine France are getting a bollocking right now. Could see Coman for Hernandez second half?

Still, didn't expect to get this far and be in the game, so this is decent stuff so far.

Really need to make something from the set pieces they're giving us though

**NeverFeltBetter** · 27/03/2023, 7:38 PM

All quite positive so far, bar the possession stats. If France stay at this intensity a scoreless draw is likely enough. Crowd doing their part for sure.

**paul_oshea** · 27/03/2023, 7:39 PM

That's the cleverest first half we've played under Kenny. Whoever said Kenny would be pragmatic was spot on. We're playing a low block and sitting deep when we need to but also not fannying about with the ball around the box when we need to clear it. We've showed proper game know how here. Having said all that the French could score at anytime they really are that good. When ye see the movement in the flesh it's all the more appreciative. The one thing I'd like to see more about is to go for it with the likes of Doherty or moreso ogbene as all down the right going. He's holding back. Clearly Kenny fears the counter and isn't willing to commit players. It's clear we're playing for a set piece.

Game has mostly passed fergsuon by. He's looked leggy but probably just can't get into it as his lack of experience in this type of game is showing. Molumbys had some key interceptions. And he really fired up the crowd after the tackle was good to see. Overall I don't think anyone can complain about that 45 mins

**ontheotherhand** · 27/03/2023, 7:39 PM

Doherty having a fine game so far. Best I've seen from him for a while. Ogbene doing very well at drawing the fouls but we need to make more use of the set pieces.

Molumby having a stormer. These games suit him a bit better I think. Getting in players faces and snapping at heels.

Generally doing well. Mixing it up in terms of play and keeping a good shape defensively.

**tommy_c12000** · 27/03/2023, 7:41 PM

France very flat, apart from the one ball over the top which caught O’Shea out no other big threats at irish goal. Ireland set up appropriately. I’ve never seen the lad Rabiot play before but he is having a stinker, as is Hernandez.

Bazunu has been great, really assured. Wing backs have settled nicely, particularly Doherty who is out of position. Still look like a fragile centre of defence. Molumby doing okay, grafting as always, but remains a limited footballer. Ogbene has won a couple of good free kicks and is working hard.

It has been a bit disappointing to see us get in good positions then gradually regress backwards with lateral/backward passing. It seems that the team don’t know how to use Ferguson and have not been able to get him involved with link play. He had one exquisite layoff to Ogbene early on. We need to get Ferguson involved and start with simple layoffs like Brighton do.

No idea what they’ve been working on with the short set pieces, but would err on just getting the ball in the box for the second half until they iron them out

**backstothewall** · 27/03/2023, 7:41 PM

Heroic first half so far. Not going to pick out anyone in particular. It's been a true team performance.

**texidub** · 27/03/2023, 7:42 PM

That was brilliant, despitre the laxck of goal chances. But it felt like 90 minutes. Molumby in a powerful frame of mind... Ogbene causing all sorts of rattles. Collins unafraid to go on the odd run. French passes going astray. Doherty's run was something I haven't seen from him in an Ireland shirt for a long time. I know there's a long way to go - and there will have to be substitutions which could change everything -- but how could anyone not like this team and the way they are playing?

Only gripe would be - Bazunu needs to mix it up a bit more so we're not playing out from the back unecessarily. 3-4 long punts a match is fine with me.

**backstothewall** · 27/03/2023, 7:43 PM

Do we have VAR at Lansdowne Rd

**osarusan** · 27/03/2023, 7:45 PM

Decent first half. I'm surprised they're swinging so many crosses in rather than trying to go through us.

They've not created too much really, but if they do score I cannot see a way back as we don't look like creating anything. Tough night for Ferguson, but it would be for anybody in that role.

**ontheotherhand** · 27/03/2023, 7:45 PM

Originally Posted by backstothewall

Do we have VAR at Lansdowne Rd

There was a peno check so we must?

**NeverFeltBetter** · 27/03/2023, 7:46 PM

Yeah, there was one penalty check. The one handball claim seemed more like wishful thinking from the crowd though.

**pineapple stu** · 27/03/2023, 7:48 PM

Originally Posted by ontheotherhand

There was a peno check so we must?

It was used against Armenia

**Nesta99** · 27/03/2023, 7:49 PM

Originally Posted by NeverFeltBetter

Good start, but can't get carried away. Even commentary is sounding like they think a result is on.

Everyone looking at Mbappe, but it's Muani who looks like he'll be the problem.

Im stuck abroad too and commentary is not RTE, its pretty patronising stuff - biggest night in Irish football history, French sloppness due to the pitch and the hammering it got in the rugby at the weekend, butchering a corner (true) but 'need to work on the training field'. Bizzare stuff...
Game stuff, didnt really lay a glove on us. We look focused, keeping the pressured a bit with a couple of breaks from winning some one on one battles. Looking composed when we do have the ball but then that is relative. Ogbene with the right ball and a ref that isnt going to penalise pretty 50/50 physicality, is an outlet. If we keep concentration and dont run out of steam then so far so good!