The French View: Olympic worries as 'clumsy' Ireland swat aside Les Blues in historic win

The French media were withering in their assessment of France’s performance as they wrapped up preparations for a home Olympic Games with a 3-1 defeat to Ireland at Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

Hervé Renard’s side kick off their Paris campaign against Colombia - a surprise package at last year’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand - on July 25th.

But they were undone by a dogged Irish performance in Cork as goals from local girl Denise O’Sullivan, Julie-Ann Russell and Anna Patten dampened their sails.

Lyon’s Vicki Bècho had set up a nervy finish as she pulled the game back to 2-1 11 minutes from time, but Aston Villa defender Patten’s late header sealed a famous win.

It was Ireland’s first ever win over the French - and their biggest ever scalp as they downed the world’s number two - in their first game in Cork in 12 years.

But a French side boasting 11 changes from Friday’s 2-1 win over Sweden struggled to just about steal top spot after England were held by the Swedes in the other tie.

So France march on to the 2025 European Championships in Switzerland and likely top seeding but will have concerns ahead of an Olympic group that also features New Zealand and defending champions Canada.

French sports daily L’Équipe - famously tough reviewers - pulled no punches as they noted: “At the end of a disappointing, even failed match, the French rightly lost 3-1 to Ireland. 

“Dominant, Hervé Renard's team was trapped by the Irish, pushed on by the Cork public. Even if the result is incidental, Amandine Henry [captain for the night] and her partners are not reassured.”

Figaro were no less sparing in their criticism as their headline observed that “a very revamped French team suffered a (too) heavy defeat in Ireland during these Euro 2025 qualifiers.”

Reporter Alexandre Jourdan, perhaps unaware that the Páirc’s two terraces are not allowed host UEFA games, was pensive following a convincing defeat.

He said: “The sole objective for Les Bleus was to prepare for the Olympic Games which will begin in a few days. 

“It was with this idea in mind that the French players began the first half in Cork. In a half-empty stadium, Amandine Henry's teammates took time to get into their game. 

“Facing a courageous and disciplined Irish team, they responded with intensity. But not enough to satisfy Hervé Renard, who was very tense on his bench at the end of a first half that was not very exciting and devoid of chances for Les Bleus.

“The French women [lost] heavily and [offered] a prestigious victory to Ireland. Not the best preparation for Hervé Renard's group before starting the Olympic Games.”

On what was a historic night for Ireland, the French press had little room for niceties but they did credit Galway United’s Russell’s ingenuity as she spectacularly made it 2-0 for the hosts.

Jourdan added: "In a match that had not often reached technical heights, Julie Russell's goal was a marvel. 

“Well launched in depth, the Irishwoman hooked her right foot and curled a magnificent left-footed shot that lodged in Picaud's top corner. A gem that gave Ireland a two-goal lead.

“Clumsy for a good part of the match, the opening score allowed them to believe that they were capable of achieving a magnificent feat. 

“They, who had until then only scored one goal in this qualifying phase, would then score three, against one of the best teams in the world, to offer themselves a prestigious victory.”

And Jourdan was as dismissive of Renard’s approach to the match, adding: “Hervé Renard had decided to completely change his starting eleven for this match. 

“An understandable choice a few days before the Olympic Games and with the aim of involving his entire team. 

“In fact, his changes will have destabilised his team, made up of players without any reference points and never in the rhythm of the match. 

“If the coach's decision is understandable, let's hope that it does not come to cut the good momentum of Les Bleus.”

Eileen Gleeson "so proud of the girls" after historic Irish victory over France https://t.co/Ab0f4dIVtnpic.twitter.com/8NcyDIPxTe

— extratime.com (@ExtratimeNews) July 16, 2024