It was a raucous night at the Aviva Stadium, as Ireland fell just short against one of the best sides in the world, losing 1-0 to France. While many had feared a drubbing ahead of kickoff in Ireland v France, most left the Aviva proud about an impassioned, well-organised performance that could have easily been a draw were it not for Magic Mike Maignan. However Brian Kerr saw things differently.
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The former Republic of Ireland manager cast a far gloomier tone while giving his analysis to Virgin Media Sport after the game.
Ireland v France: Brian Kerr's take
Kerr was hardly complementary of the Irish performance, saying France 'controlled the game very, very well' bar the final 15 minutes.
It was typical of what happens in Ireland many of times in recent years where we’ve relied on a centre half for a goal - usually Shane Duffy or John Egan - to get us a goal when we needed one.
It was kind of battle and bite late on with us. James McClean came on the pitch. Alan Browne…
The end of the story is we lost 1-0 to France. That’s three times in a row they’ve come to Dublin and we’ve got no points and we have to go to Greece, and no matter what spin Stephen puts on it, we got beaten in the match and had very little possession until the last few minutes.
Their goalkeeper had one save to make.
Our goalkeeper made two good saves, was well-beaten on the goal, maybe three saves, and that was it. And we’ve got to go on now. We’ve got to win matches in the group.
Brian Kerr on 🇮🇪 0-1 🇫🇷.
"A bit better but the end of the story is we lost 1-0.
"No matter what spin Stephen puts on it, we got beaten in the match and had very little possession until late on.
"We've got to go on now and win matches."#IRLFRA #COYBIG #EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/TxcEQ7qSWd— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) March 27, 2023
Of course, Kerr knows all about disappointing results to France, as his Ireland side frustrated Les Bleus in 2006 World Cup qualifying only to fall agonisingly short of a win in Paris and a draw in Dublin
It's certainly not the first time Kerr has sounded out of step with the reaction of the RTÉ pundits, and indeed Irish football supporters, after an Ireland result under Stephen Kenny.
Kenny spoke to Dion Fanning about the hurt he's felt over Kerr's regular criticism on a podcast last year.
I've known Brian a long time. The quarters of criticism that you get, that can surprise you. I don't hold grudges and I can move on at any stage.
Damien Delaney echoed Kerr's disappointment saying he thought Ireland was going to show more adventure and have a go at the French.
Damien Delaney:
🗣 "Tonight isn't the night that Stephen Kenny will be judged.
🗣 "The team done brilliant, the players executed the game plan perfectly.
🗣 "I'm just a little bit disappointed because I thought we were going to have a go at the French here. #IRLFRA #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/W1MT7fl4Xy— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) March 27, 2023
We'd all agree that the performance that Ireland puts in against Greece on 16 June will tell us much more about this team's progress under Stephen Kenny than tonight's result. But given the anxiety heading into the match, there's many positive to take away from tonight.
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