Ireland were unlucky not to come out of their opening EURO 2024 qualifier against France with at least a point, as Stephen Kenny's side pushed the best team in Europe to the very limit.
France struggled to create many chances, with their only goal coming from a wonderstrike from Benjamin Pavard early in the second-half.
It could have been oh so different had it not been for a sloppy mistake from Josh Cullen in the buildup to Pavard's goal, or a similarly wonderful save from Mike Maignan in the dying moments of the game.
The French media reaction zeroed in on Maignan's brilliance, with some debate about whether he marks an upgrade from previous goalkeeper Hugo Lloris. After their spirited performance, Ireland have also earned some high praise from some major media outlets in France.
Ireland v France: French media reaction to nervy win
Ireland were a whisker away from a draw against France on Monday night and, though some were unhappy with the praise thrown towards performances rather than results, there were many positives to take, even if the game did end in defeat.
The French media were full of praise for Ireland and, in particular, their defensive performance. Le Dauphine libéré described Ireland's defence as a "wall," while TF1 also praised the well-drilled Irish defence. Le Parisien praised the structure of the Irish defence as something akin to "the exit of a pub," in a rather unusual comment.
Elsewhere, there was praise for the atmosphere created by Irish fans in the Aviva Stadium, which Le Figaro described as a "fabulous volcano."
27 March 2023; A general view as the teams line up before the UEFA EURO 2024 Championship Qualifier match between Republic of Ireland and France at Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
Mike Maignan has taken over the mantle from long-serving French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris after Lloris' retirement, and the AC Milan man has already made his mark after a game-defining save against Ireland on Monday.
His stop in the final minute of normal time prevented what looked to be a surefire equaliser for Ireland from the head of Nathan Collins.
27 March 2023; Nathan Collins of Republic of Ireland looks on as his later header is saved by France goalkeeper Mike Maignan during the UEFA EURO 2024 Championship Qualifier match between Republic of Ireland and France at Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Eóin Noonan/Sportsfile
Most French reactions to the match hailed Maignan as a worthy successor to Lloris, with L'Équipe journalist and ex-PSG goalkeeper Jérome Alonzo saying, "the score was 1-1 but we had Mike Maignan. It's a world class save that not many goalkeepers can pull out."
Some pundits, however, were unhappy with the level of praise for Maignan, with RMC Sport's report saying that too many French fans had been caught up in "moment culture" and forgotten what Lloris had achieved in his 14 years with the national team.
The most exciting sight in the French team on Monday night was Kylian Mbappé, though he had a quiet night against a mighty Irish defensive performance. TF1 once again praised the Irish defence, specifically their success in stifling the man many regard as the best player in the world.
27 March 2023; Kylian Mbappé of France under pressure from Republic of Ireland players, from left, Jayson Molumby, Nathan Collins and Seamus Coleman during the UEFA EURO 2024 Championship Qualifier match between Republic of Ireland and France at Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
Despite his wondergoal ultimately being the difference, Benjamin Pavard was criticised in some quarters, with Le Figaro saying his performance lacked control.
The same could certainly be said of left-back Théo Hernandez, who was run ragged by Chiedozie Ogbene in the first-half. Hernandez was roundly criticised for his performance, with a common theme being disappointment that France have two world class right backs in Pavard and Jules Koundé, but that Hernandez has little competition for his spot.
Overall, the French media were satisfied with the international break, which saw the team collect six points from a tough double header against the Netherlands and Ireland. Nonetheless, their praise of Ireland was well-earned, and the return game in France will be no easy feat for Mbappé and co.
Ireland now have to wait until June until their next qualifier, with a double header against Greece and Gibraltar. They will hope to travel to France in September with six points to their name, and can certainly take plenty from Monday night's game.
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