France 2-0 Ireland
Few expected Ireland to pick up a result in Paris tonight against top class opposition, and that turned out to be the case as France ran out 2-0 winners at the Parc des Princes.
While this result against one of the world's best teams would be acceptable in normal circumstances, the uninspiring nature of the performance is only likely to heap further pressure on Stephen Kenny.
Goals from Aurélien Tchouaméni and Marcus Thuram proved to be the difference between the sides, with Ireland now having to dust themselves down ahead of a big Euro 2024 qualifier against the Dutch on Sunday.
Here's how we rated the performances on the night.
Ireland player ratings vs France
Gavin Bazunu - 6
Questions have been asked about Bazunu's record of conceding goals from long range, but there was nothing he could do about the opening goal on this occasion. Apart from that strike, he was only asked to gather a couple of tame shots from outside the box.
There was nothing he could do about the second either.
Alan Browne - 7
Playing in a less familiar right wingback role, Alan Browne was given the unenviable task of marshalling Kylian Mbappe in Paris. He did a brilliant job in the first half, dealing brilliantly with the PSG star.
Considering the circumstances, he very well despite the result.
Nathan Collins - 7
Collins showed an impressive range of passing in the opening half, while he also excelled at the back. He was tasked with helping Browne deal with Mbappe, something he did brilliantly.
It was a solid performance from the Brentford player.
Shane Duffy - 6
Thrown straight in at the deep end after his return to the squad, Shane Duffy looked very solid at the back in the first half. You could certainly tell that Duffy had a run of games under his belt coming into this one, something that hasn't been the case for a couple of years.
John Egan - 6
Shifted to the left of the back three to accommodate Duffy, Egan had plenty to do in the opening half as most of the good French play came down that side.
He made a couple of brilliant goal-saving blocks, although he was not helped by his teammates as one of them led directly to France's second goal.
Enda Stevens - 4
Making an unexpected return to the starting XI, Stevens perhaps could have done more to close down Tchoumeni's opener from long range.
It was a very tough night for the left wingback, who struggled to deal with Ousmane Dembele down that flank. He was rightly substituted at halftime.
Josh Cullen - 6
While Ireland sat deep out of possession, Cullen was not afraid to push up the pitch and press the opposition on occasion. His passing was crisp for during the first half, although he struggled to get on the ball after the interval.
An early booking in the second half meant his defensive approach was a more conservative one over the remainder of the game.
Jayson Molumby - 5
Jayson Molumby worked hard in the first half, running his socks off to deny the French space. In saying that, he offered very little in terms of playing the ball through the middle third.
For all he brings in midfield, that is an area that he needs to improve in.
Jason Knight - 6
Being asked to do a lot of thankless work off the ball, Knight excelled in his defensive duties. You would have hoped to see more from him on the ball, offering little in possession.
It was same story in the second half, although his defensive contributions continued throughout.
Chiedozie Ogbene - 7
Ogbene's pace was always going to be key to Ireland's game plan this evening, with the Luton Town man operating largely from a central position. His pace caused some issues for the French, but his end product was lacking more often than not in the opening 45 minutes.
He drew an excellent save from Mike Maignan early in the second half and was the one attempting to push Ireland forward as the game went on, although not to much success.
Probably Ireland's best player on the night.
Adam Idah - 7
Coming in for the injured Evan Ferguson, Adam Idah worked incredibly hard up front. Despite sometimes finding himself isolate up front, his linkup play was excellent.
His pace also proved to be important on the counterattack, although he understandably seemed to tire as the match went on. Some signs were there of the striker it was thought the Norwich man could develop into.
Substitutes
James McClean - 6
Replacing Stevens at halftime, McClean certainly did a better job of dealing with the threat posed by Ousmane Dembele.
Will Keane - 5
Did not make much of an impact in difficult circumstances, having to come off soon after due to injury.
Dara O'Shea - 6
It was strange to see O'Shea brought on for the final 20 minutes as Ireland chased the game, although he did okay after coming on.
Aaron Connolly & Festy Ebosele - N/A
Not on long enough to rate.
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