Euro 2024 Qualifiers: Pavard's Strike Edges France Past Ireland

France defender Benjamin Pavard made a spectacular comeback to the national team, scoring a superb second-half strike to give Les Bleus a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Ireland in the Euro 2024 qualifying Group B match held on Monday.

After Friday's 4-0 thrashing of the Netherlands, France was looking to continue their impressive run of form, and Pavard's stunning goal helped them secure their second win in as many matches.

The Bayern Munich player was cast aside after a poor performance in the opening game of the 2018 World Cup but has since regained his form and played a vital role in the French side's recent success.

The goal came in the 56th minute when Pavard unleashed a powerful shot from 18 meters, leaving Ireland goalkeeper Mark Travers with no chance to make a save.

Despite the hosts' best efforts to find an equalizer, France goalkeeper Mike Maignan made a stunning save in the dying minutes of the game, denying Ireland a point.

With the win, France now leads the Group B table with six points, while Greece, who have only played once, sit in second place with three points.

The Netherlands are third, with a goal difference separating them from Greece, while Ireland sit at the bottom of the table with one game played.

France will next face Finland in a friendly match before returning to Euro 2024 qualifying action against Gibraltar in September.