France dance to victory as Ireland's Euro hopes hang by thread

Republic of Ireland's slim Euro 2024 qualification hopes took another major hit as they were beaten 2-0 by World Cup finalists France in Paris.

Stephen Kenny's side went to the French capital with hope after running Les Bleus close in a 1-0 Dublin defeat in March, but goals early in each half from Aurelien Tchouameni and Marcus Thuram finding the net early in each half.

Ireland, who were without the injured Evan Ferguson, came close soon after France's second as Chiedoze Ogbene forced Mike Maignan into a superb reflex save from close range.

But ultimately, Ireland were let off the hook by Kylian Mbappe not having his shooting boots on in a simple France win which saw the hosts have 22 shots on goal along with the near 70 per cent possession.

Kenny's side now turn their attentions to what looks like a must-win game with the Netherlands at the weekend, with their qualifier in Dublin representing their last realistic chance of victory to boost their qualification hopes.