The Real Madrid star scored France's opener and controlled the game from midfield against the Republic of Ireland.
Aurelien Tchouameni scored a wonderful goal and turned in a complete performance as France took another step towards Euro 2024 qualification with a comfortable 2-0 win over Ireland. In an otherwise drab game, Tchouameni shone, turning in a complete showing that offered immense promise for a France side that will surely be one of the favourites next summer.
After a rather poor start from the hosts, Tchouameni opened the scoring — and did so in style. The Real Madrid midfielder pinged an effort into the net from outside the box, curving the ball around two defenders and past a helpless keeper.
France had the ball in the net on a second occasion just before half time, but substitute Marcus Thuram was adjudged to have been offside in the build-up to Kylian Mbappe's effort.
Thuram made up for his mistake early in the second half, though. Mbappe saw a shot deflected, and Thuram pounced on the rebound, firing the ball into the roof of the net to give France a 2-0 lead. There could have been more for the home side as the half wore on. Ousmane Dembele rattled the post. Tchouameni almost had a second. Mbappe, for his part, tried everything to find the back of the net — only to be left frustrated. Still, France remained in control, comfortably seeing off an inferior side.
GOAL rates France's players from Parc des Princes…
GettyGoalkeeper & Defence
Mike Maignan (7/10):
Made an impressive stop at 2-0 to prevent Ireland from getting back in it.
Jules Kounde (6/10):
Reprised his right-back role with Barcelona, to mixed results. He covered well against counter-attacks, but wasn't always speedy in the build up.
Dayot Upamecano (7/10):
Had very little to do except circulate the ball — which he took care of comfortably.
Lucas Hernandez (6/10):
Lined up alongside his brother for the first time in nearly a year, and was solid — if rather scrappy.
Theo Hernandez (7/10):
Did his bit getting forward, and connected with Mbappe well. Probably would've had an assist if the France finishing had been more effective.
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Aurelien Tchouameni (9/10):
Opened the scoring with an exquisite strike from outside the box — one that evoked memories of his wonder goal against England in the World Cup. Would've had a second, if not for an excellent save. Controlled the game expertly. Was still putting in tackles in the 95th minute.
Adrien Rabiot (7/10):
Solid without being spectacular in central midfield, which is sort of his thing. Doesn't play a starring role, but is immensely effective.
Antoine Griezmann (7/10):
Wonderful in the No.10 role, even if he didn't score or assist. Mbappe is the star, but Griezmann is the driving force of this ever-improving France side.
Attack
Ousmane Dembele (6/10):
Some good moments — including a shot that rattled the post — but was mostly dealt with by the Irish defence. Still hasn't really convinced for his country.
Olivier Giroud (5/10):
Went off injured after making a bright start to the contest.
Kylian Mbappe (6/10):
Lacked sharpness in the early goings, overhitting a few crosses. Had the ball in the net, but saw it chalked off for offside. Not his night, but there will be others.
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Subs & Manager
Marcus Thuram (6/10):
Brought on for Giroud midway through the first half. Scored France's second to provide valuable separation.
Kingsley Coman (6/10):
Didn't have time to make an impact. The fact that he comes off the bench shows how deep this side is.
Benjamin Pavard (N/A):
Only played for five minutes
Eduardo Camavinga (N/A):
Will be disappointed not to start. At least he wasn't forced to play left-back.
Didier Deschamps (7/10):
Has a wealth of talent at his disposal, and his only real point of controversy was sticking with Giroud over Kolo Muani. It didn't really matter; his side dealt with Ireland fairly comfortably.