France ended their World Cup preparation on a high note with a commanding 3-1 victory over Northern Ireland at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille on Monday, June 8. The win came after a disappointing loss to Côte d’Ivoire last Thursday, providing a timely boost ahead of their departure for the United States.
The French side dominated from start to finish, with Michael Olise stealing the show. The winger netted a first-half goal in the 43rd minute, capitalising on a rebound after a Northern Ireland defender blocked an initial attempt. He struck again early in the second half (49th minute) in similar fashion, before completing his hat-trick with a trademark curled shot into the top corner in the 75th minute. The only blemish on the night was Patrick John Kelly’s equaliser for the visitors in the 64th minute.
Several players impressed, notably the Paris Saint-Germain contingent who had missed the previous match against Côte d’Ivoire due to their late arrival after winning a second consecutive Champions League title. Ousmane Dembélé and Désiré Doué started, with Doué looking particularly sharp, while Bradley Barcola came on after the hour. William Saliba, managing chronic back pain, played the entire first half without any visible discomfort.
The match also marked Didier Deschamps’ last game on French soil after 14 years as head coach. He will step down after the World Cup. His record now stands at 91 matches, 63 wins, 14 draws and 14 defeats – a win rate of 69%. In a touching moment, the crowd chanted his name in the 7th minute, the number he wore as a France player. N’Golo Kanté received a warm ovation when he came on for added time, possibly his final appearance in front of a home crowd.
Overall, the performance was a reassuring response to the defeat against the Elephants, though defensive gaps remain. France now fly to the United States in two days to begin their World Cup campaign.
