For those clubs looking for an emerging centre-forward, the teenager from County Meath ticks so many boxes in terms of his goal record, physical stature and ease with which he has adjusted to the Premier League in his first season as a professional.
But in only his fourth appearance for Ireland, Ferguson was given a mountain to climb against France defenders Dayot Upamecano and Ibrahima Konate. The French central defensive pair developed an understanding while playing together at RB Leipzig before moving on to Bayern Munich and Liverpool, respectively, so they teamed up to nullify Ferguson.
Yet despite the Champions League experience that he was up against, Ferguson was a handful for both defenders, and he was substituted on 65 minutes, replaced by Adam Idah, after running himself into the ground. Ferguson will be better for the experience of this game, and whichever big club signs him, they will be getting an excellent young player.
Best and worst performers
BEST: Dayot Upamecano, France. With Raphael Varane having retired from international football, there is a leadership gap to be filled in the France defence, and Upamecano showed he can be the man to fill it.
BEST: Gavin Bazunu, Republic of Ireland. The Ireland goalkeeper had no chance with Pavard’s goal and he gave a calm and commanding performance for Kenny’s team.
BEST: Eduardo Camavinga, France. The Real Madrid midfielder is likely to be the man who ends N’Golo Kante‘s international career. So good in the defensive midfield role.
WORST: Josh Cullen, Republic of Ireland. A tough night for the Burnley midfielder against France’s array of talent, and it was his mistake that led to Pavard’s second-half goal.
WORST: Randal Kolo Muani, France. None of France’s attacking players produced their best in Dublin, but Eintracht Frankfurt forward Muani was the least effective.
WORST: Jayson Molumby, Republic of Ireland. The West Brom midfielder spent most of the game chasing French shadows. A learning experience if nothing else.
Highlights and notable moments
Pavard may not score many, but when he does score … look out. What a thing of beauty from the right-back.
BENJAMIN PAVARD 🇫🇷
Frances claims the 1-0 lead over Ireland after a spectacular finish from the right back! pic.twitter.com/GkbwvuWQEK
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) March 27, 2023
After the match: What the players/managers said
Deschamps: “This allows us to keep the three points. Mike is Mike. It’s not easy to take Lloris’ place, but he’s been with us for a while. He has a lot of strength, so much the better.”
Chiedozie Ogbene: “There are positives to take and we had enough chances to take a point, at least. I’m devastated for the guys, we gave everything. I said it before, we trained to win this game and were unfortunate not to get a result. We should be very proud, we matched one of the best teams in the world and the future is bright.”
Key stats (provided by ESPN Stats & Information research)
– Pavard’s goal was his first for France since November 2020 vs. Sweden.
– Two of Pavard’s three international goals have been from outside the box, with Monday’s strike from a distance of 22.2 meters
Up next
Republic of Ireland: Ireland are next in action on June 16, when they’ll visit Greece for another European Championship qualifier.
France: Les Bleus also return to international play on June 16 with a Euro 2024 qualifying match of their own at Gibraltar.
