France completed their final home fixture before travelling to the World Cup with a 3-1 victory over Northern Ireland in Lille, where Michael Olise produced a hat trick. Although the result favoured the hosts, Michael O’Neill’s youthful team once again demonstrated resilience against one of the tournament favourites.
With an average age of only 22.6, Northern Ireland were confronted by a French side featuring what could be Didier Deschamps’ preferred line-up for the opening World Cup match against Senegal on June 16. Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, and Olise led an attack packed with quality, while Deschamps took charge of his final match on home soil.
The home side quickly established control. Mbappe bent an effort just wide, and Doue tested Pierce Charles with a straightforward attempt. Northern Ireland still found opportunities to threaten, however, and Isaac Price delivered a cross that allowed Patrick Kelly to break free, though his low finish drifted narrowly past the post.
France strike before and after the interval
As the first half progressed, France continued to probe. Aurelien Tchouameni struck the post from distance, and moments later Mbappe found the net after Doue’s delivery, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Northern Ireland grew increasingly confident and almost capitalised when Shea Charles produced an excellent pass that nearly released Kelly in a dangerous position. Yet it was France who eventually made the breakthrough shortly before half-time.
Doue’s cross located Dembele, whose blocked effort fell kindly for Olise. The Bayern Munich attacker reacted quickest and converted from close range. Northern Ireland believed they had equalised in stoppage time when Jamie Donley finished from Price’s delivery, but the effort was disallowed after Ruairi McConville was penalised for pushing Theo Hernandez.
Only three minutes after the restart, France doubled their advantage. Substitute Malo Gusto supplied the cross, Pierce Charles was unable to gather it cleanly, and after Trai Hume blocked Hernandez’s header, Olise was on hand again to drive the loose ball into the net.
Kelly rewards Northern Ireland’s endeavour
Despite trailing by two goals, Northern Ireland continued to compete with determination. France missed further opportunities as Mbappe volleyed over from a Hernandez cross, while Maxence Lacroix also failed to take advantage of a promising opening.
The visitors then produced their finest attacking move of the evening. Justin Devenny released Shea Charles, who outmuscled Dayot Upamecano before delivering a low pass across the area. Kelly arrived at the right moment and guided the ball home for his first international goal, reducing the deficit and briefly quietening the crowd.
The strike rewarded another disciplined display from O’Neill’s side, who followed their manager’s request to spoil France’s farewell celebrations and continued to challenge the hosts whenever opportunities arose.
Olise seals victory in style
Northern Ireland’s response ensured a tense spell in the contest, but France eventually restored control. Mbappe again failed to find the target, sending another effort over the crossbar as the hosts searched for a decisive third goal.
That moment arrived in the 75th minute through Olise. Collecting possession on the right flank, he moved inside and curled a superb shot into the far corner to complete his hat-trick and effectively settle the encounter.
The closing stages saw Northern Ireland defend stubbornly and prevent any further goals. Although the visitors departed with defeat, they produced another encouraging performance, while France headed for the World Cup on the back of a successful farewell match highlighted by Olise’s outstanding contribution.