France boss Didier Deschamps was full of praise for his side - especially former 'keeper LOSC 'keeper Mike Maignan - after they clinched. 1-0 win over Ireland to end the first round of Euro 24 qualifiers on top of their group with a perfect record.
The World Cup runners-up looked imperious against the Netherlands on Friday, hammering the Dutch 4-0 at the Stade de France, and while they were less prolific in Dublin on Monday, there were still plenty of positives for coach Didier Deschamps.
'Spirit and character'
"There are many positives: six points, five goals scored and none conceded," said the World Cup-winning coach. "The calendar was not kind to us with the Netherlands and Ireland. We weren't as good today as we were on Friday. We had fewer chances but we have to win these games. The team showed a very good spirit and character."
Fewer chances yes, but with the one half-chance Benjamin Pavard cooked up with a clever interception on the edge of the area, they got their goal. The Bayern Munich man barely hesitated before slamming a shot in off the under side of the bar to all but decide the match (50').
However, his wonder goal would have counted for nothing had fellow former-LOSC player Mike Maignan not pulled out a top-drawer save as Ireland pushed hard in the dying minutes.
"There's Mike's save," noted Deschamps. "It was worth a goal. We were able to respond and were less brilliant than in the first game. Ireland defended well. I'm happy and proud of this group against two opponents like that. It's really good to have taken these six points already."
'Mike has all the qualities'
"It was an exceptional stop. But I'm not surprised," continued Deschamps, heaping praise on his new number one. "I know what he is capable of doing. Hugo [Lloris] was also capable of such saves in his own right. Mike has all the qualities, the reach and the mentality. He's a leader. There was already the penalty saved against the Netherlands. But this save is worth even more. I had no doubts or uncertainties about the succession. When Mike is in full possession of his qualities, it's a very high level."
