France 3-1 Northern Ireland: Hat-trick hero Olise seals win for France in Deschamps’ final home game | OneFootball

Michael Olise scored a hat-trick as France put their loss against Ivory Coast behind them with a 3-1 victory against Northern Ireland in their final friendly before the World Cup.

It was Didier Deschamps’s final home match before stepping down from his role as manager after the tournament, with France finishing the game in confident mood ahead of the summer.

Olise was the standout performer, with his trio of strikes crucial to fend off a late fightback as France’s attacking quality proved too strong for the visitors.

Northern Ireland did manage a second-half goal through Patrick Kelly, but it was not enough to trouble Deschamps’ side.

As it happened

France started strongly, registering an early shot on target while creating several dangerous attacks and dominating possession as Kylian Mbappé missed France’s first opportunity to give his side the lead, before Désiré Doué saw his effort saved.

Shortly after, Northern Ireland created their first chance of the match through Patrick Kelly, who broke forward on the counterattack but dragged his effort wide.

France kept attacking from all areas to try and breakdown the Northern Irish defence, as Mbappe looked keen to score first.

Les Bleus’ attacking pressure finally appeared to pay off when Mbappé found the back of the net to put his side ahead, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

France requested a water break 25 minutes into the first half as part of their preparations for the heat expected in the United States during the World Cup, despite the weather in Lille being relatively mild.

Neither side was able to break the 0-0 stalemate in the opening half hour, despite France’s attacking intent, they appeared unsettled on the pitch.

The hosts finally found the breakthrough before half-time after a long pass from Dayot Upamecano picked out Ousmane Dembélé, whose effort was saved.

But Olise reacted quickest to convert the rebound to put his side 1-0 up as France dominated possession.

Northern Ireland did equalize in added time, but the goal was ruled out after a foul which gave France the freekick to clear before half-time.

France picked up where they left off after the break, dominating early possession before Olise scored his second of the match just four minutes into the half to make it 2-0.

France could have extended their lead to 3–0 around the hour mark, but Mbappé saw his effort blocked by Pierce Charles.

Northern Ireland finally responded through Kelly around 20 minutes into the second half, pulling a goal back to make it 2–1.

Late in the half, Michael Olise produced an excellent strike from outside the box to complete his hat-trick and extend France’s lead.

After a brilliant performance, Olise was substituted and replaced by Maghnes Akliouche for the last seven minutes of normal time.

France held on to end the match 3-1 in Dider Deschamps last game in France, after 14 years in charge the French boss is due to depart the national team after this years World Cup in the US, Canada, and Mexico.

France open their World Cup campaign against Senegal in Group I at the New Jersey Stadium on Tuesday 16th of June.