Soccer-Pavard redemption, Maignan shines as France down Ireland in Euro qualifier

Soccer Football - UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifiers - Group B - Republic of Ireland v France - Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Republic of Ireland - March 27, 2023 France's Benjamin Pavard celebrates scoring their first goal with Kylian Mbappe REUTERS/Clodagh Kilcoyne

DUBLIN (Reuters) -France defender Benjamin Pavard made a spectacular comeback to the team as his superb second-half strike saw them beat Ireland 1-0 away in Euro 2024 qualifying Group B on Monday.

Pavard, cast aside at last year's World Cup after a woeful opening game, struck from 18 metres to put France on six points from two games after Friday's 4-0 drubbing of the Netherlands.