Watch: Giroud equals Zidane's goalscoring record as France ease past Ireland in Paris

First-half goals from Olivier Giroud and Nabil Fekir were enough to see France to a comfortable victory in their World Cup warm-up friendly against the Republic of Ireland at Stade de France.

A four-minute period just before the break proved Ireland's undoing as we saw the best and worst of third-time cap goalkeeper Colin Doyle.

The Bradford City stopper pulled off a remarkable low stop to deny Giroud's header but could do nothing about the Chelsea striker's follow-up.

It was the former Montpellier and Arsenal goalscorer's 31st for his country - equalling Zinedine's Zidane's fourth-highest total of 31.

And it was the keeper's blunder that allowed what should have been a comfortable save from Fekir's shot to become goal number two as he palmed the ball up in the air before it bounced into the net.

Ireland fans had something to cheer in the second half as Shamrock Rovers striker Graham Burke made his debut off the bench, becoming the first League of Ireland player in 11 years to wear the green shirt.

Read Macdara Ferris' report from Stade de France here.



    About Dave Donnelly

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