Michael Olise delivered a stunning hat-trick as France sealed a 3-1 victory over Northern Ireland in Lille, securing their place at the World Cup in Didier Deschamps’ final home game as manager.
In their last warm-up fixture before travelling to the United States, France struggled to break down a resilient Northern Ireland side despite the celebratory atmosphere inside the stadium. The breakthrough eventually arrived two minutes before halftime when Olise reacted quickest to finish after Ousmane Dembele’s deflected effort fell kindly into his path.
The Bayern Munich winger doubled France’s advantage shortly after the restart with a brilliant strike from the edge of the box, smashing the ball into the top corner.
Northern Ireland, fielding a youthful team with an average age of 22.6, pulled one back in the 64th minute as Patrick Kelly converted from close range following a dangerous run into the area by Shea Charles.
However, Olise completed his hat-trick in style with a superb curling effort from 20 yards out to restore France’s control and put the result beyond doubt.
France captain Kylian Mbappe endured a frustrating evening, with one goal ruled out for offside after Desire Doue strayed beyond the defence in the build-up. Mbappe also missed several chances as he continues his pursuit of Olivier Giroud’s all-time France scoring record.
Northern Ireland also had a goal disallowed in first-half stoppage time after Ruairi McConville was penalised for a push on Theo Hernandez before Jamie Donley found the net.
The emotional occasion marked Deschamps’ final home match after 14 years in charge of Les Bleus, with the veteran coach now turning his attention to leading France to another World Cup triumph.
France begin their World Cup campaign against Senegal in New Jersey on 16 June before facing Iraq and Norway in Group I.
