Olise hat-trick leads France to 3–1 win over Northern Ireland
France dominated possession from the start but had to wait until the closing moments of the first half to break the deadlock.
KATHMANDU: Michael Olise scored a brilliant hat-trick as France defeated Northern Ireland 3–1 in their final pre-World Cup friendly at home.
France dominated possession from the start but had to wait until the closing moments of the first half to break the deadlock.
In the 43rd minute, Olise converted after a deflected effort from Ousmane Dembélé fell kindly into his path, giving the hosts a 1–0 lead.
Just three minutes into the second half, Olise struck again to double France’s advantage and tighten their control of the match.
Northern Ireland responded in the 64th minute when Patrick Kelly found the net, briefly giving the visitors hope.
However, Olise completed his memorable night in the 74th minute, finishing his first international hat-trick and sealing a comfortable 3–1 victory for France.
The match also marked an emotional occasion for France head coach Didier Deschamps, who has announced he will step down after the World Cup, making this his final home game in charge.
Olise has been in outstanding form in recent months. He has registered 15 goals and 16 assists in 31 appearances for club and country this year, playing a key role in Bayern Munich’s Bundesliga and German Cup success.
With the 2022 World Cup final defeat to Argentina still fresh, France enter the upcoming tournament as one of the leading contenders for the title once again.
