Thrilling Showdown: France Dominates Ireland; Northern Ireland's Uphill Battle for Euro Qualification

Republic suffer from deja vu (again) in Paris

France managed to score two goals against them, one of which was a powerful long-range shot - the eleventh time Ireland has allowed a goal from outside the box since the beginning of 2021. The second goal came just after half-time, reminiscent of the crucial match they lost in Greece during this qualifying campaign.

How many more times will Ireland continue to repeat their mistakes? It's the reason why Stephen Kenny's team is constantly trapped in a never-ending cycle of being a team for the future, always believing that the next qualification campaign will finally be the moment they truly come into their own.

As young talents like Evan Ferguson and Nathan Collins showcase their skills at a higher level, there is a growing sense of urgency for Kenny to successfully bring his proteges together. Time is gradually slipping away for him to establish the chemistry and cohesion required for success...Sam Blitz

A lack of ruthlessness leaves Northern Ireland with mountain to climb

Northern Ireland created more chances than the hosts but Slovenia were ruthless. They took advantage of the spaces afforded to them. That's the difference between the teams.

I would say Northern Ireland have too much to do to qualify. Michael O'Neill pinpointed this game as must-win. That's what everyone thought when the draw was made.

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Northern Ireland's Euro hopes are in tatters

Son brings joy to South Wales but Page needs Riga remedy

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Rob Page observes from the sideline as Wales takes on South Korea, as per UEFA regulations that require nations in odd-numbered qualifying groups to schedule matches on blank dates in the calendar when their group rivals are playing.

Only a few hundred passionate South Koreans, eager to catch a glimpse of Heung-min Son in person, were interested in the game taking place at the Cardiff City Stadium. With a meager crowd of only 13,668 spectators, the atmosphere was far from electric. However, our senior reporter Geraint Hughes, observing the match from the stands, noted an exciting moment in the 57th minute when Son took a left-footed shot, albeit high and wide. Despite the missed opportunity, the Korean fans' enthusiastic reaction was truly contagious.

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Son Heung-min was given a hero's welcome in Wales

"They just adore Son. Loud doesn't explain it. The adoration for Son I can at the moment only compare with that the Argentine fans have for Messi."

The carnival atmosphere created by the jubilant visiting fans and the Welsh band serenading David Brooks made this otherwise forgettable stalemate somewhat enjoyable. However, there was a significant underlying concern.

A year ago, manager Rob Page inked a new four-year deal, and everything seemed fantastic in the Welsh camp. After a dismal performance in Qatar, Wales now find themselves faced with a formidable challenge of securing automatic qualification for Euro 2024.

Page has been facing criticism due to a series of poor performances, with only one win in 12 games before and after the 2022 World Cup. During the tournament, Wales finished last in their group and managed to score only one goal, which came from Gareth Bale's penalty before he retired.

Although the team's struggles continued in the following match, resulting in just one victory in 13 games, there was a slight improvement after consecutive losses to Armenia and Turkey in June.

Wales' best option for qualifying for the tournament in Germany next summer seems to be through the play-offs. However, to maintain the pressure off Page, they must secure nothing less than three points in Latvia on Monday.