An Irish victory by any other name

France 0 Ireland 0

Ireland’s quality football was denied the ultimate endorsement of a winning goal, but there were substantial compensations to cheer Irish spirits and confirm that qualification from an excruciatingly tight group is achievable.

Indeed Ireland’s five points from their three opening games represent an advance on the most optimistic of pre-tournament predictions. And the evidence of this marvellous, extravagant, sporting occasion was that it was France who had more reason to be thankful for a division of the points.