Benjamin Pavard produced another stunning long-range strike for France as they beat Republic of Ireland 1-0 in Euro 2024 qualifying.

France crushed Netherlands 4-0 in their opening qualifier last week but needed a moment of brilliance from Pavard to seal a hard-fought win in Dublin.

Pavard famously scored a sublime goal in France's 4-2 win over Argentina back in 2018 in a last-16 win during their victorious World Cup campaign in Russia.

This effort carries less significance but was one for the Bayern Munich full-back to remember as he made it six points from two games for France in Group B.

An uneventful first half produced just one shot on target, but the second of the match in the 50th minute sent the travelling France fans into raptures.

Josh Cullen's slack pass was intercepted by Pavard, who unleashed a fierce right-footed drive that flew past the helpless Gavin Bazunu and in off the underside of the crossbar.

Ireland never threatened a response and were grateful to Bazunu for keeping the score 1-0 when he produced a diving save to deny Moussa Diaby.

Bazunu got down low to his left to frustrate Adrien Rabiot as France continued to push to put the game beyond doubt, and their failure to find a second would have proved costly had Mike Maignan not made a fantastic late stop to keep out Nathan Collins' header.

What does it mean? - France find another way to win

Rare were periods where France were not in control, but they had to exert far more effort than against Netherlands to make it two wins from two in qualifying.

This was more about grit than irresistible dominance from Didier Deschamps' men, who look well on their way to a place in the finals in Germany.

Pavard thinks outside the box

Pavard has now scored two goals from outside the box for France. Only one other defender, Christophe Jallet, has even scored one such goal for Les Bleus.

Magic Mike

After saving a late penalty against Netherlands, Maignan — France's first-choice goalkeeper after the retirement of Hugo Lloris — vindicated that position with a far more important save here, somehow managing to claw away a header from Collins that appeared destined to find the net.

What's next?

Both teams face qualifiers against Gibraltar and Greece in the next international window in June.