Michael Olise hat-trick as France beat Northern Ireland 3-1

Michael Olise scored three as France overcame a brief scare from Northern Ireland to finish their pre-World Cup friendlies with a 3-1 win. The Bayern Munich star was effective throughout, and Les Bleus saw off the visitors without really getting out of second gear.

It's hard to imagine a better result before France move to the U.S. Northern Ireland made it tricky for around 40 minutes. France fielded a near full-strength side with the Mbappe-Doue-Dembele-Olise quartet but were frustrated for most of the first half. On the stroke of half-time a deflection fell to Olise and he smashed home from five yards; he added a second just after the interval by latching onto a loose ball.

The visitors pulled one back when Shea Charles wriggled past Dayot Upamecano and laid the ball for Patrick Kelly to tap in from two yards. Olise then scored a third to put the game beyond doubt, and Northern Ireland never really threatened again. Didier Deschamps could be satisfied with a convincing finish despite conceding.

France

michael olise, hat-trick, france, northern ireland, didier deschamps, bayern munich, mbappe, dembele, dayot upamecano, pre world