Olise scores hat-trick as France beat Northern Ireland

In-form winger Michael Olise scored his first international hat-trick to send France to the World Cup with a 3-1 win over Northern Ireland in Lille, in what was Didier Deschamps’ home farewell as manager.

In France’s final warm-up match before heading to the USA, Olise was the difference as Northern Ireland frustrated the hosts, who had been hoping the pre-match ceremony and fireworks would translate onto the pitch.

But it took 43 minutes for France to make the breakthrough with a scruffy goal. Olise touched home after Ousmane Dembele’s effort was deflected into the path of the Bayern Munich winger, who was able to fire into the back of the net.

While there was an element of fortune about the first goal, his second was a superb finish as he thundered the ball into the top corner from the edge of the area four minutes after the restart.

But Michael O’Neill’s young side, who started with an average age of 22.6, got a reward for their efforts when Patrick Kelly tucked home from close range after Shea Charles broke into the area in the 64th minute.

But Olise saved his best for last as he curled home from 20 yards with 15 minutes left to put the game beyond doubt.

Kylian Mbappe, chasing the goal that would tie him with Olivier Giroud as France’s record goalscorer, had an effort ruled out after Desire Doue had strayed offside in the build-up and the French captain also missed numerous chances as the wait will go on into the World Cup.

Jamie Donley also had a goal disallowed in first-half stoppage time when Ruairi McConville, who headed the ball across goal for the striker to tap in, was deemed to have pushed Theo Hernandez.

It was an emotional night for the hosts as Deschamps took charge of his final game as France manager on home turf after 14 years in charge, and his focus will now switch to winning a second World Cup as boss.

Les Bleus start their bid for a third World Cup against Senegal in New Jersey on 16 June and also face Iraq and Erling Haaland’s Norway in Group I.