1.
GV France (in blue shirts) attack from left to right, and Irish goalkeeper collects ball.
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2.
GV PAN Northern Ireland (in white) attack with Brotherson, who shoots over the bar.
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3.
SV Cameraman behind goalline.
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4.
GV France attack down right flank and Zenier heads first goal.
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5.
GV Scoreboard reads 1-0 to France.
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6.
GV France score through Couriol for second goal.
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7.
GV Scoreboard reads 2-0 to France.
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8.
SECOND HALF: GV France score from penalty by Larios. (2 SHOTS)
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9.
GV France score through Genghini after left wing cross; scoreboard reads 4-0 to France. (2 SHOTS)
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Initials JS



SPORT: SOCCER

Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: The French national soccer team (in blue shirt) overwhelmed Northern Ireland, winning by 4 goals to nil, in the Parc des Princes in Paris on Wednesday (24 March). Both teams are qualifiers for the World Cup Finals in Spain this summer. France compete in the same group as England, while Northern Ireland will be in the same group as the hosts, Spain. Both sides were under-strength for this 'friendly' match, with France lacking the highly-rated midfielder Michel Platini. Northern Ireland (in white) wasted an early chance to take the lead, and growing French pressure paid off after 31 minutes when the unmarked Zenier headed the home side into the lead. Couriol scored the second for France on the stroke of half-time after the Irish goalkeeper, Jim Platt, saved a shot from Zenier. France dominated the second half. Larios scored from the penalty spot in the 57th minute after Bellone was brought down. And ten minutes before the end Genghini scored the fourth with a crisp volley. Final score: France 4, Northern Ireland 0.