Big let-off for the Republic!

Brosnan decides to come for a long ball and doesn't get there.

Thankfully for the goalkeeper, Selma Bacha curls her effort into the side-netting with the goal at her mercy.

First real moment of bother we've seen for the Republic.

Ooooh, another flag raised as Kyra Carusa bears down on goal.

This time Marissa Sheva plays a cute little pass inside, but Carusa had strayed beyond the last French defender this time.

That all came from some tenacious midfield work from Denise O'Sullivan to win the ball back. The Republic are right up for this one.

The Republic win a corner but it comes to nothing.

Now there's a chance for France to launch a counter, but they slow things down before eventually giving up possession.

Andy Gray
BBC Sport NI at Tallaght Stadium

There was real concern when McCabe required treatment but, as we all know by know, she's made of tough stuff and doesn't seem to be hampered by the knock to her ankle.

All of the Republic's good play is coming through Kyra Carusa, who was pretty unlucky to see her earlier effort ruled out. If only VAR was in action...

The French are definitely being frustrated by a well-drilled Republic unit as Courtney Brosnan comes to collect a cross with a minimum of fuss.

It's been a bright start by the home side, and they can count themselves unlucky to have been on the wrong side of a contentious offside call.

Image source, Getty Images

McCabe is up and seems unharmed.

A scary moment though for the Republic.

Irish hearts in mouths time as captain Katie McCabe goes down with an injury and requires treatment.

Literally the last thing Republic fans want to see two weeks out from a World Cup.

Carusa is causing the French defence all sorts of problems. She draws a foul from Estelle Cascarino and it's in a promising position for the hosts.

Kyra Carusa breaks through the French defence and tucks the ball away confidently, but the offside flag is up.

Good knock-on from Sinead Farrelly, too.

That was a close call. In fact, Carusa looked onside...

Wimbledon-like conditions in Tallaght tonight with plenty of rain and wind.

A fairly low-key start to proceedings with neither team threatening yet.

Kyra Carusa's looking lively in the Irish attack so far.

A promising-looking Republic move builds with Heather Payne on the ball, but her pass is loose and it allows France to clear through Kadidiatou Diani, who is fouled.

And away we go. The visitors get us going in Dublin.

Image source, Getty Images

You may recognise this rather suave-looking chap.

Before taking the reins of the French women's national team earlier this year, Herve Renard accumulated a wealth of experience in the men's game.

He managed Morocco and Saudi Arabia at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, and led Zambia and the Ivory Coast to Africa Cup of Nations titles in 2012 and 2015.

Here he is below, rocking an open-collared white shirt while watching his Saudi Arabia side stun Argentina at last year's World Cup in Qatar.

Image source, Getty Images

The always-wonderful-to-hear La Marseillaise currently belting out over Tallaght Stadium.

Nearly time for kick-off...

Andy Gray
BBC Sport NI at Tallaght Stadium

It almost seems like a stereotype for France to have troubled waters heading into an international tournament, but is has been the case ahead of the World Cup.

Several players, including captain Wendie Renard, stepped back in protest of Corinne Diacre, who stepped back as manager.

In comes Herve Renard, a name you may recognise as the man who led Saudi Arabia to that shock victory over eventual winners Argentina in the World Cup last year.

He has a habit of working wonders with teams, such as leading Zambia and Ivory Coast to the Africa Cup of Nations titles in previous years.

With that in mind and several players returning, France seem to have steadied the ship and will be dark horses heading into the tournament this summer.

The Irish fans are indeed in fine voice.

There's a great atmosphere in Dublin tonight.

Image source, Inpho

Image source, Inpho

Andy Gray
BBC Sport NI at Tallaght Stadium

Tonight is meant to be a celebration, though it has been hard to see it that way with the build-up to the game.

You have to remember the players have nothing to do with the allegations towards Vera Pauw and it must be frustrating that it is clouding the biggest moment of their careers.

Despite the noise in the background, you can expect the Irish support to be in fine voice and give the team the send-off they deserve.

Andy Gray
BBC Sport NI at Tallaght Stadium

It's no doubt been a difficult week for Vera Pauw after the latest allegations reared their head.

She has put up a strenuous defence and denies the allegations, and it remains to be seen how much it has impacted the team's preparations.

I'm sure she will be glad when the whistle blows this evening and she can fully focus on the 90 minutes ahead.

When asked about her relationship with manager Vera Pauw, Republic of Ireland captain Katie McCabe says that she has clashed with the coach "many times" but knows that they are both professional enough to focus on the team.