Despite a late push for a leveller from the Republic of Ireland, France are the victors of their opening game of the Euro 2025 qualifying campaign.

It was a dominant display from the home side with stopper Courtney Brosnan making multiple crucial saves to deny them a more comfortable lead.

Even though they didn't pick up points, the tight score-line and the way that the Republic of Ireland played this evening will be a huge confidence boost for Eileen Gleeson's side going into Tuesday's clash with England at the Aviva.

As for France, they face Sweden, who drew with the Lionesses tonight.

Five minutes of additional time to be played here...

What a chance for the away side!

Substitute Leanne Kiernan finds space on the right flank and opts to try her luck from range rather than passing to the onrushing Katie McCabe and her resulting strike is well off target.

It has been a commendable performance from the away side this evening, who have denied France a more comfortable lead.

Five minutes to go - will we see another goal or will Marie-Antoinette Katoto's strike prove to be the winner?

Well, I thought Eugenie Le Sommer got a huge round of applause when she came on! But Wendie Renard has just been introduced and the announcement that the French captain, who is returning from thigh surgery, is coming on certainly receives a loud response from the crowd!

Amandine Henry also is introduced with Eve Perisset and Sandie Toletti making way.

Worrying signs for the Republic of Ireland as substitute Amber Barrett, who has been on less than ten minutes, is injured and unable to play on.

She is replaced by Lucy Quinn

That is a huge blow for Eileen Gleeson's side.

Nearly an instant impact from substitute Eugenie Le Sommer as her bullet header is denied by the woodwork.

Heather Payne is injured and is unable to play on and she is replaced by Leanne Kiernan.

Amber Barrett also comes on in place of Kyra Carusa.

Goal-scorer Marie-Antoinette Katoto and Delphine Cascarino are replaced by Vicki Becho and Eugenie Le Sommer, who receives a huge roar of applause as she enters the field of play.

Le Sommer has scored 93 goals in 190 appearances - can she add to her tally tonight?

Courtney Brosnan gets down low to stop Maelle Lakrar's strike from finding the bottom right hand corner.

Image source, Getty Images

Denise O'Sullivan picks up the first yellow card of the game for a foul on Kenza Dali.

Kadidiatou Diani's cross finds Kenza Dali whose header is collected by Courtney Brosnan.

The home side are enjoying a similar amount of possession compared to the first half.

We're back underway in Metz!

One change at the break with Emily Murphy being replaced by Megan Campbell.

The whistle blows and, at the break, Marie-Antoinette Katoto's goal gives France the advantage.

It's been an impressive performance from the home side so far, but Eileen Gleeson's side grew into the game and denied the flurry of chances that France had to make their lead more comfortable.

Kenza Dali's free-kick, from a very similar position to the one through which France opened the scoring, is a comfortable save for Courtney Brosnan.

We're into three minutes of additional time at the end of the opening 45 minutes.

There's the final whistle.

A frustrating draw for Northern Ireland who dominated possession but couldn't fashion enough chances.

Simone Magill's disallowed goal, and the possibility the same player was fouled in the box during the second-half, will be the biggest talking points after this one.

Malta celebrate their point while Northern Ireland look less than pleased as they gather in a huddle.

Marie-Antoinette Katoto shows great pace down the right flank before cleverly passing the ball back to Grace Geyoro who, unmarked, fires wide.

What a chance for the home side to double their lead in the final five minutes of the first half.

Malta have a corner with what is surely the last chance of the game.

Could there be a late hammer blow for Northern Ireland?

No.

Malta happy to keep it in there and play for a point.

Five minutes to be added on.

Five minutes to find that winner.