Under-21 International Report/Republic of Ireland - 1 France - 2: This Republic of Ireland side are still looking for their first win in over a year after losing to their French counterparts at Turner's Cross last night.

In spite of the fact that the Cork venue was packed with supporters it was the French who were singing after jumping to second in the Group Four placings for the Uefa Under-21 Championships.

It could all have been so different for Ireland, especially after scoring the opening goal of the game. Against the run of play, Ireland took the lead when Sunderland's Daryl Murphy shot home through a forest of legs inside the French penalty area.

Willo Flood sent in a deep free-kick and, when John Fitzgerald headed the ball down, Murphy was on hand to turn and score with a half-volley.

It was a goal Ireland scarcely deserved, and even though some of their best football followed soon afterwards, France were soon back on level terms.

In fact Ireland's lead lasted a mere six minutes before the visitors found an equaliser.

Anthony Le Tallec played through to Franck Ribery before Stephen Kelly unceremoniously hacked the winger down, and the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the penalty spot.

Le Tallec assumed the responsibility and duly levelled proceedings with a well struck shot.

After turning over at the interval all square, the game was very much in the balance on the resumption with Ireland playing some of their most attacking football.

France were also looking dangerous and their pressure yielded a dividend on 70 minutes when substitute Bryan Bergougnoux scored with a tremendous strike.

After coming into possession on the right wing, he ghosted past a couple of Irish players before scoring with a beautifully flighted left-footed shot.

It was enough to win the game and move France closer to qualification.

IRELAND: Henderson, Kelly, Sheehan, Dawson, Fitzgerald, Paisley, Flood, O'Brien, Murphy, Doyle, McGeady. Subs: O'Donovan for Dawson (half-time), Kearney for Sheehan (84 mins).

FRANCE: Gavanon, Bourillon, Clichy, Congre, Zubar, Mavuba, Faubert, Toulalan, Le Tallec, Briand, Ribery. Subs: Bergougnoux for Faubert (65 mins), Diarra for Ribery (72 mins), Fauverguse for Le Tallec (83 mins)

Referee: P Kari (Finland).

UNDER-21 EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

Group Four: Cyprus 1, Switzerland 3. Group Five: Norway 0, Scotland 1. Group Six: Germany 1 England; Poland 3, Wales 2.