Olise stakes World Cup claim with hat-trick in France win

Michael Olise showcased his World Cup potential by scoring a hat-trick in France's 3-1 victory over Northern Ireland. The match, played in Lille, served as a final warm-up before France launches its campaign in the United States eight days later.

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Michael Olise offered another glimpse of the influence he could have at the World Cup, netting a hat-trick as France edged Northern Ireland 3-1 in a warm-up game in Lille eight days before launching their campaign in the United States.

Olise, in strong form, proved to be a key attacking asset for Les Bleus. However, the team's defensive vulnerabilities were again a concern for coach Didier Deschamps. This followed a 2-1 defeat to Ivory Coast four days prior, where a changed lineup exposed weaknesses at the back. France is set to open its World Cup journey against Senegal on June 16 in Group I, followed by matches against Iraq and Norway.

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The in-form playmaker continued his rise as one of Les Bleus' key attacking weapons, but France's defensive concerns lingered four days after a 2-1 defeat by Ivory Coast with a much-changed side exposed frailties at the back.

Deschamps fielded what is expected to be his starting lineup for the opener, with Olise supporting Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, and Desire Doue in attack. William Saliba partnered Dayot Upamecano in central defense. France had a slow start, struggling to penetrate Northern Ireland's defense. The breakthrough came just before halftime when Desire Doue's run down the left flank set up Ousmane Dembele, whose deflected shot fell to Olise for the opening goal.

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Les Bleus made a sluggish start, initially struggling to break down a compact low block, creating few clear-cut chances before increasing the tempo and finding a breakthrough just before halftime.

Olise doubled France's lead shortly after the restart with a powerful half-volley from a poor clearance. Northern Ireland managed to pull a goal back on the counterattack through Patrick Kelly, highlighting France's occasional defensive lapses. However, Olise sealed the win in the 75th minute with a curling strike into the far corner, completing his impressive hat-trick and putting the game beyond doubt.

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Olise struck again four minutes after the restart, lashing a half-volley into the net after a poor clearance to double France's advantage.