FT · World: International Friendly · Monday, 08 June 2026

France 31 Northern IrelandMatch recap & Bawler model verdict · Monday, 08 June 2026

France
31
France win
Northern Ireland
> Model verdict
✓ Model called it

Pre-match, Bawler had France at 61%, draw at 26%, Northern Ireland at 13%. The match ended 3-1 — confirming the model's lean toward France.

> Pre-match probability vs result
France win
61%
Actual ✓
Draw
26%
Ireland win
13%
> Expected vs actual goals
Model expected (xG)
1.940.81
Total 2.76
Actual
31
Total 4 (+1.2 vs xG)

Match overperformed xG by 1.2 goals. Above-expectation scoring — could be finishing, set-piece luck, or genuine attacking quality the model under-rated.

> Bawler's picks · how they landed
Banker
1X
Pre-match: 75%
✓ Won
Value
Home Win
Pre-match: 46%
✓ Won
Dark Horse
Over 3.5 Goals
Pre-match: 25%
✓ Won
> What we said pre-match
"France's 1.13 xG advantage and 61% win probability make 1X at 75% the banker play, offering heavy downside protection in a home clash where the hosts' attacking edge is decisive."

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