Nicolas Anelka's goal saw France beat Republic of Ireland 1-0 in their World Cup play-off first leg.
The Chelsea forward's strike with 18 minutes remaining gave Raymond Domenech's side a crucial victory and a precious away goal ahead of Wednesday's second leg in Paris.
The threat of Anelka and Thierry Henry was being well nullified by the Irish backline, and Shay Given remained untested in the first half.
Given was relieved when the referee waved away French appeals for a penalty when Evra tumbled over the Irish keeper's challenge midway through the second period, but French pressure paid when they took the lead fortuitously with 18 minutes remaining.
Anelka collected the ball outside the box and seeing the opportunity to get a shot off, the Chelsea striker fired an attempt towards goal. The original effort alone probably would not have beaten Given, but a huge deflection off Sean St Ledger saw the Ireland stopper reduced to the role of spectator as the ball found the net via the post.