hosts france came from behind to beat 10-man republic of ireland to reach the euro 2016 quarter-finals.
But the French hit back through Antoine Griezmann, who headed in the equalizer before scoring the winner.
Reading: Ireland vs france euro 2016
Shane Duffy was sent off for a professional foul on Griezmann.
didier deschamps’ team will face either england or iceland in the next round at the stade de france on sunday 3rd july (kick-off 20:00 bst).
however, defender adil rami and midfielder n’golo kante will miss the game through suspension, after earning their second yellow cards of the tournament.
- revive france against the republic of ireland
lack of firepower harms the republic
The striker had long said before the match that his team was not motivated by “revenge” as the teams met for the first time since thierry henry’s controversial handball led to republic’s elimination in a 2009 world cup qualifying playoff.
this was the irish’s first appearance in the knockout stages of the european championship and their group of green clad fans in a corner of the stadium in lyon responded with delight when paul pogba rolled over southampton’s long shot and brady converted the penalty via post.
It could have been worse for the French if Daryl Murphy’s hooked shot hadn’t been deflected by goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.
but in the end, they didn’t have enough firepower up front, failing to hit the target thereafter and finishing the tournament with just three goals in four games.
Under mounting pressure in the second half, Martin O’Neill’s defenders held on until the 58th minute, after which they collapsed.
france finally joins?
The French had to pick themselves up after a poor start, but they showed that they are capable of being true contenders if they correct their mistakes.
juventus midfielder pogba came out on top after his early mistake, making more touches (91) and providing more passes (66) than any player on the pitch. At the back, midfielders rami and laurent koscielny had no problems, while leader griezmann clinically took advantage of his chances.
The first was a powerful header from Bacary Sagna’s cross and the second a composed finish into the bottom corner from Olivier Giroud’s flick-on.
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france should have scored more goals, but darren randolph prevented griezmann from making more efforts, as well as a convincing goal from blaise matuidi. the goalkeeper of the republic finished the match with nine saves.
les bleus were booed at half time by their supporters, but they should know that their team only comes to life in the second half of matches, having scored 11 of their last 12 goals in the European Championship in the second period.
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The result in Paris was their first win in the Euro 2000 round of 16 since their extra-time triumph over Italy in the Euro 2000 final.
man of the match – antoine griezmann (france)
what they said:
republic of ireland defender seamus coleman: “we’re so disappointed at the minute. i guess that shows how well we’ve done. i felt like he was there for us today.”
“Our fans were amazing and we’d love to go above and beyond for them, but we hope to make people proud because our fans are amazing and everyone at home is amazing.”
france forward antoine griezmann: “we had a hard time getting into the game and we still have a long way to go so we will have to improve. but we are going to enjoy this and make the most of it .
“my family was in the stands as lyon is basically my hometown so that adds up. hopefully i can continue in this vein and help the team.”
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stats you need to know:
- france came from behind to win a euro final for the first time since 2004 (against england).
- griezmann is the first france player to score three goals in a euro final. since zinedine zidane in 2004 (3).
- robbie brady is the first player to score in consecutive matches in the european championship final for the republic of ireland.
- the republic scored with his only shot on target of the match.