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France have produced a stirring victory after going down via second-minute penalty from Robbie Brady.
They pushed, battered and smashed through the obdurate Irish, but were left frustrated for just about an hour, but it was their forward Antoine Griezmann, who produced two goals in three minutes to give France well-deserved lead.
Republic of Ireland really had no answer and had less of it when Shane Duffy was sent off for hauling down Griezmann as the last man. In the end, it was a deserved victory for France, and they advance to the quarter-finals, where they will face either England or Iceland in the Stade de France next Monday morning.
Final score:
France 2-1 Republic of Ireland
It is a date of destiny in Lyon, regardless of the result. Hosts and Group A winners France meet Group E third-placers Republic of Ireland in the Euro 2016 Round of 16. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 11pm AEST on Sunday evening.
November 11, 2009 will forever live bitterly in the hearts of Irish football fans. For France, that date was simply another occasion where World Cup progression was secured, albeit for a campaign that would eventuate as one of their most acrimonious, even by Les Bleus’ quite lofty standards in disharmony.
A goal by William Gallas, provided by a Thierry Henry handball, was the single moment where a rivalry that was only in its genesis suddenly reached boiling point. Indeed, that was the last time France and Ireland met, and that two-legged playoff is the only occasion where these two teams have faced each other. But now they return to resume.
A few faces are still present from that meeting more than six years ago – France still have Hugo Lloris, Bacary Sagna, Patrice Evra and Andre-Pierre Gignac, while Ireland’s eagerness for retribution will come personally via Shay Given, Glen Whelan, Aiden McGeady and captain Robbie Keane.
But while Ireland’s desire will be sufficient, France once again are the home team, this time in a major tournament where Les Bleus are expected to triumph, just like in 1984 and 1998.
France coach Didier Deschamps made a host of changes for last start draw against Switzerland, sealing top spot in Group A.
The likes of Dimitri Payet, N’Golo Kante are likely to return to the starting line-up, while the sheer class of Paul Pogba was evident against the Swiss, and the Juventus playmaker should be retained in the starting XI.
Up front is where Deschamps’ biggest decision lies, as to whether he returns to the misfiring Olivier Giroud, or keeps Antoine Griezmann as a sole frontman, with either Kingsley Coman or Anthony Martial as supporting No.10s.
France’s analysis of Ireland’s threat should focus on their workrate off the ball, and unless France can spend enough time in the final third to threaten Darron Randolph’s goal, then their emphasis should be on a battle of attrition in midfield.
For Republic of Ireland, the emphasis will be working on the counterattack, and constricting space for France’s midfield.
The longer the arm wrestle is, the more Ireland will quieten the partisan Lyon crowd, and cause a boilover.
Coach Martin O’Neill may require one of James McCarthy or Glenn Whelan to play in a more withdrawn role ahead of the back four, in order to nullify France’s classy midfield.
More essential is the work in striker Shane Long and No.10 Jonathan Walters in holding up play, where Ireland are likely to employ long-ball tactics, both as a survival tactic, as well as suiting their own buildups.
Wingers Aiden McGeady and James McClean could also be critical in testing the ageing French legs of Bacary Sagna and Patrice Evra.
The form is with France, the momentum is with France, and the desire towards destiny lies with France. But Republic of Ireland have a score to settle, and that makes this compelling.
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