Irish are hit by Griez lightning
ANTOINE GRIEZMANN rescued France with a stunning double against the Republic of Ireland to potentially set up a mouth-watering quarterfinal against England in Paris.
The Atletico Madrid striker – wanted by a string of English clubs including Arsenal, West Ham and Manchester United – was outstanding as he dragged France to victory after they went 1-0 down to a second-minute Robbie Brady penalty.
Ireland, so impressive in the first half, were left distraught as the hosts fought back in style, with Shane Duffy also sent off for a professional foul to seal the Republic’s fate and leave France waiting in the last eight for the winner of England against Iceland in Nice tonight.
“We don’t do things easily but I have not seen any team that does in this tournament,” said a relieved France coach Didier Deschamps.
“It is a very balanced championship. I knew this match would be difficult and when Ireland took the lead it made us more uncomfortable. We had to dig deep to equalise and then take the lead. But with an incredible start. There was little more than a minute on the clock when Paul Pogba clumsily brought down Shane Long from behind and referee Nicola Rizzoli pointed to the spot.
Norwich City’s Brady, who had also been the hero of Ireland’s dramatic victory over Italy in the group stage, converted left-footed and the battle was on.
Daryl Murphy could have made it 2-0 if not for a fine save from Hugo Lloris while the Republic’s Darren Randolph was excellent in goal at the other end as he kept Dimitri Payet and Co at bay.
After the break, however, France were transformed by a half-time talk from Deschamps and dominated the game until the final whistle with a vibrant peformance, led by Griezmann and Dimitri Payet.
Griezmann said: “We didn’t play well in the first half, we – coach and players – said some things in the dressing room.
“We’re playing for France and we gave everything we had – and the fans helped us get over the line.” The inevitable equaliser came in the 57th minute when Bacary Sagna crossed from the right and Griezmann powered home a superb header.
The second arrived within five minutes, this time Olivier Giroud knocking a perfect header down into Griezmann’s path for the striker to finish left-footed.
The game was effectively over when Griezmann raced clear yet again, from a Giroud pass, and was brought down on the edge of the area by Duffy. Rizzoli had no choice but to show a red card – and Ireland’s tournament was over. France substitute AndrePierre Gignac three times went close to extending the score.
O’Neill said: “We put heart and soul into the game, as has become a prerequisite for us, but more importantly, we played and some of the younger players have come of age. It’s up to them to take it further. Reaching the last 16 is still an achievement, but it’s not something they want to rest on.”
FRANCE (4-3-3): Goals: IRELAND (4-4-2): Booked: Booked: Sent off: Referee: