O’NEILL: I’M SO PROUD
MARTIn o’nEILL hailed his greatest night as a manager after the Republic of Ireland beat Italy in dramatic fashion to set up a last-16 clash with hosts France. needing a win, the boys in green were heading out of the tournament with five minutes remaining when Robbie Brady connected with Wes Hoolahan’s cross to head home. o’neill said: ‘I have never been more proud of a group of players. I’ve had great nights but this was very special. our supporters kept us going through the game and the players and fans fed off each other.’ o’neill thought Ireland were out when Hoolahan missed a one-on-one 60 seconds before Brady’s winner. The boss added: ‘We deserved to win the game, but I thought the chance had gone when the goalkeeper saved from Wes. We didn’t want it to be an “if only” night. It doesn’t matter now though — we’ve done it. ‘We dominated and played some phenomenal stuff. When we do this so often it can’t be a coincidence. I am thrilled. We knew we would have to win a game in this group and we produced the big performance I knew we were capable of.’ Match-winner Brady said: ‘I lost myself a little bit in the celebrations, I couldn’t help it, it was an outer-body experience. It’s what dreams are made of. It’s a proud night. What a moment for everyone involved. We said that we were going to come here and do a job, and we have. We’ve made history, and we’re through. ‘The chance Wes had was a massive moment, it got caught under his feet. But it shows the character and playmaker he is to pick the ball up moments later and put it right on my head — I would have done well to miss. ‘I just remember my legs carrying me into the box. I had trust in myself and I got my head on it. I’m so emotional. ‘I’ve been dreaming of this moment since I was a kid. And to do it with my family watching on from the stands, it’s incredible. ‘We showed our team spirit, our hard work, good play, we had it all. We got the result we deserved, roll on France.’ Ireland winger James McClean added: ‘The passion, grown men crying and complete love for our country, it is quite remarkable. ‘We knew it would be win or bust, we left nothing on the field, the best night of my life hands down.’ Italy manager Antonio Conte blamed the pitch, saying: ‘It punished us more than them.’