Well, here we are.
Good afternoon one and all and welcome along to live coverage of Ireland’s round of 16 clash with hosts, and pre-tournament favourites, France from Lyon.
T-minus 90 minutes until kick-off and our nerves are already shot. How are you feeling? Excited, nervous, apprehensive, confident? All of the above rolled into one?
We’re not far away now so soak up the atmosphere, find the perfect vantage point and stay with us throughout the afternoon for what is sure to be a memorable occasion.
As if you need reminding, kick-off at Parc Olympique Lyonnais is at 2pm and we’ll have all the build-up between now and then right here.
BREAKING: Ireland unchanged…
So Martin O’Neill wasn’t joking when he said he would set his side out to go and win this game. Stephen Ward is passed fit with Daryl Murphy once again given the nod to start up top alongside Shane Long.
What do you make of the XI? It’s perhaps a bold move from O’Neill but a very welcome one, particularly if this side can replicate their performance from Lille.
And the French team is in! Didier Deschamps has returned to the XI which he picked for the campaign opener against Romania:
So now we know the teams for today’s game, here is how we’re lining-up. In Lyon, Ben Blake and Paul Fennessy are our men on the ground while Ryan Bailey will guide you through all the action as it happens.
Shane Long and Wes Hoolahan take in the surroundings ahead of kick-off.
If you weren’t pumped before, you will be after watching this. Goosebumps.
So, Olivier Giroud returns alongside Dimitri Payet, Blaise Matuidi and N’Golo Kante. Yohan Cabaye, Andre-Pierre Gignac, Moussa Sissoko and Kingsley Coman are the players to miss out.
Dunphy says this is not the right team for today. The RTÉ pundit feels John O’Shea and Wes Hoolahan should be in ahead of Richard Keogh and James McCarthy.
‘We’ll miss John O’Shea’s experience and his ability as a player,” he said.
A little under an hour until kick-off now and to whet your appetite even further, here are a selection of our pre-match offerings from France:
- Should players have made more of the Henry incident and more Ireland-France talking points
- Ireland’s players know the Italian who will referee their Euro 2016 tie with France well
- The Likely Lads: ‘Robbie always stood out while Jeff relishes the big occasion’
- France’s renewed obsession, and toppling the host nation on their patch nothing new for O’Neill
- From United reject to Irish hero: The fall and rise of Robbie Brady
- ‘Ireland will tap into Darren Randolph’s knowledge of Dimitri Payet’
- Ireland ready for penalties but at least three players banned as they ‘haven’t hit the target too often’
Irish fans have been allocated under 5,000 tickets in the 59,000-capacity Parc Olympique Lyonnais stadium for this afternoon’s game but already there is lots of green inside and outside the ground.
Speaking to Tony O’Donoghue, Martin O’Neill says today is a ‘huge’ game but Ireland are here on merit and it’s now up to the players to go out and do their very best.
“It’s huge, but you want to be involved in these games,” the manager told RTÉ.
“Today is a big game, they’ve arrived here because they deserve to be here and it’s up to us now to do our very best.
“We’re here on merit, lets go for it.”
On his team selection, O’Neill said Jon Walters is improving and he has had to factor a lot of possibilities when picking his XI, including extra time and penalties.
Ireland have been practicing penalties since they went into camp in late May, O’Neill added.
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Pretty much sums up how we’re all feeling right now. T-minus 25 minutes until kick-off.
As was confirmed during the week, Ireland will wear white once again.
Looking at the opposition, their front six is pretty formidable – but if they have a weak point it’s most certainly defensively. The RTÉ panel are of the opinion that Patrice Evra needs to be targeted.
“If you’re going to go after anyone it has to be Evra. He was gone when he was at Manchester United,” Giles says.
More from Marty pre-kickoff.
“It is roasting I must admit, but you can make all sorts of excuses about a short turnaround, the French had three more days to prepare, and unfairness with tickets and all that type of stuff, but you know what? In two days time no-one’s going to remember that.
“We’ve got to go with it, run with it, the players are prepared so let’s take it on.”
The atmosphere is absolutely electric. As was expected, the Irish fans are heavily outnumbered but they’re making themselves heard.
The teams are gathering in the tunnel. Nobody expected us to be here, nobody expects us to get through to the quarter-finals but we’re here. Let’s do this!
A quick reminder of the line-ups, as named by the respective managers about an hour ago.
Ireland are unchanged from the XI which beat Italy last Wednesday to reach the knockout stages.
Time for the anthems, first up is Amhrán na bhFiann.
A stirring rendition of Amhrán na bhFiann but La Marseillaise is something else. Passion and emotion around the ground in bucket loads.
The talking is finally over and we’re all set. A place in the Euro 2016 quarter-finals is on the line. Ireland have nothing to lose, let’s make history.
COME. ON. YOU. BOYS. IN. GREEN!!!!!!
Paul Fennessy reports from Lyon:
There’s a spine-tingling atmosphere here at Parc Olympique Lyonnais. The Irish fans maybe outnumbered, but they’re making their presence felt already with a few renditions of ‘come on you boys in green’.
The national anthems have finished and we’re now all set for kick-off…
Kick-off! Ireland get us underway and away we go…
Confident start from Ireland as they pass the ball around as the French fans raise the roof with the first rendition of ‘Allez les Blues’.
PENALTY TO IRELAND!!!!!!!!!
GOAL! Ireland 1-0 France (Brady)
OH MY DAYS! France haven’t touched the ball and Long is brought down by Pogba. Brady steps up and dispatches it low into the corner off the inside of the post. A dream start!!
It’s the first time France find themselves behind in this tournament and Ireland lead after four minutes. The hosts look for an instant reply and win a corner as Long blocks Evra’s cross. Payet to take…
Keogh clears the initial cross but it comes back at them before Randolph eventually gets his hands on the ball. Ireland just need to settle now and get themselves back in their shape. O’Neill is on the edge of his technical area, urging his players to calm. It’s difficult in these circumstances.
Finally a chance to catch our breath. That goal all came from Stephen Ward down the left as he got his cross away before Long was bundled over.
Dangerous. McCarthy is penalised for handling just outside the area. Payet puts the ball down but his West Ham team-mate Randolph is equal to it and safely pouches the effort.
Chance! Pogba breaks down the left and gets to the byline. Coleman is in close attention but he still finds his cross, for Griezmann to head over.
Wave after wave of French attack now. Evra wins this corner on this occasion but Payet’s delivery isn’t the best and Ireland are able to clear. Camped inside their own half for now.
Close! Griezmann whips in a delicious in-swinging cross and Giroud is waiting to head home but Duffy just about times his jump to glance it behind.
HOW IS THERE ONLY 12 MINUTES GONE!?
Much better from Ireland in the last few minutes. The game is still being played at 100mph but we’ve just been able to get a foot on the ball and take some of the sting out of this French response.
Long body checks Pogba and a blow of the whistle from the referee signals danger for Ireland. Payet is lethal in these situations but Griezmann’s flicked header is straight at Randolph. And breathe…
Nice link-up play from Ward and McClean. Griezmann isn’t doing a whole lot defensively so Sagna is a little exposed. Really encouraging from Ireland.
Oh close! Murphy causes trouble in the French box and he swivels and forces Llrois into a smart stop. The Ipswich forward is still waiting for his first international goal.
Another free-kick conceded by Ireland and Hendrick is the guilty party this time. Pogba takes over the duties from Payet.
It’s a lovely effort from the Juve midfielder, curling towards the top corner but Randolph’s positioning is spot on and he plucks it out of the air. 24 minutes gone in Lyon and Ireland lead.
Booking! The ball trickles out for an Ireland goalkick and the referee brings it back to book Seamus Coleman. He was a little late on Payet and you’d have to say it was justified.
And now Kanté goes in the book for tripping McClean on halfway. He’s out of the quarters if France make it there but more importantly he’s on a tightrope for the rest of this game.
What a stunning picture.
Long is in trouble. He’s just hit the deck on this near side and France put it out of play to allow the trainers to come on. Evra appears to be struggling too.
Long is okay to continue after that collision with Evra. A welcome pause in play to allow everyone involved to catch their breath.
It is very warm out there.
This is worrying. Hendrick goes down clutching his right thigh after a coming together with Pogba. He’s back on his feet but still moving a little gingerly.
Hendrick is in trouble. He’s gone down again and the referee is calling for the stretcher. It might only be a dead leg so lets hope he can run it off.
French fans going nuts as Hendrick limps (very) slowly to the touchline. He’s back on now as Ward guides it back to Randolph. 10 minutes until half-time and it would be huge if Ireland can get into the break with their lead intact.
Brilliant from Long as he controls McClean’s cross and wins a corner. From the set-piece, Lloris is off his line to pluck Brady’s delivery out of the air.
Sums it all up.
Booking! Hendrick is shown a yellow and nobody knows why. If Ireland get through, he’s out of the quarter but we’ll worry about that and and when.
CLOSE! Brady is lethal over a dead ball. Duffy rises highest at the back post but he just can’t guide his header on target.
Another booking, this time Rami. He hauls down Long on the near touchline and Ireland have the hosts rattled.
OH MY HEART! Ireland penned inside their own box as we enter four minutes of added time. Payet is thwarted twice from close range and Ireland are throwing bodies at the ball with Duffy getting the all-important block.
Into the final minute of the half and Duffy clears his lines.
Half-time! Ireland 1-0 France
An absolutely heroic effort so far. 45 more minutes please, lads.
Paul Fennessy reports from the Parc Olympique Lyonnais.
An incredible first half has very much left the ball in France’s court. There’s a sense of anxiety and frustration with the team in the Parc Olympique Lyonnais, with the crowd increasingly voicing their displeasure at a sub-par French display.
From an Ireland point of view, you just hope the three days’ less rest doesn’t turn out to be a big factor in the second half. The Irish players have put in a huge shift in that first 45 minutes, with Shane Duffy particularly superb on just his second competitive match for his country.
How Didier Deschamps responds to this turmoil will be interesting and the next goal in this game looks set to be absolutely pivotal.
France are making a change at the break with Kingsley Coman coming on for Kanté. Here we go….
We’re back underway!
France straight on the attack as Pogba tries his luck from range. McCarthy gets a foot to it and deflects it away from danger.
Long has acres of space to run into but he loses his footing and the move breaks down. France spring forward and they look so dangerous when one of their wingers run at the Irish defence.
Ohh that was close! Payet delivers it, and Koscielny is unmarked at the back post but sees it late and can’t direct it on target.
This is going to be the longest half in football history….
McCarthy showing his tenacity by getting back and winning the free to allow Ireland get up field and give the defence a reprieve.
OHHHHH! Terrific football from Ireland as they move it from right to left. McClean is fed on this near side and plays a delightful first-time ball across. Murphy, who started the move, is inches away from diverting it home.
Meanwhile at Croke Park….
Superb from McCarthy so far. An absolutely stellar effort from the Everton man and his team-mates so far. Every single one of them going into every challenge with conviction and desire. They want it more at the minute but France have so much quality going forward.
SAVE! Randolph forces to dive away to his right and push behind. Blaise Matuidi is given time and space on the edge of the box and his effort carries a punch but the ‘keeper is up to it.
GOAL! Ireland 1-1 France (Griezmann)
The Irish defence is breached. Griezmann is left unmarked on the penalty spot and he clinically heads the cross home past Randolph. You can’t say it wasn’t coming.
Referee has had a shocker there. It’s clearly an Irish corner but the Italian official points for a goalkick. What is that official doing behind the goal!!??
Payet has a go now. It falls to him invitingly and he looks to curl one from just outside the box but thankfully it sails wide of the upright.
GOAL! Ireland 1-2 France (Griezmann)
Two goals in three minutes. Giroud does brilliantly to take two Irish defenders out of the game and head down for Griezmann, who composes himself before firing low into the corner. Heartbreaking.
Jon Walters is coming on for Ireland. 27 minutes remaining and now Ireland suddenly need to chase the game, while also ensuring they remain tight at the back.
Payet very nearly through but Coleman recovers to get back and mop up. Ireland need an injection of something because they’ve just fallen a bit flat.
What a chance! McClean rides the challenge and has Long in the middle. His pullback is poor, however, and France clear. This French defence very vulnerable.
RED CARD! Shane Duffy
Griezmann again causes the damage as he runs through on goal. Duffy scythes him down just outside the box and the referee has little choice but to brandish red.
It’s just outside the box but Payet is standing over it. It’s all going horribly wrong.
It’s actually Griezmann who takes and it comes off the back of Giroud and behind for a goal kick. John O’Shea is on for James McClean. Huge mountain to climb now for Ireland.
Final change for Ireland as James McCarthy is withdrawn and Hoolahan is on in his place. France make a sub too with Gignac coming into the fray.
Griezmann is an absolute superstar. He’s been so good this afternoon and has turned this round of 16 clash on its head.
https://vine.co/v/5urErAppglp
Hard not to feel deflated at the minute. Whether you’re in France, down the pub or at home hosting a party in the front room, it’s the hope that kills you. How it all changed so very, very quickly but with 15 minutes to go there’s still hope.
Off the bar! Gignac, on for Giroud, has his first sight of goal and he tests the durability of Randolph’s bar with a stinging effort. France going for the kill.
Relentless pressure on the Irish goal now. Keogh heads behind for another French corner and then Randolph is forced to claw another dangerous cross away.
Randolph is being overworked at the minute. With 10 men, Ireland are dropping deeper and deeper and it’s proving very, very difficult for anybody in a white shirt to get on the ball and keep it.
France are throwing numbers forward and the home fans scent blood – but while the deficit is only one goal, there’s always hope. One ball, one set-piece, just as we saw last Wednesday.
The Irish fans doing their best to lift the team for the final eight minutes as The Fields of Athenry reverberates around this stunning arena.
Ireland have run out of steam and who could blame them. After the exertions of Lille, the turnaround was tight and they gave absolutely everything in that first half.
There can be no excuses but you have to appreciate the toll this whole journey has taken on the Irish players. O’Shea trying to rally the troops, urging them on for one final push.
That was close! The ball comes in from the left and Gignac gets his toe to it, deflecting it towards the back post but he doesn’t get enough on it thankfully.
Walters, who has barely touched the ball, picks it up after good work from Long. He’s under pressure but manages to get his shot away as it veers wide of the post.
Minutes later, the Stoke forward causes trouble again and Brady looks to force his way through but he’s just ushered off the ball. This is it, last two minutes.
Coleman winds up his long throw. We’re into the final minute of the 90 and this is last chance saloon for Ireland. It’s now or never!
Three minutes of injury time. One chance, one chance.
This is unbearable. France look vulnerable defensively but Ireland are struggling to muster the energy to throw bodies forward. France keeping hold of possession as we enter the final minute.
SAVE! Randolph denies Griezmann his hat-trick with a smart stop with his legs.
Full-time! Ireland 1-2 France
A brave, brave effort. It’s incredibly difficult to take considering Ireland led for so long and fought so valiantly throughout. The bubble burst in the space of eight second half minutes and there was really no comeback then.
Martin O’Neill and his men can hold their head high and can be proud of their achievements, even if the whole country is currently in a state of despair. A real shame.
France soak up the applause from their fans and it is they who march onto the quarter-finals.
It wasn’t to be.
The RTÉ panel say it is one that got away. Dunphy and Brady are universal in their criticism of the defending for the winning goal with the former saying it wouldn’t have happened if John O’Shea was on the pitch.
That’s all from us this afternoon as Ireland’s Euros dream comes to an end. Paul Fennessy’s match report from Lyon is here, while our player ratings can be read here.
Thanks for joining us today and throughout Ireland’s campaign. The Boys in Green may have bowed out but the tournament goes on and we’ll have more live coverage, including England’s clash with Iceland tomorrow evening. Until then, goodbye!
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