With 45 minutes played in Lyon, it seemed like an upset was on the cards.
With Paul Pogba’s clumsy challenge on Shane Long giving allowing Robbie Brady to score from the penalty spot, Ireland – who beat Italy last week thanks to a solitary Brady goal – were on course for the quarter finals.
The Irish defence held out for the opening 12 minutes of the second half, before Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann finally broke their resistance, heading home a Bacary Sagna cross from 12 yards out.
GOAL!! An unmarked Griezmann heads home the #FRA equaliser https://t.co/vCIcUmxRXr
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 26, 2016
There was an inevitability about what would follow.
Griezmann scored a second a mere 225 seconds later.
GOAL!! Griezmann scores a second in quick succession to put #FRA ahead https://t.co/YFLA64Grpy
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 26, 2016
The defending was lapse but on the one hand, Ireland were unfortunate. Inbetween Griezmann’s goals, they were denied what had seemed a clear cut corner. Instead, a goal kick was awarded which led to the goal that saw them fall behind for the first time in the afternoon.
And as if the task of getting back on level terms with France wasn’t already difficult enough, Shane Duffy was sent off. Again, Griezmann was at the centre of it. Played through by Olivier Giroud, Griezmann was tripped by a desperate Duffy and Ireland were down to ten.
RED CARD! Duffy is sent off after bringing down Griezmann when he was through on goal https://t.co/Eyv3Z1iHmI
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 26, 2016
A brave effort from the Irish – especially after their courageous win over Italy on Wednesday – but this is where their Euro 2016 journey ends.
