The Republic of Ireland’s never-say-die mentality has finally paid off.
Even when another early exit from a UEFA European Championship seemed unavoidable, the Republic of Ireland refused to concede.
A late goal from Robbie Brady was enough for them to beat a reshuffled Italy side 1-0 on Wednesday and advance to the knockout stages for the first time as one of the best third-placed teams.
“It was very special. I am thrilled, it was a great win,” Republic of Ireland coach Martin O’Neill said. “We deserved to win. We played some phenomenal stuff. There was not a player in the Irish shirt that did not play heroically.”
Ireland’s reward is a match against France in Lyon on Sunday that is surely to resonate for the Republic of Ireland’s passionate fans as it is likely to revive memories of the last time the two sides met in November 2009, in a two-legged playoff for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
The aggregate score was 1-1 when the return match went into extra-time at Stade de France. In a notorious incident, France striker Thierry Henry used his left arm and hand to control the ball and then pass to William Gallas, who scored the decisive goal.
Italy, who were already assured of top spot in Group E after two straight wins, are to meet defending champions Spain next at the Stade de France on Monday in what is potentially the most mouth-watering match of the round-of-16.
Brady’s 85th minute goal was just reward for an inspired performance by the Republic of Ireland team, which needed to win to get through to the next round. His goal capped a period of intense pressure that also saw Wes Hoolahan miss a golden chance to put his side ahead.
“It is a proud night for myself and fantastic for the team,” Brady said. “The lads worked their socks off today. It was the perfect timing for a goal.”
Spurred on by their passionate green-clad fans, the Republic of Ireland tried to drag Italy into a physical battle from the opening whistle. In the first few minutes, there were some crunching tackles, most notably when Jeff Hendrick hit Alessandro Florenzi with a flying tackle.
Weakened by the absence of injured striker Jon Walters, the Republic of Ireland missed two clear chances to take the lead in the first half. Hendrick sent a long-range shot just wide and Daryl Murphy saw his header off a corner saved by goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu. Italy’s only first-half attempt came two minutes before halftime when Ciro Immobile’s long-range curler went wide.
While the Republic of Ireland searched for a winner, Italy found some fluency in the second half. Simone Zaza went close with a powerful volley that flew just over the cross bar, and substitute Lorenzo Insigne hit the far post with a curling low shot from outside the area.
“We conceded the goal just as we seemed to take control of the game,” Insigne said. “The result is a shame, but in the end, they deserved it.”
Ahead of the next round, Italy coach Antonio Conte had left eight regular starters out of his lineup, including goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, who has been suffering from a fever over the past few days. Only defenders Andrea Barzagli and Leonardo Bonucci as well as midfielder Alessandro Florenzi started in Italy’s previous game against Sweden.
“We conceded when we were on top,” Conte said through an interpreter. “It was a very physical match on a barely playable pitch. The pitch did punish us a bit more than them.”
The pitch at the Stade Pierre Mauroy is to be relaid over the coming days, largely because of the impact of recent heavy rain.
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