It is fair to say this European Championship has struggled to ignite in the group stage, while a highly-fancied host nation have also failed to fire, but that all changed here as France came back from a goal down and a dreadful first half to breeze into the quarter-finals.
Waiting for them should be England, although Ireland reminded us here that nothing can be taken for granted. For 45 minutes Martin O'Neill’s side were the better team.France looked apprehensive, as has the nation as a whole during this tournament. The threat of a terrorist attack has made this seem like a tournament the French would just like to get out of the way without a major incident.
That may change now we are approaching the business end. France produced their best half of the championship to see off Ireland and they will be difficult to beat after this. England will have to play with the same physicality and intensity as the Irish did, but keep it going for the full 90 minutes rather than just 45.
Finally score:France 2- Ireland 1
The telegraph
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