Last 16: France v Republic of Ireland, 26th June, 2pm

[JJ1532]

So, the hosts face off against the Republic of Ireland. They made hard work of their group but did what they needed to do to progress. They should have enough individual quality to get past Ireland here I think.

As for Ireland, they did really well in beating Italy, but it was a much changed Italy side. Against Belgium, they looked awful and weren't that impressive against a poor Sweden side.

Can they spring a huge upset by knocking out France. There will be no pressure on them, which will help, but I'm not sure they can hold France off. Or can they?

 

[Nath]

We have not forgotten.

 

[TractorBoys]

France at a canter. Unless they start Murphy again.

 

[SALTIRE]

Was cheering on ROI last night to wind up the Italians I was in company with, but France will be too much for them. 2 - 0.

 

[mistermagic]

Anyone coming down for this? Gonna get wasted and probs won't see much of the game even though I've got tickets.

 

[epic73]

France lost every qualifying match they played against Germany. We didn't. By that logic, we're better.

 

[Stevencc]

The USA?

 

[epic73]

The USA?

Ireland. Probably should have made that more clear.

 

[Jockney]

ROI's work-rate against Italy was exceptional. Can't say I have seen an international side want a game more than that for a long time -- their endeavor was very entertaining to watch in its own right.

Think they will take this to extra time. France haven't looked too comfortable so far, a little bit nervy, though hard to judge on the basis of three games.

1-1

 

[epic73]

Very biased here, but as Jockney said, ROI said a lot of work-rate and determination. France will be expecting this to be an easy win. If we give them a hard time and take it to extra time, I'll be satisfied.

If we score a handball, I'll also be satisfied.

 

[Liam_SWFC]

Going to be watching this with added intrerest as of course the winner of this, will be our quarter final opponent IF we can get past Iceland. I think France on paper are obvious favorites, but looking at how underwhelming France have been you can't rule out the Republic completely. It's going to come down to if France can hold their nerve and not let the occasion get to them, if Ireland perform like they did against Italy and get in their faces they could make this hard work for France. 2-0 to the hosts.

 

[Bobbin']

Have to agree with the posts above.

France should really be winning this but if Ireland can keep the same tempo as the other night and get in their faces then I think France will start shitting themselves and start making mistakes. Ireland were awful against Belgium but this is France's stiffest test yet.

 

[Skinner]

What a start

COYBIG

 

[Stevencc]

My word, what a start!

 

[DarkSithLord]

Clear penalty. Should open this game up.

 

[Master D]

Vardy-esque penalty win there from Long, ref bought it.

 

[mchilds]

ROI is now proving us all wrong (at least at the moment). First blood belongs to them.

 

[cufc17]

I know it's still early in this game, and they will probably come back into it, but France have been very average in this tournament. Hopefully Ireland can hold on, they've started brilliantly.

 

[Liam_SWFC]

Get in Ireland, can't ehelp but feel it might have come a little early though, they must still show a bit of ambition ebecause I can't see them holding out France for 75 minutes.

 

[SALTIRE]

Get in Ireland, can't ehelp but feel it might have come a little early though, they must still show a bit of ambition ebecause I can't see them holding out France for 75 minutes.

Agreed it's going to be a long match for them.

 

[Skinner]

Yeah, in a mismatch like this, a goal that early can be bad.

Pogba getting absolutely smashed

 

[Liam_SWFC]

Ireland doing really well looking comfortable, got the crowd rattled too. Ireland to their credit still looking for more.

 

[Liam_SWFC]

That's half time, much better watch than the games yesterday, Ireland fantastic while France lacked creativity and a cutting edge to break them down.

 

[AnkleBiter]

Get in Ireland, can't ehelp but feel it might have come a little early though, they must still show a bit of ambition ebecause I can't see them holding out France for 75 minutes.

Albania did for 88, Switzerland did for 90. They can so do this, pretty incredible.

Good for England too , suspensions left right and centre.

 

[Storzy]

I think France might have to actually drop one of Pogba or Matuidi for someone like Coman and move Griezmann in behind Giroud.

Get Griezmann making some run in behind Giroud as well.

 

[Jockney]

Ireland have been great, the same level of energy as against Italy. A bit more composure and they could be a couple of goals up.

Us/Iceland have got nothing to fear from France if they turn this around.

 

[Who Needs Mourinho]

Don't often agree with Andy Townsend but Martial in a central role is likely to cause a lot more problems for a couple of Championship defenders than Giroud.

 

[Who Needs Mourinho]

Ireland have been great, the same level of energy as against Italy. A bit more composure and they could be a couple of goals up.

Us/Iceland have got nothing to fear from France if they turn this around.

2 french players and 1 Irish already out of the next game as well.

 

[Big Bird]

No width in this French team. Very predictable, surely Coman will come on for Kante or Matuidi.

 

[Storzy]

Griezmann scores. I reckon they need to start him in that number 10 role.

Provided they do actually win this