Griezmann helps France beat Ireland, enter the quarter-finals

As if "suffocating" because of the early goal and Ireland's annoying playing style, France still won 2-1 to advance, thanks to a double in the middle of the second half by striker Antoine Griezmann.

France and Ireland together created the best and most exciting match among the first four matches of the Euro 2016 round of 16. Three goals scored and a score of 2-1 did not fully reflect the attractiveness of the match at Stade de Lyon.

Antoine Griezmann double sends France into quarter-finals

Ireland deserved a better result, given the bravery they showed against a stronger, more star-studded side with a fantastic home crowd. However, France proved themselves the more deserving holders of this tie's quarter-final berth.

Coach Deschamps' students were at an early disadvantage and under terrible pressure for nearly the first hour of the match, but amidst the difficulties, they demonstrated the mettle of a great team, to overcome Ireland and complete the mission.

Griezmann's two flashes of brilliance in three minutes, from 58 to 61, were the most eloquent demonstration of the difference between France - a championship candidate, and dark horse Ireland, a dark horse that qualified as one of the four third-placed teams with good records.

France could have won by a big margin if they had taken advantage of the many chances that came their way in the second half when they had an extra man. However, the misses by Gignac and Griezmann did not affect the overall joy of "Les Bleus", because after all, what they needed was a ticket to the quarter-finals.

According to VNE