Audio By Carbonatix
Robbie Brady scored an 85th-minute winner as Ireland beat Italy 1-0 to progress to the last 16 of Euro 2016.
Ireland managed just a point from their opening two games, meaning that had to beat Italy and hope that Sweden could not match that feat against Belgium.
Italy manager Antonio Conte had made eight changes, and Ireland played with an intensity and intelligence that was sorely lacking in their second game of the tournament when they fell to a 3-0 defeat against Belgium.
Jeff Hendrick flashed an effort wide of the post early on while James McClean had a pretty solid claim for a penalty turned down on the cusp of half-time.
Ireland struggled to maintain their intensity in the sapping heat of Lille, though, and Italy had the better of the second-half with substitute Lorenzo Insigne hitting the post with just over 10 minutes to go.
However, just as it seemed Ireland would leave the tournament, Brady managed to flash a header past Salvatore Sirigu to send the Irish faithful into raptures.
Ireland finished on four points which sees them through with Sweden losing 1-0 to Belgium.
Italy win the group, Belgium come second and Sweden finish last on one point.
-
Follow Joy Sports on Twitter: @JoySportsGH. Our hashtag is #JoySports
Latest Stories
-
Sight and sound: Fans go into frenzy at Hitz FM Rep Ur Jersey as PSG retain UCL title
3 hours -
Scientists warn dangerous radon gas may be increasing lung cancer risks
3 hours -
EPA, Columbia University partner to map air pollution across Ghana — even in places without monitors
3 hours -
Municipal Assemblies gain real-time pollution data as Breathe Accra expands air quality monitoring network
3 hours -
2026 JoyNews Impact Makers honouree Dr Akunzule donates award prize to support women basket weavers in Upper East
4 hours -
Multimedia Group joins Sammy Gyamfi to mourn late father-in-law
4 hours -
Arsenal heartbreak as PSG win shootout to retain UCL title
5 hours -
Fans go wild at Hitz FM Rep Ur Jersey as PSG retain UCL title in penalty thriller
5 hours -
Gold Fields highlights US$5bn investment, says over 70% of Ghana revenues stay in-country
6 hours -
GNFS warns of economic disaster if safety lapses occur at Kpone power enclave
6 hours -
Xenophobia: NUGS President warns of mass action if gov’t renews Gold Fields lease
6 hours -
Photos from 2026 Hitz FM Rep Ur Jersey
7 hours -
Sterling arrested on suspicion of drug-driving
8 hours -
Ageing fire tenders, lack of hydrants threaten emergency response in Tema Region
8 hours -
Fans defy rain to watch Champions League final at Hitz FM Rep Ur Jersey
8 hours