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Heroic Ireland head to last-16 date with France

IRELAND put in an heroic performance to beat Italy 1-0 in Lille and qualify for the last 16 of Euro 2016 where they will meet hosts France in the first knockout round.

Martin O’Neill’s side had been the better side against a much-changed Italian outfit but looked set to be frustrated until Robbie Brady headed in Wes Hoolahan’s terrific cross with five minutes remaining.

Betfred rate Ireland, who finished third in Group E, 200-1 to win the European Championship and the next test against France in Lyon in Sunday is obviously a tough one given Les Bleus are outright favourites at 4-1.

BoyleSports quote Ireland at 4-1 to stun the hosts and qualify for the quarter-finals. France are 6-13 with 188BET to win in 90 minutes and Ireland can be backed at 38-5.

Ireland’s success means Northern Ireland will meet Wales in a local derby in Paris on Saturday with the winners of that tie to play Belgium or Hungary in the quarter-finals.

Wales are evens with bet365 to win in 90 minutes with Northern Ireland at 100-30.

Radja Nainggolan’s late strike gave Belgium a 1-0 win over basement boys Sweden as the Red Devils finished second behind Italy.

It has turned out better to claim the runners-up berth rather than first spot given Belgium’s potential run through to the semi-finals and they have been slashed to 13-2 to win the European Championship. 

Euro 2016 knockout draw
Switzerland v Poland
Croatia v Portugal
Wales v Northern Ireland
Hungary v Belgium
Germany v Slovakia
Italy v Spain
France v Ireland
England v Iceland

Last-16 schedule - Saturday: Switzerland v Poland (2pm, St-Etienne), Wales v Northern Ireland (5pm, Paris), Croatia v Portugal (8pm, Lens); Sunday: France v Ireland (2pm, Lyon), Germany v Slovakia (5pm, Lille), Hungary v Belgium (8pm, Toulouse); Monday: Italy v Spain (5pm, St-Denis), England v Iceland (8pm, Nice)

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