EURO: Ireland grab late win to qualify, Sweden out

An exceptional performance from Ireland gave them a deserved 1-0 win over group-winners Italy and qualification for the last 16.

Belgium will join them after they beat Sweden, who are out, 1-0.

When Wes Hoolahan missed a one-on-one with six minutes to go, even the most optimistic of Irish fans must have feared the worst.

Just a minute later Irish eyes were smiling and Irish mouths were singing as a thumping Robbie Brady header secured their qualification and a last 16 tie against hosts France.

Read also: Croatia shock Spain as Turkey sends Czech parking

Ireland made a mockery of their underdog tag with a spirited, direct and skillful performance against an Italy team who weren’t at the races.

Italy, guaranteed top spot in the group and a last 16 clash with Spain before the game, made a raft of changes including resting goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, who had previously started each of Italy’s Euro games since Euro 2000 to play Salvatore Sirigu.

The Paris St. Germain keeper was called in to action in the 20th minute, tipping over Daryl Murphy’s header from an Irish corner as Italy’s second-string struggled for find any rhythm against a determined Irish outfit.

Ireland then had claims for a penalty turned down by Romanian referee Ovidiu Alin Hategan after Leonardo Bonucci left Shane Long in a heap in the box as Italy continued to struggle to cope with their opponents.

 

 

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