Memories of that game have inevitably been rekindled since the Republic booked their place in the last 16 with a 1-0 victory over Italy in Lille on Wednesday evening, but manager O’Neill believes it is more of an issue for Henry’s compatriots than it is for his players.
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Ireland knew only a win against the Italians would see them progress from Group E but it looked like they had blown their chance when Wes Hoolahan missed a late one-on-one with Italy goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu.
As the final whistle rang out in Lille, less than ten minutes after Robbie Brady’s heart-stopping victor, O’Neill and assistant manager Roy Keane embraced in a way that highlighted the emotional rollercoaster of the previous ninety minutes.
Italy, which was already assured of top spot in Group E after two straight wins, will meet defending champion Spain next at the Stade de France on Monday in what is potentially the most mouth-watering match of the round of 16. “I won the toss and chose to shoot towards the Italians first because I knew the fans would suck the ball into the net”.
There are aspects of the playing styles of Barcelona and Atletico Madrid in Antonio Conte’s Italy, says former Spain midfielder Xavi.
“To come out of the group we were in is a great achievement”.
And it will also give Ireland the opportunity for revenge after it lost out in controversial fashion to the French in a playoff for the 2010 World Cup. It touchingly showed the Ireland boss in tune with the way the elated Irish fans were feeling.
“We dominated for long periods of the game and played some incredible stuff”.
“I think my time at United and then my loan spells at Hull helped me mature, to grow up and get my head around what it took”.
“We mustn’t get above our station”.
“When the ball went in there was nearly this sense of disbelief, and then the place just erupted”.
“The players are doing everything they have to”.
“We’ve got a lot of respect for them, but now we’ll work hard to prepare for the game in the best fashion possible”.
“They were fantastic. As soon as I saw they had closed the roof I thought: “Happy days” because I knew the fans would make it so much louder”.
And just for good measure, here’s Robbie Brady’s goal again…
Of Sunday’s game against France in Lyon, he said: “It’s a great game for us because we are playing a host nation and France are very strong”.
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Ireland are unlucky not to be awarded a penalty when James McClean is bundled over by Federico Bernardeschi just before the break.
