“I fully felt like we deserved it”. He did keep his head and he put in a lovely ball but Brady still had to go and head it and he’s gone as bravely as anything to do that.
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Italy coach Antonio Conte has suggested that Republic of Ireland’s 1-0 victory over his side and progression through to the knockout stages of Euro 2016 was more than they deserved.
“We played so well against Sweden in the first game and maybe the other (Belgium) game came a bit too quickly, though that doesn’t matter because we didn’t play well enough, but tonight we were absolutely ready”. They are a top-class team but if we can stick together and click the way we did tonight, we can hurt anybody.
He said: “I do not think we have anything to fear.
It was a proud night for myself and fantastic for the team”.
“It was gutsy, it was determination, they chased everything like it was going to be the last game they played in football”.
Brady’s victor was laid on by substitute and club-mate Wes Hoolahan, who moments earlier had fluffed his lines when clean through on goal.
Having to win Wednesday’s match to progress from Group E, Ireland looked to be heading out as they went into the final five minutes at Lille’s Stade Pierre-Mauroy with the game still goalless. I’m lost for words realty.
A British team is guaranteed a spot in the quarter-finals of Euro 2016 after the line-up for the last 16 was finalised on a dramatic day in France.
“We conceded when we were on top”, Conte said through an interpreter.
Therefore, the Irish know they need all three points to put themselves in with a chance of booking their place in the last 16 of the competition as one of the best third-placed teams. The lads have to look up to you and I was fully focused on making this a memorable night for Ireland.
O’Neill said: “It was a great win”.
The Canniers winger missed a great one-on-one chance minutes earlier but is on hand this time to set up Brady who becomes only the 5th player to score at a European Championships for his country.
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The Irish played with their characteristic grit and determination in a foul-filled contest that more closely resembled a rugby match than a soccer game. It’s hard work but everyone talks about what a tight group we are and to share this moment with all those players in unbelievable.
