As hosts of UEFA Euro 2016, France are hoping to make it a third title (and second on home soil) this July. Les Bleus were not at their very best during their group stage campaign, but nonetheless managed to make it through without defeat. Meanwhile, their upcoming opponents, the Republic of Ireland appeared to be heading home after two disappointing results. However, the Boys in Green pulled off a shock result in their final game, thus making history in the process.
France
So far, so good for Didier Deschamps's side as they come into their round of 16 tie. Seven points were enough to make sure that France qualified from their quartet. And now, they will face a familiar foe who will be keen on getting revenge after some controversy nearly seven years ago.
The last time France and Ireland met was back in 2009 during a two-legged playoff for a spot at the 2010 World Cup. Although Les Bleus won the series 2-1, it was a notable game as Thierry Henry later admitted he had committed a handball in the buildup leading to William Gallas's extra-time goal. Ireland, as a result, failed to make the World Cup, whilst France went on to South Africa, only to be dumped out at the group stages.
A handful of the French players who were on the team back then, including Hugo Lloris, Patrice Evra, and Bacary Sagna, will all be in the starting XI for Sunday's match. Of course, much has changed since then, but nonetheless, viewers should expect this to be a potentially tense affair from start to finish.
France may not have blown away the competition during their group stage campaign, but Les Bleus were nonetheless quite efficient - and namely thanks to one man: Dimitri Payet. The West Ham man has been excellent so far in his debut Euro tournament and arguably has been one of the best players so far in this summer's competition.
West Ham's Dimitri Payet has been very impressive for France at this Euro tournament so far
How impressive has Payet been exactly? Well, he has been directly involved in three out of France's four goals (two goals, one assist) and twice has been the clutch player to secure all three points for Deschamps's side. Although he was unable to extend his scoring streak to three against Switzerland, French supporters will hope that he can make the difference yet again as they take on what could be a stubborn Ireland side.
In terms of personnel, Deschamps will have a full-strength squad available for selection. Despite being relegated to the bench for their second match, expect both Paul Pogba and Antoine Griezmann to retain a spot in the starting XI for Sunday's crunch clash.
Republic of Ireland
Meanwhile, Martin O'Neill's side have truly been one of the beneficiaries of the newly expanded 24-team format. Thanks to third-place sides getting a chance to make it into the knockout rounds, the Green Army will now have a chance to test their skills against some of Europe's bigger sides on an even tougher stage.
Ireland, who were placed in arguably this tournament's toughest quartet with Sweden, Belgium, and Italy for company, were not given any chance at qualifying. A disappointing 1-1 draw with Sweden followed by a heavy 3-0 loss to Belgium seemed to have ended their tournament on a sour note, and for all intents and purposes, it appeared that they would be heading home early for the second time in a row.
O'Neill's men, then, needed a win against Italy to stay afloat. And given the Azzurri and their strong defensive qualities, that appeared to be truly a case of "mission impossible". However, the Italians opted to field a second-string side - which ultimately worked in Ireland's favor. Although they left it very late, Robbie Brady's effort was enough to give Ireland a much-deserved three points and give their loyal supporters something to cheer about heading into this weekend.
Norwich City's Robbie Brady wrote his name into Ireland's history books with his brilliant header to beat Italy and secure his team's spot in the round of 16
The Green Army truly will be in a buoyant mood after their historic win - which was the first over Italy since 1994. O'Neill could opt to field the same starting XI from that game, which means that Glenn Whelan, Wes Hoolahan, and John O'Shea would be on the bench. All in all, with the exception of Jonathan Walters, who has not played since matchday one due to injury, Ireland will be coming into this game with every player of note available and fit to feature.
Which channel is broadcasting France vs Republic of Ireland on TV or Online?
Not able to make it to the Stade de Lyon? No problem. LiveSoccerTV.com has put together options to tune in via TV, computer, phone, or tablet.
Here are all the choices for fans residing elsewhere in France and in the following countries:
- In the USA at 09.00 EST on: ESPN, ESPN3 USA, WatchESPN, SiriusXM FC, ESPN Deportes Radio, ESPN Deportes TV
- In France at 15.00 CET on: beIN SPORTS CONNECT France, beIN Sports 1
- In the Republic of Ireland at 14.00 IST on: TalkSport Radio UK, ITV 1 UK, The ITV Hub, BBC Radio 5 Live
- In the UK at 14.00 BST on: BBC Radio 5 Live, ITV 1 UK, TalkSport Radio UK, The ITV Hub
- In Canada at 09.00 ET on: RDS, TSN Radio 1040 | 1410 Vancouver, TSN3, TSN5, TSN1, TSN4
Live elsewhere? Check out our special France vs. Republic of Ireland broadcast page for viewing times and options for your current location.
*Note: Live broadcast data is subject to change*
France vs Republic of Ireland - Did you know?
- France are unbeaten in their last 15 tournament games played at home (13 wins, two draws)
- Expect lots of goals in this one? Don't be surprised if it's a low-scoring match. In France and Ireland's last five games, only four goals have been scored (three for Les Bleus, and one for the Green Army)
- France haven't lost a game versus Ireland since October 1981, when they were beaten 3-2 in a World Cup qualifier
- Since then, they have won two and drawn three
- France have not won a knockout Euro tie since 2000, when they beat Italy in extra-time to lift the trophy
- After that, they were unfortunately beaten by a defensive Greek outfit (in 2004). In 2012, they were outclassed by Spain. Both sides would go on to eventually win the entire competition
- France have not conceded a goal in over 200 minutes - their last was when Romania managed to convert a spot-kick on matchday one
- The last time they managed back-to-back clean sheets was at Euro 1996
- France sure loves scoring late! 9 out of their 10 past Euro goals came after half-time. And at this tournament, three out of four have happened after the 89th minute!
- France and Ireland have met 16 times, with seven wins for France, four for Ireland, and five draws
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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