EURO 2016 – France survive scare, as Germany, Belgium qualify for quarterfinals News

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EURO 2016 – France survive scare, as Germany, Belgium qualify for quarterfinals

By Daily Sports on June 27, 2016

Antoine Griezmann scored twice in four minutes as Euro 2016 hosts France came from behind to claim a 2-1 win over the Republic of Ireland on Sunday.

The goal hero said tough half-time words were exchanged at half-time to lay on the last-16 victory that means France face England or Iceland in the Stade de France quarterfinal next Sunday.

Paul Pogba brought Shane Long down within seconds of kickoff and Robbie Brady converted the penalty to put the Irish ahead with just two minutes gone.

But Griezmann underlined a superb performance as the main strike threat with two knockout goals in the second half as the hosts floored the Irish.

It was "annoying" to go behind Griezmann said. "In the dressing rooms, we had words and that brought out a different French team."

"It was difficult for us, because there was the penalty at the start which was a bit of a shock," French coach Didier Deschamps said, expressing relief at the fightback as French fans celebrated.

"We really only woke up after 15 minutes and now we’re going to enjoy watching to see who our quarterfinal will be."

Ireland's problems were compounded by playing the last 25 minutes with ten men.

Centre-back Shane Duffy was sent off on 66 minutes for bringing down Griezmann, who was through on goal.

France's win came at a cost as both midfielder N'Golo Kante and defender Adil Rami are suspended for the quarterfinal after picking up bookings.

Defeat means more heartache for the Irish in their first meeting with France since a controversial World Cup playoff in November 2009.

Thierry Henry's infamous handball, dubbed 'Le Hand of God', helped seal a 2-1 aggregate victory to send France to South Africa 2010 at Ireland's expense.

The Irish came flying out of the traps in Lyon.

Jerome Boateng scored his first international goal to set Germany on their way to a 3-0 win against Slovakia at Euro 2016 on Sunday as the world champions cruised into the quarterfinals.

Boateng opened his account eight minutes into his 63rd international appearance and Joachim Loew's side never looked back against outclassed opponents.

Mesut Ozil had a penalty saved soon after but Julian Draxler set up Mario Gomez to double the lead two minutes before half-time and the impressive Draxler then completed the scoring just after the hour mark.

There was never any threat of a repeat of Slovakia's 3-1 win when the teams met in a friendly just four weeks ago and Germany move on to a last-eight tie against either reigning champions Spain or old rivals Italy next weekend.

"I hit the ball well and am glad it went in. It was also about time," defender Boateng told ZDF of his goal as he admitted that Germany never gave Slovakia a look in.

"We wanted to make sure at all costs that they didn't get into the game, pressed us or put pressure on us out wide."

Eden Hazard scored his first goal of Euro 2016 as Belgium cruised into the quarterfinals with a 4-0 win to end Hungary's fairytale campaign.

Belgium go into the European Championship quarterfinals for the first time since losing the 1980 final. They were dominant throughout at Stadium de Toulouse after Toby Alderweireld headed them into a 10th minute lead.

The Red Devils wasted a series of great chances to put the game to bed before Michy Batshuayi with his first touch as a substitute, Hazard and Yannick Carrasco scored in the last 12 minutes.

Belgium now meet Wales in Lille looking for a place in the semifinals, but on the back of this promising performance coach Marc Wilmots will be looking for improvements in front of goal.

•Text from supersports.com. Photo shows Griezmann celebrate his goals

Source Daily Sports

Posted June 27, 2016