Antoine Griezmann scored twice in four minutes as Euro 2016 hosts France came from behind to claim a 2-1 win over 10-man Republic of Ireland on Sunday.
Victory in the last 16 clash in Lyon means France face either England or Iceland in the Stade de France quarter-final next Sunday.
Paul Pogba brought Shane Long down within seconds of kickoff and Robbie Brady, who netted the Republic’s winner against Italy, converted a penalty with just two minutes gone to give the Irish a shock lead.
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.
“At this stage of the tournament you don’t have the right not to qualify,” French coach Didier Deschamps said, expressing relief at the fightback as French fans celebrated.
Ireland’s problems were compounded by playing the last 25 minutes with 10 men.
Griezmann could have also netted a hat-trick late on when he was left one-on-one with Randolph, but the stopper was able to make the save as the final whistle confirmed the hosts’ progress to the quarter-finals.
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