France beat Ireland to reach Euro 2016 quarterfinals

Antoine Griezmann scored twice to help hosts France beat Ireland 2-1 and reach the quarterfinals of European Championship here on Sunday.

Ireland took a surprise 1-0 lead after only two minutes when France midfielder Paul Pogba made a foul on Shane Long from behind and Italian referee Nicola Rizzoli immediately pointed at the penalty spot.

Robbie Brady, who plays for English Championship side Norwich City, stepped in to fire a low penalty into France keeper Hugo Lloris's left-hand post.

France looked nervous in front of a watching President Francois Hollande but they soon controlled the game and their attacking trio of Olivier Giroud, Dimitri Payet and Griezmann regained sharpness as expected.

In the 58th minute, Payet found Bacary Sagna on the right wing and the Manchester City right back crossed for Griezmann to head home on the penalty spot.

Only three minutes later, Arsenal forward Giroud nodded the ball right in the path of racing Griezmann, who slid the ball home with his left foot.

Ireland defender Shane Duffy was shown a red card in the 66th minute after making a desperate, last-man challenge on the Atletico Madrid man, who was making a solo run and looked sure to complete a hat-trick.

France should have added a few more goals against the 10-man Ireland but thanks to West Ham goal keeper Darren Randolph's brave performance, they failed to extend the lead but it was enough to put them into the last eight.

Didier Deschamps's side will next face the winner of another match between England and Iceland, which will be held in Nice on Monday. Endit