Stranger things have definitely happened.
Sure, the Republic of Ireland are 9/1 to beat France in 90 minutes and 7/2 just to qualify for the quarter-finals, but Euro 2016 has been a tournament for the underdog.
Hungary, supposedly the ‘worst’ team in the competition, topped their group ahead of Portugal, Austria and Iceland.
Wales, thought to be a one-man team, topped their group ahead of England and Slovakia.
And both Northern Ireland and the Republic just about got out of their groups, two of the most difficult of the opening round.
Martin O’Neill’s men left it late to secure qualification and they’re always going to be underdogs against hosts and tournament favourites France but new Bayern Munich manager Carlo Ancelotti has warned doubters not to write off the Irish chances of causing an upset.
“I watched the Republic of Ireland game against Italy and I thought Martin O’Neill’s team played very well,” Ancelotti writes in his Telegraph column.
“It is a European Championship of surprises. I know that they have to play France but I would not write the Irish off just yet.
“Many of the usual rules go out of the window when you reach this stage. Some players are tired while others are just inspired.”
