It’s on everyone’s mind.
As the euphoria around Robbie Brady’s dramatic late winner against Italy began to settle down slightly, Irish fans’ thoughts turned to Sunday in Lyon and the game against the hosts of Euro 2016.
You may not have heard, but the last time the Republic of Ireland played France, in November 2009, there was a bit of controversy. Losing 1-0 from the first-leg of the World Cup qualifier, Ireland outplayed France in Paris, taking the game to extra-time through Robbie Keane’s goal that levelled the tie.
Just before the end of the first period of extra-time, Florent Malouda’s free-kick floated towards Thierry Henry at the back-post, the Arsenal legend controlled the ball with his hand – twice – before squaring it to William Gallas who bundled it home.
The referee waved away protests from the Irish players, Henry streaked off celebrating, consoled Richard Dunne after the game and was part of the French squad’s mutiny at the World Cup.
And Ireland, well, got very annoyed. Let’s try forget the mention of being a “33rd team” at the competition and the subsequent revelations.
So Sunday’s game has been almost seven years in the making. The chance for the ultimate payback by knocking France out of their own tournament, and the Ireland manager did little to dampen down suggestions the game is an opportunity for revenge.
When asked if the injustice of the game in 2009 was a motivating factor for the squad, Martin O’Neill told Newstalk:
“Well it is, absolutely,” the Derry native said.
“But we’ve got all the motivation in the world regardless of that. We’ve got a side that actually love playing for their country. That’s very, very important. It’s a driving force amongst this group of players.”
Unfortunately, the game is broadcast on ITV in the UK, so we won’t get to see Henry being very uncomfortable providing analysis on the game.
