The closed roof in the Stade Pierre-Mauroy stadium on Wednesday night made conditions humid, sticky and draining.
But that’s just how the Republic of Ireland players wanted it.
Captain for the night Seamus Coleman revealed after Ireland’s 1-0 win over Italy in Lille that the players had hoped for the roof in the stadium to be closed.
Despite the energy-sapping conditions on a heavy pitch constantly cutting up, the Everton defender said the roof being closed played right into Ireland’s hands, as it meant the Irish supporters would create a fervent atmosphere and help spur the players on.
“We wanted that, if there was an opportunity of that happening we wanted that,” Coleman said.
“Because of the fans, keep the noise in, the fans were incredible, they got what they deserved.”
“I think they were expecting thunderstorms. I don’t care, to be honest. It was closed and happy days.”
Martin O’Neill also said that the conditions within the stadium played into Ireland’s gameplan of “relentless pressure and ferocious effort” in what was a must-win game.
“I actually think that (the closed roof) added to the atmosphere,” the Republic of Ireland manager told Pat Kenny on Newstalk on Thursday morning.
“It was a bit hot and a bit sticky, but great nevertheless. I think that the noise levels coming from our fans was extraordinary. It’s extraordinary anyway, but I think when it’s enclosed it’s even more deafening.
“I think that probably added to the atmosphere.”
