France beat Ireland to reach Euro 2016 quarterfinal
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Lyon (France): Antoine Griezmann scored twice to help hosts France beat Ireland 2-1 and reach the quarterfinals of European Championship here.
Griezman cancelled out a 1-0 lead of Ireland with a header in the second half and then scored the winner three minutes later during the match on Sunday, Xinhua news agency reported.
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.