FA Ireland / TwitterWe all remember the ‘Hand of Henry’, and revenge was on the mind for all Irish fans ahead of their knockout Euro 2016 tie with France.
The victor would go on to face the winner of Iceland v England, meaning a place in the semi-finals could well be attainable given neither England nor Iceland are all that.
Ireland took the lead in the second minute, after Robbie Brady scored a penalty, when Shane Long was brought down by Paul Pogba, and the internet melted.
At the break, it was all going well for Ireland, until Antoine Griezmann decided to turn up, score two in a few minutes and give his side a man advantage after being hacked down.
Elation turned to heartbreak and the internet was there to capture it all.
Finally, a penalty for Ireland…
GOAL! Brady has given #IRL an early lead from the penalty spot against #FRA https://t.co/RgfiQ95KCO
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 26, 2016
Paul Pogba challenges Shane Long early to concede the penalty #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/o3YB75mELF
— Monkey Sponge Sports (@monkey_sponge) June 26, 2016
Brady is obviously a hero…
Wow what a start! That's how you take a penalty #RobbieBrady #FRAIRL #EURO2016
— Alan Shearer (@alanshearer) June 26, 2016
Robbie Brady is getting the ride tonight.
I don't care if I have to do it myself.
— Conor McNamara (@ConorMcNamaraIE) June 26, 2016
Payet, current favourite to win Player of the Tournament, absolutely mugged off by Robbie Brady there. A passing of the torch, tbh.
— Paddy Power (@paddypower) June 26, 2016
The game was praised by everyone – after only two minutes…
The first minute of this match is already better than the other three last-16 games so far combined. #FRA #IRL
— Alex Watt (@AlexWatt187) June 26, 2016
Henry’s handball was mentioned once or twice…
https://twitter.com/BreatheSport/status/747066222529941504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
#FRA moaning about time wasting. It must be terrible to feel that a side are cheating in a major knockout comp pic.twitter.com/XurrI7bRRr
— UNILAD Football (@UNILADFooty) June 26, 2016
Yellow cards aplenty were handed out…
Finally some good news for France, Adil Rami will miss the quarter-finals should France get there.
— Coral (@Coral) June 26, 2016
Booking my flights for Paris on Sunday. Scandalous prices! Raging Hendrick will miss that game.
45 mins ?? #COYBIG ☘☘??— Cathal Pendred (@Pendred) June 26, 2016
Giroud came in for some stick as per usual…
Commentators wondering why Giroud isn't "darting left and right". Presumably not Arsenal season ticket holders.
— Daniel Storey (@danielstorey85) June 26, 2016
Darren Randolph came in for plenty of praise as the onslaught came thick and fast…
https://twitter.com/MolloyJoe/status/747070184066781184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
The best second goalkeeper in the Premier League Darren Randolph #WestHam
— GameRiot (@GameRiotArmy) June 26, 2016
Griezmann managed to pull France back to terms…
GOAL!! An unmarked Griezmann heads home the #FRA equaliser https://t.co/vCIcUmxRXr
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 26, 2016
And then gave them the lead…
GOAL!! Griezmann scores a second in quick succession to put #FRA ahead https://t.co/YFLA64Grpy
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 26, 2016
Proven goal scorers are worth their weight in gold. Griezmann is most definitely one.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) June 26, 2016
As I was saying…..Griezmann again
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) June 26, 2016
Griezmann turns the game around in a few minutes!
— GCIIMessi (@GCIIMessi) June 26, 2016
It then went from bad to worse, as Duffy had to hack Griezmann down and saw red…
RED CARD! Duffy is sent off after bringing down Griezmann when he was through on goal https://t.co/Eyv3Z1iHmI
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 26, 2016
Griezmann is just such a talented player my god
— David Myers (@David_Myers8) June 26, 2016
Griezmann's on fire, your defence is terrified, Griezmann's on fire #FRAIRL pic.twitter.com/lMTlQ9oUcw
— UNILAD Football (@UNILADFooty) June 26, 2016
Despite the loss, everyone was full of praise for the Irish…
Well played, Republic of Ireland. Gave France a real run for their money. Couldn't have given more.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) June 26, 2016
Ireland & their magnificent fans go home with heads held proudly high after a cracking game.France 2nd half showed why they're favourites.
— Brian McNally (@McNallyMirror) June 26, 2016
Brave effort from Ireland. Magnificent in first half. As usual, their fans have brought great credit on the country, too
— Oliver Holt (@OllieHolt22) June 26, 2016
