

Now that the European Championship's group stage has ended, there is a wonderful surprise for all the British isles. All four sides from there have qualified to the round of 16 in this tournament. With their victory against Italy in the very last game of Group E, the Republic of Ireland made history and got their entry to the Euros' next round. They are going to clash against France next week but even if they end up losing, the achievement they completed today was something truly spectacular.
With the first place already secured no matter what happened, manager Antonio Conte used an Italy B-side for this match which gave the Irish a good chance to get through to the next round. Regardless of this, the Republic of Ireland really struggled against the already famously defensive Italy. There is no denying that the Irish really fought to get that winning goal, but Antonio Conte's side really put things difficult for them. However, the stands were all painted green and filled with Irish fans who can be considered as the happiest and most peaceful fan base in the tournament.
The key moment came in the 85th minute through Norwich City midfielder Robbie Brady, who darted into the box and nodded Hoolahan's inswinging cross from the right past an advancing Sirigu. This was more than enough for all the Irish fans to make the stadium shake as if they were experiencing a massive earthquake. This goal puts them alongside their fellow British nations in the Euros' round of 16, it felt like a day to make history and the Irish did it.
Photo credit: UEFA EURO 2016