It is an image that still haunts Irish fans to this day. They boys in green were on the brink of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. All that stood between them and the tournament was an underwhelming French side. The two were making their way to a penalty shootout when the unthinkable happened in extra time. Florent Malouda lofted a free kick over the Ireland defense. The ball fell to Thierry Henry towards the end line. The striker handles the ball twice before squaring to William Gallas for the aggregate winner. The goal ended Ireland’s World Cup dreams. This Sunday, Ireland finally get their chance for revenge.
The Irish contingent have been one of the fun stories of Euro 2016. Their fans have been tremendous, as always, and the team has played with a never say die attitude. Ireland capped off their group stage with a banner win against Italy in their final Group E match. As a result, their date with vengeance was set.
Over the years, Ireland hasn’t displayed any ill will towards the French. They’ve kept cool heads about the travesty befallen them. But you can rest assured that the country’s supporters had this possibility circled once the tournament’s brackets came out.
France was, and still is, one of the favorites to take home the European Championship. Hell, they were my selection to win it all. The tournament is on their home soil. They may have their most talented collection of players since winning the 1998 World Cup in similar circumstances. Nevertheless, France has looked very human in their group stage campaign. They’ve needed late, late goals to beat Romania and Albania. They got only a share of the spoils against Switzerland. However talented, this team is vulnerable to the fighting spirit of Ireland.
Even in their blowout loss to Belgium, Ireland has never taken their foot off the proverbial gas pedal. What they lack in talent, they compensate for with tactics and determination. That paid ultimate dividends against Italy. Robbie Brady’s header sent the Republic through and the crowd into a frenzy. It was emotional for the moment, but also in anticipation of the rematch at hand.
The Boys in Green had never previously made it out of the group stage. The expanded field in this year’s event made that possible. The stars have aligned for this club to claim their retribution. To take out France, in a tournament that they’re hosting, and expected to win, would be divine. Ireland have been one of the bright spots in an ugly European Championships. If you want this fairy tale to end here, you probably also rooted for the Big Bad Wolf in the 3 Little Pigs.
9:00 AM ET is the time. ESPN is the place to watch. GameView is the tool you should utilize during it. I’ll be raring to go. Here are some more impassioned Irish chants so you can be as well!