Host country France had to battle from a goal down to beat the Republic of Ireland to reach the quarter-finals at the ongoing euro championship.
Ireland got off to a stunning start in the second minute, as Robbie Brady converted a penalty after Shane Long was fouled in the box.
But the French team hit back through Antoine Griezmann, who nodded in the equaliser before driving in the winning goal, both in the second half.
“I knew it was going to be a difficult match, and when Ireland took the lead it made us a bit more uncomfortable in the first half.
They showed a lot of enthusiasm but we had to dig deep, get through the situation and get in front,” France coach, Didier Deschamps, said.
He also explained his half time change which brought in Conman for Kante, “It was to get more presence up front. Ireland were quite deep so we wanted to get Griezmann closer to Giroud, bring on some speed with Coman and use the wings a bit better.
“But above all, to get more presence up front – the four attacking players all created chances.”
The Republic of Ireland ended the match with 10 men as Shane Duffy was sent off for a professional foul on Griezmann.
Didier Deschamps’s side will face England or Iceland in the next round at Stade de France on Sunday.
