French attacker Olivier Giroud paid tribute to Ireland’s players and fans after the hosts sent the Boys in Green heading home for Euro 2016.
Giroud helped set up the second of Antoine Griezmann’s two goals in Lyon on Sunday to seal a come-from-behind 2-1 win.
But France were under pressure for much of this game as Ireland led for almost an hour following Robbie Brady’s early penalty.
Ireland finished the game with ten men following the sending-off of centre-half Shane Duffy 24 minutes from the end.
“That was a tough match, but we didn’t expect anything else from Ireland,” said the Arsenal striker.
“They played well in the first minutes and they score early in the game. It was the best scenario for them and they just had to defend afterwards.
“Ireland played very well until the sending-off and after that it was easier for us. They never gave up and that’s what we were expecting from Ireland.
“The Irish fans can be proud of them and we really respected them.”
France took control of this game from the start of the second half and Griezmann scored either side of the hour mark, with Duffy’s red card the final nail in Ireland’s coffin.
The home team changed things at half-time, with the attack-minded Kingsley Coman coming on for defensive midfielder N’golo Kante.
“We tried to push in the first half, but it was very difficult. Tactically we changed a little bit and with Griezmann we played a 4-4-2 and we created more chances to score,” said Giroud.
“It was important for us to play high up and to get the ball back quickly, higher, and that’s why we didn’t let them play. We put them under pressure and created more chances. Griezman’s efficiency did the rest.
“We have a good understanding on and off the pitch and he knows how I’m playing. He’s a top man. The second one was a good one,” smile Giroud as he recalled his involvement in the goal.
“After that we were efficient.”
France will take on the winner of Monday’s last 16 game between Iceland and England in next Sunday’s quarter-final in Paris.
The home side are tournament favourites, though Giroud isn’t getting carried away, saying “We’re going to go step-by-step, We just need to have have our confidence higher.
“We know that this European Championships is going to be tough, we respect all of our opponents and Iceland or England are going to be tough in the next round.”
