Antoine Griezmann fired France into the Euro 2016 quarter-finals following a 2-1 comeback victory against the Republic of Ireland in their Last 16 clash in Lyon.

Heading into the match the Republic of Ireland are sticking with the same side that defeated Italy 1-0 at Stade Pierre-Mauroy on Wednesday.

There were some injury concerns over Robbie Brady but he is fit to start.

Meanwhile, Olivier Giroud returns to the starting line-up for France, along with Dimitri Payet, Blaise Matuidi and N’Golo Kante.

The Republic of Ireland couldn’t have asked for a better start as Robbie Brady put his side ahead from the penalty spot in the second minute, after Paul Pogba tripped Shane Long from behind inside the penalty area.

France could’ve levelled matters soon after but Payet directed his free kick straight towards the Irish goalkeeper.

Just two minutes later and the French side had another opportunity to find an equalising goal as Pogba did well to get his cross into the box and found Antoine Griezmann, who’s headed effort flew just over the bar.

Ireland had the lead but haven’t really seen much of the ball since scoring as France kept pressing forward as Griezmann whipped in a dangerous cross which Shane Duffy headed behind with Giroud lurking just behind him.

In the first 21 minutes France controlled the game and enjoyed most of the possession but a long throw into the box causes problems for the French side as Daryl Murphy’s volley attempt was sent across goal, but the Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Hugo Lloris dived in to palm the ball away.

At the other end France threaten as Griezmann fired a shot at goal from outside the box, but Randolph made a comfortable save.

The Republic of Ireland had a chance to double their lead three minutes from the half-time as Brady brilliantly sent his free kick into the box. Duffy rose the highest to meet it but headed just wide of goal.

At half-time the Republic of Ireland lead 1-0 against host France following Brady’s second minute opener from the penalty spot.

Four minutes into the second-half and Payet clipped his free kick into the box, the ball was flicked on and French defender Laurent Koscielny flew in at the back post, but put his effort wide of goal.

Irish midfielder Jeffrey Hendrick passed a ball out to James McClean on the left , who then put in a dangerous ball that Lloris did well to palm clear with Long lurking behind him.

France started to play with more purpose and energy as Bacary Sagna’s cross found Griezmann in the box, who slotted his headed effort past Randolph to level matters.

Four minutes later and France took the lead for the first time as both Irish centre-backs challenged Giroud in the air, but the Arsenal forward did well to lay it off for Griezmann, who found himself in space to guide the ball past Randolph.

The Irish side nearly found the equaliser in the 65th minute when play opened up for McClean as he bursts away from Adil Rami into the box, but he couldn’t find a team-mate with the pass into the middle.

Things got worse for the Republic of Ireland as Duffy was shown a red card after he brought down Griezmann just outside the box.

France substitute Andre-Pierre Gignac nearly extended the host lead in the 77th minute as his strike hit the cross bar from just outside the box.

France midfielder Blaise Matuidi sent a delightful ball across the face of goal and Gignac should’ve turned the ball into the back of the net, but missed the target.

A minute later and Gignac had another opportunity at goal as he scuffed his first time effort wide.

The match ended with France coming out 2-1 winners to book their place into the Euro 2016 quarter-finals.

PHOTO: Reuters