ROBBIE Brady headed a late winner to send the Republic of Ireland into the last 16 of Euro 2016.
Brady’s header five minutes from time was enough for Martin O’Neill’s side to beat a much changed Italy 1-0 in Lille and set up a second round clash with hosts France.
Burnley left-back Stephen Ward and and Blackburn Rovers centre -alf Shane Duffy both played 90 minutes for the Irish who enjoyed much the better of proceedings against an Italian side already assured of top spot in the group.
The Irish might have had a penalty on the stroke of half-time when James McClean appeared to be barged to the ground by Federico Bernardeschi while Jeff Hendrick and Daryl Murphy also went close.
Italy threatened sporadically but Ireland thoroughly deserved the win and they could have opened the scoring just minutes before they did when substitute Wes Hoolahan found himself through on goal but his shot was weak.
But the wideman redeemed himself five minutes from time with a wonderful cross for Brady to net the all-important winner.
In the group’s other match Belgium secured second spot with a 1-0 win over Sweden, Radja Nainggolan with the winner.
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