Euro 2016

[monks data]

European Championship | Group Stage

Jun 22, 2016 at 8pm UK

Italy
0-1
Rep. Ireland Republic of Ireland

FT(HT: 0-0)

Brady (85')

Robbie Brady: 'Republic of Ireland progress like an out-of-body experience'

By Giuseppe Labellarte, Reporter | 22 June 2016

Republic of Ireland striker Robbie Brady describes his winner against Italy at Euro 2016 and qualification into the tournament's last 16 as an "out-of-body experience".

Republic of Ireland striker Robbie Brady has described his winner against Italy at Euro 2016 and subsequent qualification into the tournament's last 16 as an "out-of-body experience".

The Norwich City winger struck late on against the Azzurri in their Group E tie at Lille's Stade Pierre Mauroy to seal a 1-0 win and edge Martin O'Neill's side into the top four third-placed sides.

Brady told BBC Sport: "I grew up dreaming about this stage and to go and do it in front of my family is the best feeling in the world. We need to regroup and go again but I am absolutely flabbergasted by it all. Every single one of the lads were unbelievable tonight.

"This was the last chance for us to push ourselves through. We were hard working and we had it all tonight. We stuck at it and put in a great performance and in the end got the result we deserved. Roll on France.

"I can't really explain this feeling. It is like an out of body experience and I was lucky enough to experience that tonight."

As reward for their qualification from Group E, Ireland will take on tournament hosts France in Lyon this Sunday.