Lille: Republic of Ireland and Belgium sealed the final two places in the last 16 of Euro 2016 with 1-0 wins over Italy and Sweden respectively as Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s international career ended in defeat.
Robbie Brady’s header five minutes from time sparked wild scenes of celebration in Lille as Ireland ended Italy’s 100 percent record at the tournament to set up a last 16 meeting with hosts France on Sunday.
Radja Nainggolan also drilled home a late winner as Belgium progressed to meet Hungary and bring an end to Swedish star Ibrahimovic’s international after career 116 caps.
Brady scored his 85th minute headed goal from a pinpoint cross by his Norwich City clubmate Wes Hoolahan, who had just spurned a golden opportunity to seal the well-deserved victory himself.
It earned the Irish a famous victory against a second-string Italy side, with the three points securing third place in the group.
With his team already guaranteed to top the group, Antonio Conte made eight changes, with only Leonardo Bonucci, Andrea Barzagli and Alessandro Florenzi surviving fron the side that started against Sweden.
The Roma midfielder Ibrahimovic, reportedly wanted by Chelsea, controlled a cross from Eden Hazard outside the area and powered it into the net in the 82nd minute. Belgium now take on Hungary in Toulouse on June 26.
Sweden finished third in the group and will look back with regret on a flat performance in their opener against Ireland.
Facing elimination if defeated, both teams pushed forward to attack which produced a pulsating first half hour in balmy Nice.
Chances came thick and fast. Sweden almost had a dream start three minutes in when a goalmouth half-volley by Marcus Berg, in for John Giudetti as strike partner to Ibrahimovic, was batted out by Thibaut Courtois.
Playing in unfamiliar turquoise jerseys, Belgium launched regular raids with Kevin De Bruyne through the middle and Hazard, roving from wing to wing, at the heart of the danger.
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