France v Republic of Ireland player ratings: Antoine Griezmann shines for the hosts

France went on to win 2-1 after falling behind to an early Irish penalty

Antoine Griezmann celebrates scoring his first goal for France against the Republic of Ireland (Getty)

The Irish bowed out in heartbreaking circumstances having led for the majority of their last-16 clash against France. An early penalty conceded by Paul Pogba gave Ireland their dream start as Robbie Brady stepped up to the mark to put the visitors ahead.

It was a closely contested first half with both sides enjoying their fair share of chances but it was the Irish who ended the first 45 minutes on top.

The pundits had expected Martin O'Neill's side to sit back as many of the lesser teams have done so in this tournament but they showed a real hunger and desire which kept them in this match until the dying minutes.

All it took was three minutes of utter magic from Antoine Griezmann though who fired the French into the quarters with two fantastic goals.

From there the French went on to dominate the match and ran their opponents into the ground after Ireland were reduced to 10 men following Shane Duffy's dismissal.

The Irish showed heart though and came close through the likes of James McClean but it ultimately wasn't enough. Heartbreak for the Irish and ecstasy for the French. The hosts rumble onwards and upwards.

So how did the players rate?

France:

Hugo Lloris: Pulled of a number of key saves to deny Ireland in the first half. 7

Bacary Sagna: Pushed forward well in the second half after a quiet first 45 minutes and grabbed himself an assist. 6

Adil Rami: Picked up a yellow which means he won't make the quarters now. Struggled against Long's pace. 6

Laurent Koscielny: Looked relatively comfortable in dealing with the Irish attack. Put in some big challenges. 6

Laurent Koscielny (Getty)

Patrice Evra: Drove forward well to support Griezmann and threatened the Irish box with his deliveries. 6

Paul Pogba: A handful for the Irish defence with his powerful, surging runs. Dominated in the second half with his strength and technical ability. 7

N'Golo Kanté: Uncharacteristically quiet. Picked up an early yellow card and was subsequently subbed. 5

Blaise Matuidi: Subdued first half but eased into the game in the second 45 mins. 6

Antoine Griezmann: Man of the match. Tenacious, creative, a menace throughout. His two goals saved France a major embarrassment. 8

Antoine Griezmann celebrates scoring his first goal for France against the Republic of Ireland (Getty)

Olivier Giroud: A deadweight up front. His only contribution to the game was his assist for Girezmann's first goal. 5

Dimitri Payet: Not his finest game but played a vital part in the build up to France's first goal. 6

Dimitri Payet (Getty)

Republic of Ireland:

Darren Randolph: Fantastic throughout. Denied France's early first half efforts with a series of top quality saves. 7

Seamus Coleman: Picked up a yellow. Denied Giroud a first half goal-scoring opportunity. 6

Seamus Coleman (Getty)

Richard Keogh: Strong first half but was overwhelmed as the game went on. 6

Shane Duffy: Like Keogh, he enjoyed an impressive first half performance but was dismissed for his challenge on Griezmann. 5

Stephen Ward: Defensively solid for much of the match. 6

Robbie Brady: Took his penalty well and impressed at times with some neat one-two passes in the centre of the park. 6

Robbie Brady (Getty)

James McCarthy: Misplaced just one pass in the first half. Struggled against the French midfield once they'd pulled ahead though. 6

Jeff Hendrick: Ran the show in the first half. Calmed the pace of the game for the Irish but went missing as the game drew to a close. 7

James McClean: Refused to give up and came close to setting up his team on more than one occasion. 6

James McClean (Getty)

Shane Long: A nuisance all game long. Hard working and dangerous when at pace. 7

Daryl Murphy: Not as effective as Long but battled well with Kolscielny. Worked hard and held up play. 6