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Robbie Brady heads Ireland into last 16 and a meeting with France

Republic of Ireland's Robbie Brady scores his side's first goal of the game during the Euro 2016, Group E match at the Stade Pierre Mauroy, Lille. 
Republic of Ireland's Robbie Brady scores his side's first goal of the game during the Euro 2016, Group E match at the Stade Pierre Mauroy, Lille.  Republic of Ireland's Robbie Brady scores his side's first goal of the game during the Euro 2016, Group E match at the Stade Pierre Mauroy, Lille. 

THE Republic of Ireland have qualified for the last-16 stage at Euro 2016 after a 1-0 win against Italy, and will play France on Sunday.

Wales will face Northern Ireland in the last 16 of Euro 2016.

It looked for a long while on Wednesday night that Wales would play Turkey and Northern Ireland would tackle hosts France in the last 16.

But the Republic of Ireland's 1-0 victory over Italy - Robbie Brady scoring a late winner in Lille - changed the dynamics of the second-round line-up.

Turkey were eliminated as the Republic reached the next stage, and Group B winners Wales will now play Northern Ireland, one of the four best third-placed teams, at the Parc des Princes in Paris on Saturday.

"Northern Ireland are more physical than Turkey," said Wales manager Chris Coleman. "They get the ball forward quicker. That's where their strength is.

"They are superbly organised and defensively so difficult to break down. They are excellent from set-plays."

Wales and Northern Ireland are in what is considered the easier half of the draw.

England, who play Iceland in the last 16, are in the same half as France, Germany, Italy and Spain.