In Group E, only a win against Italy in Lille would book the Republic of Ireland a place in the last 16. Antonio Conte made 6 changes to the Azzurri team that beat Sweden with top spot already secured while Green Army boss Martin O'Neil brought in 4 new faces to an injury hit starting 11 as they hoped to repeat their famous win over the Italians at the World Cup in U.S.A 94. 

Ireland are unlucky not to be awarded a penalty when James McClean is bundled over by Federico Bernardeschi just before the break. 

In a feisty encounter the 2006 world champs get frustrated by the boys in Green and are unable to create a decent opportunity for large parts of the match. 

With 5 minutes remaining Ireland's moment arrives. Wes Hoolahan lands a pin point cross onto the head of his Norwich City teammate Robbie Brady to make it 1 nil. 

The Canniers winger missed a great one-on-one chance minutes earlier but is on hand this time to set up Brady who becomes only the 5th player to score at a European Championships for his country.

1 nil is the final score, Ireland advance as one of the best 3rd placed teams and now have the mammoth task of getting past hosts France.

Elsewhere in the group Belgium wrapped up second with a 1 nil win over Sweden thanks to a stunning strike 25 yard striker from Radja Nainggolan 5 minutes before the end.

The goal from the Roma midfielder condemns Sweden to last place and marks the end of Zlatan Ibrahimovic's international career. The 34-year-old has scored 62 goals for his country but failed to get off the mark in France where he is so used to scoring.

So here is how Group E looks at the end of the 3 knock-out games. Ireland finish in third place with 4 points behind Belgium who have a 2nd round tie against Hungary.  Ibrahimovic's international career ends with a whimper with Sweden just registering one point, but that won't deter fans from remembering him as a legend. Italy's 1st place finish sets up a mouthwatering tie with Spain after they failed to finish top of group D.