ROBBIE Brady's early penalty proved to be in vain for the Republic of Ireland who were eliminated from Euro 2016 at the second round stage after a cruel 2-1 defeat to host nation France on Sunday.

Fresh from a famous win over Italy on Wednesday, Martin O'Neill's side were handed the chance to make the perfect start in Lyon when Paul Pogba felled Shane Long in the box after just 70 seconds.

City's Brady stepped up take the spot-kick, converting via the base of the post to put his side in front with the fastest goal of this summer's Finals to date.

Having taken the lead, Ireland stood firm for the remainder of the first half, only for two Antoine Griezmann goals early in the second period to turn the game on its head.

First, the Atletico Madrid attacker headed home Bacary Sagna's cross on 58 minutes to level matters, ahead of striking again just moments later to give France the lead.

Things quickly got worse for The Boys In Green; Shane Duffy being dismissed for a last-ditch challenge which prevented Griezmann from completing his hat-trick.

Ultimately, that signalled the beginning of the end for Ireland, with France's new sense of control allowing them to see out the game comfortably while also threatening to further extend their advantage.

Wes Hoolahan came off the bench as a substitute with 20 minutes remaining, but with the odds firmly stacked against the Irish, their impressive run at the tournament came to an end.

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