PARIS: Thierry Henry’s handball sent such shockwaves that barely anyone remembers it was actually William Gallas who scored the infamous goal for France that ruined the Republic of Ireland’s chances of a World Cup appearance more than six years ago.

On Sunday, Les Bleus face the Irish in Lyon in a Euro 2016 last-16 clash in which the host nation will start as heavy favourites.

In the stands, there is little doubt the Irish fans, who are enjoying growing popularity in France thanks to their good-natured presence in the streets across the country, will be outsing the local supporters.

Qualification for a quarter-final against Iceland or England, however, will be decided on the field, where the Irish will take extra motivation from the drama at the Stade de France in 2009.

“It is absolutely [extra motivation], but we’ve got all the motivation in the world here regardless of that, we’ve got a side that are prepared and actually love playing for their country and that’s very, very important. It’s a driving force,” Ireland manager Martin O’Neill told reporters.

Both squads still contain players who were involved that night which left Irish fans feeling robbed of a 2010 World Cup place.

France’s goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, defenders Bacary Sagna and Patrice Evra and striker Andre-Pierre Gignac all started, while Moussa Sissoko and goalkeeper Steve Mandanda were unused substitutes.

For the Irish, Shay Given, John O’Shea, Glenn Whelan and Robbie Keane started the match, while Aiden McGeady came on in extra-time.

“A lot of water has gone under the bridge since then,” said France’s assistant coach Guy Stephan, playing down the incident of six years ago.

“I honestly don’t think it will be important. There are many other factors that count other than this. It is part of history and makes for talking points, but it’s a long time ago. The Irish naturally have fighting spirit, I’m not sure they need this for motivation.”

France, who have yet to play a full match at their best in the tournament, have only conceded one goal in three matches, a penalty, but the back four has not really been tested.

Coach Didier Deschamps is likely to field the team who beat Romania in the tournament’s curtain-raiser, with striker Olivier Giroud supported by Antoine Griezmann and Dimitri Payet — himself a lethal weapon on set pieces.

France played their last group game on Sunday and will have had three more days to prepare than Ireland, who clinched their qualification with a last-gasp 1-0 win over a depleted Italy team on Wednesday.

The Irish have a few injury concerns. Full-back Stephen Ward has an ankle injury from the 1-0 win over Italy that earned the last-16 berth and sat out Friday’s training. Jon Walters has a sore Achilles tendon, but ran out with the team.

Published in Dawn, June 26th, 2016