Changes for both sides as Sebastian Larsson makes way for Jimmy Durmaz and his excellent beard.

For Belgium, Dries Mertens is on for Yannick Carrasco.

One area that the Reoublic of Ireland have struggled in tonight: crosses into the box. Only two of their deliveries from open play or set-pieces have found their target. One of those was a short corner.

Can Aiden McGeady sort that out?

Image source, Opta

First change for Ireland. target man Daryl Murphy comes off, mercurial winger Aiden McGeady on. 

The Ireland fans are still going strong but Shane Long looks to be running out of puff a bit up front. Italy look very comfortable. They aren't trying to score but they don't look like conceding.

Image source, Reuters

...the corner is poor, cleared by Zlatan Ibrahimovic. There's not been a decent set piece all game. Disappointing stuff.

A chance out of nothing as Kevin de Bruyne's shot from distance skips along the ground and forces Andreas Isaksson to push behind at his near post.

Corner for Belgium...

Image source, AFP/GETTY

Kevin Kilbane
Ex-Republic of Ireland international in Lille

As you approach the latter stages, you would expect a change to be made by Martin O'Neill and give Italy something different to think about.

Jmac: Daryl Murphy off Robbie Keane the goal machine on... and come join us in the last 16.

No sign of a change just yet, Jmac, on the Ireland bench...

Dave More: Ireland look like England, plenty of nice touches and little spins in areas that don't hurt Italy + no final ball.

Image source, Getty Images

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has the ball in the net...but the flag is up for an earlier foul.

As things stand, he has a little under 30 minutes left as a Sweden international. They need to win and boss Erik Hamren decides to make a change with Marcus Berg replaced by John Guidetti alongside Ibrahimovic.

Image source, EPA

Not quite time to panic, as Shane Duffy shoots from 40 yards. No, no, no.

Still Ireland doing all the pressing though. Italy are phoning this one in. 

The Republic need to get some shots off and here's the first cab off the rank, Jeff Hendrick snatching at one from range and pulling it a way wide. 

Image source, Reuters

The Republic of Ireland have had the better of the game so far but they haven't tested Salvatore Sirigu enough. They have had just four shots, only one of which (green) has been on target.

Image source, Opta

Image source, Getty Images

Around half an hour remaining and Martin O'Neill is pacing the touchline like a tiger on the prowl.

Are the Republic of Ireland staying in France or heading home? They need a goal...and quickly.

Half an hour to go. Ireland need a goal. Or possibly goals. Changes afoot?

Italy make a change, Manchester United full-back Matteo Darmian comes on. 

Maybe they are not in top gear, but Belgium are once again putting in a decidedly flat performance. They're nice and tidy passing the ball around, but lacking a threat in the final third. No real chance created by them in this half. 

Kevin Kilbane
Ex-Republic of Ireland international in Lille

It was brilliant play from Daryl Murphy initially but Seamus Coleman didn't get a clean strike.

Italy have a serious lack of pace at the back.

Image source, PA

A long punt downfield causes danger, chaos in fact. Daryl Murphy rolls his defender and pings in a cross which Salvatore Sirigu can only palm away, it runs nicely for Seamus Coleman and he connects well with a drive, superbly blocked by Angelo Ogbonna.

Ireland cranking it up...