Twelve shots so far in Nice, but only two of them on target. 

Zlatan Ibrahimovic (10 in top diagram) has seen two blocked and one go wide. Seven different players have had a go for Belgium but only Kevin de Bruyne (green arrow in bottom diagram) has hit the target.

Image source, Opta

Image source, Opta

Chris Bevan
BBC Sport at Stade Pierre Mauroy

No prizes for guessing who is the most unpopular guy inside the stadium right now... yep, everyone here wearing a green shirt stood up to whistle Romanian referee Ovidiu Hategan as he walked off at half-time. And that is a lot of people.

Positives for the Republic are that they look dangerous when they come forward, and from Robbie Brady's set-pieces too. The negatives are that they have not scored, and Italy only looked half-interested for most of the first 45 minutes then woke up just before the break.

Still, all to play for, and it is still in the Republic's hands - it is just that time is running out...

James Liggins: I'm sorry, that's an absolute stone-waller on James McClean. How has he not given that?

Porschehead: I suppose we were due a poor ref and tonight we have certainly got a real stinker.

Patrick Brennan: If that's not a penalty, nothing is.

Image source, AFP

As things stand, it will be the Republic of Ireland and Sweden heading home. Belgium will join Italy in progressing to the last 16.

Long while to go yet.

Kevin Kilbane
Ex-Republic of Ireland international in Lille

It is exactly what Martin O'Neill would have wanted from his players.

There was a good tempo in the game, players always looking to get on the ball. they have been prepared to take the ball and be positive in possession.

From a defensive point of view, Federico Bernadeschi is in the wrong position and barges James McClean over, McClean does go down a little easily but it is a clear foul.

They have not had one clear cut chance though. The Italy team did not strike me with any fear and the Republic have proven that, Italy have been so poor in possession. It has been a much better showing than against Belgium.

Image source, Reuters

For all the pressure - and it felt like they mustered a lot - Ireland only had three shots in that half. And just one on target.

I know he's clocking on. But Robbie Keane o'clock?

You can't say the Republic of Ireland aren't giving this a good go. The average positions for the first half are telling...

Image source, Opta

A mighty 'Boooooo' rings out from the masses in green. That's not directed at the Republic's players, but the match officials.

Win tonight and Ireland are through. Should they have had a penalty? Everyone in green thinks so.

[I do too. And so do you...]

Axel Witsel gets a yellow just before the break. 

Good luck to my colleagues picking out the key moments for the highlights video. Not much to choose from in that half.

Shane Long is now barged in the area but that's not a foul. If there was any top side in Europe to relish this sort of game it's probably Italy. They'll defend their penalty area all day long. 

Kevin Kilbane
Ex-Republic of Ireland international in Lille

It a foul, a clear foul from Federico Bernadeschi. It is a poor challenge and Republic of Ireland should have a penalty.

They have got away with it. Bernadeschi was the wrong side of James McClean, it is a barge in the back. The referee has to see that.

Image source, Getty Images

...no goal, but not far off! Brilliant ball from Kevin de Bruyne following a corner, he whips it towards the far post, it's got the power and just needs turning home but Thomas Meunier's touch is too slight and the ball goes just wide.

Oooooh that looks like a penalty to me! James McClean drives into the box, Federico Bernardeschi challenges him from the wrong side and just barges him to the floor!

Referee Ovidiu Hategan says no!

Image source, Getty Images

Stop-start encounter as half-time approaches. The whistle is blowing every couple of minutes for a foul or an offside. I'd go make a brew, can't see a goal before the break...

The first effort in anger from Italy and it's mightily close. Ciro Immobile turns 25 yards from goal, hits it sweetly but it is deflected narrowly wide. A warning sign. 

All sorts of hands in the ruck as the Republic continue to pepper the Italy box - Daryl Murphy and Shane Duffy are both impeded by the wily Italian defence. They know what they're doing...

Image source, Reuters

Chris Bevan
BBC Sport at Stade Pierre Mauroy

It was hot enough outside earlier but, with the roof closed, it is sweltering under the Lille lights. If I am sweating just sitting here, then the players must be feeling it too.

Well, the Republic players anyway. I don't think Italy are in any danger of overdoing it, but you have to wonder how long the Boys in Green can sustain this furious tempo in the heat. They have to be careful, and leave something in the tank.

Kevin Kilbane
Ex-Republic of Ireland international in Lille

I don't mind that from Shane Long, you need him to get fired up more in some games but that is not a bad thing he has done.

Shane Long is booked for, what shall I say, 'goading' goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu. Long was suggesting that Sirigu doesn't fancy the physical challenge tonight.

Sirigu is also booked. 

Image source, Reuters