This game's not done yet though! James McClean gets past the poor Adil Rami and it opens up for the Republic. He's in on goal, can he find a team-mate. No! It was so close...

Kevin Kilbane
Ex-Republic of Ireland international in Lyon

Both Shane Duffy and Richard Keogh had been superb until that goal. They both attacked the same ball and left Antoine Griezmann free. 

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What a few minutes for France. We asked what they were made of at the break - they were booed off remember - and perhaps they have shown now that they are a force. Favourites?

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The Republic come straight back down the other end, Stephen Ward side-footing a shot into the face of Adil Rami and over the top. No corner given! As clear a corner as you could see.

Dimitri Payet then curls over from 25 yards. Breathless. 

Mark Lawrenson
BBC football expert in Lyon

It was the first decent cross Bacary Sagna hit, but it is a really good header from Antoine Griezmann.

It will be interesting to see now if the French play with the same intensity after levelling.

Kevin Kilbane
Ex-Republic of Ireland international in Lyon

This was coming. It was a lovely ball floated in from Bacary Sagna. Antoine Griezmann sees it the whole way and it was brilliantly placed header.

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Daryl Wing: I propose every underdog to be given a goal start, makes for a brilliant game of football.

Dennis Ethan: No Kante, no midfield

Pass, pass, pass, pass, move, pass - France ping it across well until Blaise Matuidi flashes in a drive from 25 yards which Darren Randolph pushes clear. 

This is a great game...

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James McCarthy with yet another block, this time stopping a Dimitri Payet shot. Shane Long, playing as some sort of pacy auxiliary full-back, puts Blaise Matuidi on his back with a crunching, yet legal, challenge. Sensational. 

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Kevin Kilbane
Ex-Republic of Ireland international in Lyon

What a break it was. I just don't think James McClean got in a cross like he would have liked.

What a game this is! The Euros have arrived.

The Republic counter well, Daryl Murphy starts the move with a lovely flick and it comes out to James McClean. Brilliant low cross, Gareth Bale style, but Hugo Lloris gets there before Shane Long to push it clear!

At the other end Dimitri Payet shoots wide. 

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I'm exhausted just watching this. It's so frantic and stretched now as France play such a high line. One good ball over the top and Shane Long is going to be away. But the play is condensed into a 30-yard pocket in front of the Irish penalty area.

This second half is going to feel like it lasts about three hours for fans of the Republic. Daryl Murphy eases the pressure with a good ball to find Shane Long but it comes to nothing. 

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Ooh that's a great chance! Dimitri Payet does take the free-kick, Paul Pogba eyebrows it on and Laurent Koscielny is there, three yards out! He's on the stretch and heads it wide...

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Dimitri Payet is fouled by a Jeff Hendrick and Seamus Coleman sandwich. Free-kick in a good area but it's a long way out...

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Kingsley Coman goes out wide right for France as they start the match in positive mood. A beautiful Zidane style 'round the world' from Paul Pogba.

Make no mistake, a France defeat here would be huge.