Some preempting from a few of you in our 'golden generation' debate - don't write anyone off, yet.

Mark: Have Wales had a better opportunity to get out a group at a major championship since 1958?

Nik Stojkovic: Serbia at the 2018 World Cup, no doubt they will flop. 

Joey: Would it be appropriate to say Portugal?

First the Republic of Ireland national anthem, followed by the Belgium one.

All the Belgians players touching their badges as they belt out the anthem...or stand silently.

Image source, Reuters

The teams make their way out on to the pitch at a sunny Bordeaux.

The stadium is a beautiful picture of red and black at one end and green at the other.

Irish eyes were smiling in the USA when Ray Houghton's goal was enough to secure a shock win over Italy at the 1994 World Cup.

Same again today?

Image source, Getty Images

One Direction have made it into live text. That's the biggest hit they'll ever get.

Which countries have had a 'golden generation' but failed to produce on the big stage?

David Ridgus: Two greatest teams not to win at the top tournament - Hungary in 1954, no team more dominant in an era. Brazil 1982. Even better to watch than 1970.  

Phil Grace: Bosnia and Herzegovina, a talented generation, but failed to qualify for Euro 2016.

Corey Braz: Brazil 1982 has to top the lot for golden generation. Weren't bothered about tactics, just wanted to out football the other team.

Italy added to their win over Belgium by also seeing off Sweden on Friday, meaning Antonio Conte's side have successfully qualified for the knockout stages.

Eder's goal was enough for the 2006 World Cup winners, who the Republic of Ireland face next, knowing they may well need to get a result if they are to follow them into the last 16.

Watch the highlights below.

Kevin Kilbane
Ex-Republic of Ireland international at Stade de Bordeaux

"There’s options within the side. I would have gone with Stephen Ward, it frees up Robbie Brady. Jeff Hendrick gives you legs and energy, so we’ve got options.

“If James McClean had have started we wouldn’t have had a real impact player off the bench.

“It’s going to need voices from the back to control the midfield in front of them. I’m looking for a positive performance, as we did against Sweden.”

Which countries have had a 'golden generation' but failed to produce on the big stage?

Louis Bounds: Belgium at the moment, looks like Hazard is the only one who looks like he wants to win 

Tom: The England team of '98 seems pretty great in retrospect: Beckham, Shearer, Scholes, Neville, Ince & Owen etc. 

Callum Hunter: Brazil 1982

Image source, Getty Images

Mark Lawrenson
BBC football expert at Stade de Bordeaux

"Why not try to win this game? And then whatever happens against Italy will be a bonus. But go for it today. There isn't a great deal that Martin O'Neill could really do with his team.

"De Bruyne for Belgium, playing behind Lukaku, is an interesting one. Ireland are going to have to be really aware of him. When he gets more space he can be more dangerous." 

Which countries have had a 'golden generation' but failed to produce on the big stage?

Jussi Käkönen: Finland - Litmanen, Hyypiä, Tainio, Niemi...never qualified for the final tournament 

Matt Dixon: Current crop of Belgians but hope I'm wrong. Portugal late 90's - early 2000's, Holland since 1988 

Tenbury Swimming: Argentina now, how many times should Holland have won a tournament?

Belgium may have slipped to a 2-0 defeat by Italy in their Euro 2016 opener, but Republic of Ireland boss Martin O'Neill won't be taking anything for granted.

"Belgium individually have as good as players as anybody," he told BBC Sport. "If you were the coach of that team, I think you would be going into the competition more than quietly confident."

Image source, Getty Images

Which countries have had a 'golden generation' but failed to produce on the big stage?

Will Bowen: What better team to start at than England? 

Sean Lee Watts: Netherlands every tournament that they enter. 

Calamity: Belgium. This year.

If texting in, please include your name