Season › 2015-16 › News Coleman skippers Ireland to victory over Italy Lyndon Lloyd , 22 June, 85comments | Jump to most recent Everton's Seamus Coleman wore the captain's armband as the Republic of Ireland got the upset they needed against group leaders Italy to qualify for the knockout stages of Euro2016. A late Robbie Brady strike earned the Irish a 1-0 win that takes them through as one of the best third-placed finishers in the group stage to set up a date with France in the last 16. Martin O'Neill's men needed a win and they got it to finish with four points which meant they ended up finishing behind Belgium, who beat Sweden 1-0 in the other game, and the Italians. “Once I knew, once I was captain, I had a job to do," a thrilled Coleman said after the game. "The lads have to look up to you and I was fully focused on making this a memorable night for Ireland. “It's incredible. I've done a few interviews and I was getting a bit emotional. It's mad to think; from Sligo Rovers not so long ago – my dad driving back and over the road with me trying to make it in football – to this. So to be captain of your country for something like this is something I'll always remember." In Group F, meanwhile, Portugal went in search of their first win in the tournament when they took on Hungary but a thrilling 3-3 draw was enough to see them into the next round. The Hungarians need only draw to progress while the other match in the group saw disappointing Austria beaten by Iceland with both nations needing victory there to have had a chance of going through. Reader Comments (85) Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer Paul Conway 1 Posted 22/06/2016 at 08:21:34 Not impossible, but a huge ask. They've already done it in the World Cup in '94. For those of you who weren't around at the time, check out Ray Houghton's wonder strike on YouTube. It's well worth a look at Paul McGrath's defensive display, considering he wasn't training due to dodgy knees.I suppose the team will be looking at that video for inspiration. They have to give it the kitchen sink. Best of luck! Anthony Dwyer 3 Posted 22/06/2016 at 11:23:55 Come on the Irish .... Its time for the traffic cop to step up. David McKitt 4 Posted 22/06/2016 at 11:49:53 COYBIG! Tony Abrahams 5 Posted 22/06/2016 at 12:07:42 I only went to Nice, for 3 days, and watched one game, but I haven't been myself since I got home.Think "The English" have got the best song, but "The Irish and The Welsh" have been the best fans. Nothing like "a sea of green" on the terraces, I hope they win, so the fans can stay out there, and keep partying because nobody really "wants to go to work"Good luck Ireland, do it for the fans! Joe O'Brien 6 Posted 22/06/2016 at 19:58:06 Seamus captain, massive honour for him. Hopefully McCarthy silences his critics and gets on the ball and proves his worth. It'll be a big ask but ya never know. 1 nil to Ireland. COYBIG Mike Allison 7 Posted 22/06/2016 at 20:50:46 It'd be 3-0 Ireland at half time, all penalties, if the ref had balls and/or eyes.And I'm not Irish, in fact I tipped Italy on a bit if a whim in the prediction competition at work Joe O'Brien 8 Posted 22/06/2016 at 21:02:59 What does that 4th official behind the goal actually do? I've never ever seen them make any decision however blatant they are. Murphy was in a complete head lock while trying to head the ball as the official was looking at it. .and not given.. Christy Ring 9 Posted 22/06/2016 at 21:09:01 McCarthy playing tonight as defensive midfielder, with Whelan dropped, and he's been outstanding in the first 45mins, winning tackles and recovering possession. It's his natural position and that's where he should be playing for Everton. Joe O'Brien 10 Posted 22/06/2016 at 21:26:27 Exactly Christy, he's not a flare player. He breaks up the oppositions attacks and starts our attacks. He does the dirty work and if we use him to his strengths I think he's very effective. Playing very well tonight John Wells 11 Posted 22/06/2016 at 21:41:19 I'm Irish, I'm gutted as officials have well and truly fucked us. How are those penalties not given John Wells 12 Posted 22/06/2016 at 21:45:44 ps Glad to see Duffy get a start and really get stuck in, he was gutted leaving Everton. Hope he has a good career Barrie Abbott 13 Posted 22/06/2016 at 21:51:05 Brilliant. Thought Duffy was immense, Coleman captain lead them to victory. Made up for them. Sam Hoare 14 Posted 22/06/2016 at 21:52:26 Well done ROI!!! John Wells 15 Posted 22/06/2016 at 21:53:36 That's the guts we need some days, scrappy old 1-0...ya can't beat them!! Joe O'Brien 16 Posted 22/06/2016 at 21:53:58 Yesssssss. .what a performance.. fantastic win Brent Stephens 17 Posted 22/06/2016 at 21:57:06 Not an oirishman meeself but over da mooon Patrick Carty 18 Posted 22/06/2016 at 21:59:07 Up next: France... Bring it on!!! Tim O'Connell 19 Posted 22/06/2016 at 22:00:05 Yes yes yes! Well deserved great effort - captain Coleman - get in there ! Ernie Baywood 20 Posted 22/06/2016 at 22:01:17 They gave it everything there. Well done. Lukas Polster 21 Posted 22/06/2016 at 22:02:40 The way they're celebrating on ITV, you'd think a British team had won. I agree, they should back N Ireland & Wales as much as England but, last time I checked, Ireland wasn't part of the UK & you can bet the Irish will celebrate when England get knocked out (by Iceland). Brent Stephens 22 Posted 22/06/2016 at 22:03:03 All 4 sides from the British Isles through. We're staying in Europe! Brilliant. Scotland, you let us down. Dave Abrahams 23 Posted 22/06/2016 at 22:22:51 Made up for the Irish fans, what great support they gave to their team and the whole Irish team gave their hearts back to the those brilliant fans. Patrick Murphy 24 Posted 22/06/2016 at 22:27:33 I bet the most relieved man on the planet is Wes Hoolahan how he missed that opportunity before Brady headed the winner I'll never know. Well done to the fans and to the Captain, Seamus! Paul Conway 25 Posted 22/06/2016 at 22:28:12 This is what I love about football. A stonewall penalty not awarded and poetic justice by a sublime header, that simply said 'Pick da bones outta dat!'A well-deserved victory and an extended stay in France.... thank god for Western Union. :)Whatever happens, there are four teams left and anything is possible. Good luck to them all! Tony Abrahams 26 Posted 22/06/2016 at 22:33:31 What they lack in quality, they make up for with guts. Imagine the parties in Lille and Dublin right now! Christy Ring 27 Posted 22/06/2016 at 22:34:57 Delighted for Shane Duffy, imagine Martinez got rid of him, and brought in Alcaraz, says everything about Bob? Colin Glassar 28 Posted 22/06/2016 at 22:34:59 Are you watching, are you watching, are you watching Eng-Ger-Land? A bit of passion can go a long way. Ste Traverse 29 Posted 22/06/2016 at 22:44:01 Brent #22The Republic of Ireland isn't in the British Isles.Not Irish myself but they sure deserved that win tonight. Brent Stephens 30 Posted 22/06/2016 at 22:45:13 Ste, geographically British Isles is seen to include Ireland. But never say that to an Irishman. Ste Traverse 31 Posted 22/06/2016 at 22:47:31 Yes, but that's Northern Ireland and not the Rep of Ireland Brent.They aren't British in any way shape or form. Jay Woods 32 Posted 22/06/2016 at 22:50:22 Ste, I live in the Republic (although I am from N Ireland and thus consider myself British), but not everyone here would object to Ireland being referred to as part of the British Isles. Brent Stephens 33 Posted 22/06/2016 at 22:51:10 Not saying they're British, Ste (heaven forbid). Geographers count Ireland as part of British Isles. Here's a piece from the Irish PostLink Liam Reilly 34 Posted 22/06/2016 at 23:02:52 I've nothing against England or the UK; spent a lot of my working life there and have many friends, but Ireland is not part of the British isles.Leave it there as this is an Everton forum. I thought the Everton contingent were great tonight.made up for Seamus and McCarthy had a good game. Can't help feeling that with the right support and coaching, he really could be a game changer. Ste Traverse 35 Posted 22/06/2016 at 23:08:31 Well I used to work and drink with two sound lads from Dublin who would have lynched anyone who considered the Republic in any way part of the British Isles so I will just leave it at that.They both loved it here in Liverpool, by the way. Tony Abrahams 36 Posted 22/06/2016 at 23:09:58 Only on ToffeeWeb! "LEAVE" the politics till tomorrow, but don't forget to vote! John Wells 37 Posted 22/06/2016 at 23:12:07 Lads this site is not the place to discuss this...sore point with people so let's park it. Who's the latest player the Blues linked with? Andy Crooks 38 Posted 22/06/2016 at 23:34:44 Christy # 27, good post. There are many examples of of the utter shitness of Martinez but you have cited one of his gems. Darren Hind 39 Posted 22/06/2016 at 23:44:11 Christy @ 27yep. pure Joy watching the Irish tonight. incredible passion, incredible support. The Irish (both of them) and the Taffs are making this tournament for me.England leave me cold Damian Wilde 40 Posted 23/06/2016 at 00:12:47 Fantastic display full of heart and guts, well done Ireland, very proud. Brian Hennessy 41 Posted 23/06/2016 at 00:15:41 What a stroke of luck, checked into a hotel in Killybegs, Donegal earlier tonight, only to find out Seamus Coleman's father runs the place.Brilliant atmosphere and a stunning win. Roll on the French, revenge at last for Henry handball is just around the corner. Fantastic.Can't help but feel letting Duffy go will turn out to be a huge mistake. Mick Davies 42 Posted 22/06/2016 at 00:43:50 Made up for our Seamus, James and yes - even Aidy. All four British Isles teams go through . . unless since my school geography days, part of the Isles has broken off and drifted into the Atlantic somewhere? Jamie Crowley 43 Posted 23/06/2016 at 01:52:12 My entire family travelled to Newburyport, MA, to watch the game in an Irish pub, have a few drinks, and cheer on the Irish. Although solidly American, our plastic paddy rears its ugly head now and again, and today was no exception. The Irish played wonderfully and fully deserved the win. My seven-year-old loved seeing the Everton players on the pitch, but blurted out, "He stinks!" when McGeady got on the ball.... I laughed out loud, couldn't help myself. Congratulations to all the Irish – what a passionate display of football. Very happy for them. Jay Harris 44 Posted 22/06/2016 at 04:06:30 Felt just as much joy for the Irish lads as I did in 66 when Everton came from 0-2 down to win the cup 3-2.Well done the Irish lads, Helen Mallon 45 Posted 23/06/2016 at 05:27:44 Well I think Both Irish nations and England will win their next games and progress to quarter finals. Some pundits talk as if Wales are bloody Brazil. Norn iron will do 'em. Come on, the GAWA! John Wells 46 Posted 23/06/2016 at 08:18:18 Seamus Coleman's dad was a door man at that hotel in Killybegs apparently and it closed in recession. Seamus bought it and his father runs it, great story. I loved when Seamus talked after the match he said that it was a huge thing for him to captain his country and that all the driving his father did with him for training as a young lad has paid off. His father must be so proud. Ian Burns 47 Posted 23/06/2016 at 08:37:03 John - 46 - nice piece about Seamus's dad - thanks for that. Almost shouted myself hoarse when Brady scored. So pleased for our boys - especially Seamus - what an honour and what a win. Would just love to see them do the French. Eddie Dunn 48 Posted 23/06/2016 at 09:04:49 Duffy was immense, how could Martinez prefer Alcaraz? The lad was putting his head in the firing line, what a performance.Incidentally, on the whole British isles debate. The term is a geographical one, and it is used in the charts for maritime navigation and geographical reference.A political map would be different.Take the "Irish Sea" as a similar example, it borders England, Wales and Scotland too, but is called Irish. Ciaran Duff 49 Posted 23/06/2016 at 09:20:22 Great result and a chance to avenge the "hand of Thierry" on Sunday. How about "The British and Irish Isles"? Tony Abrahams 50 Posted 23/06/2016 at 09:29:56 John 46, that was a lovely little story mate, how can his father not be proud of him. In this age of the mega-mouth, mega-star footballers, it even makes me proud, to have such a down to earth kid at Everton.O'Neill, and Keane, are nobody's fools, so when they pick you to be their captain Seamus, it tells me a lot about your personal traits. Well done, and good luck in the next game kid. You might be Irish, but you're definately one of us! Andy Meighan 51 Posted 23/06/2016 at 09:35:52 What was all that crying about in the crowd at the final whistle. Have they actually won the tournament? No. I know, let's all cry on camera and get ourselves noticed... Pathetic. Phil Sammon 52 Posted 23/06/2016 at 09:50:36 I'm sure this has been posted before, but this is another nice little story and Coleman's old man. Watch from about 1:15...https://youtu.be/109FfAnkiwk Kim Vivian 53 Posted 23/06/2016 at 10:28:11 Made up for Seamus. He was positively gladatorial last night. Potential Everton captain anyone? Brin Williams 54 Posted 23/06/2016 at 10:29:40 Coleman skippers Ireland to victory over IrelandLyndon having a bad day!! Paul Conway 55 Posted 23/06/2016 at 10:34:13 I have to have a nice humble pie for dinner, with lashings of gravy! After slagging McCarthy off on earlier threads, I think I deserve it!Oh, well... I am not going to cost anyone serious money by my misjudgement. I mean, it's not like Fergusons judgement on Pogba, or Mourhino's on Lukaku! Great result for the Irish. Timothy Morris 56 Posted 23/06/2016 at 10:56:32 I may have cried a little at the end of this match. So happy for the ROI and Seamus! Paul English 57 Posted 23/06/2016 at 10:56:39 Seamus Coleman, what a leader... It's a pity you always avoid playing at Anfield for Everton!!! Ian Burns 58 Posted 23/06/2016 at 11:00:51 Phil - 52 - great link - love that story and so well told by Mr Rudd! David Chait 59 Posted 23/06/2016 at 12:26:28 Ha.. was about to say the same Brin... you have a winner and a loser.. not often the same team. Paul Kelly 60 Posted 23/06/2016 at 13:04:16 Well done Seamus, ROI is part of the British Isles but not Great Britian. Just thought I'd add. Mark Fitzgerald 61 Posted 23/06/2016 at 13:09:56 Delighted for the lads last night and great to see our Evertonians playing a big part. As has been said, Macca played in his preferred position and did all the 'dirty work' that a lot of people don't see. Seamus looked the part as skipper of his country. What the team may have lacked in ability, they more than made up for with passion & commitment. Bring on the hosts! Bob Parrington 62 Posted 23/06/2016 at 13:48:42 Brin, well spotted. This was a "durr!" moment (hopefully). Eire over Ireland or Ireland over Eire??? Naah! Lyndon, the joy of the Jamesons' wins again! Great win in fantastic performance!! Alan Bodell 63 Posted 23/06/2016 at 13:57:44 What a rarity Seamus is, 100% every single time and as clean a defender as you'll ever see, just a pleasure to watch but I'm sure he eats Duracell batteries before each game.£70K ?, Sligo committed the crime of the century on that deal. Brian Williams 64 Posted 23/06/2016 at 14:02:10 POTAAAAAAATO! Lewis Barclay 65 Posted 23/06/2016 at 14:20:45 Out of all the current Everton squad, I'd be most sorry to see Seamus leave if he were to. Oliver Molloy 66 Posted 23/06/2016 at 15:25:06 People who consider themselves Irish would never accept that Ireland is part of a "British Isles" whatever that is.! Chris Leyland 67 Posted 23/06/2016 at 15:33:23 A good article from the Irish Post:http://irishpost.co.uk/difference-uk-britain-british-isles-north-south-ireland-explained/ Brent Stephens 68 Posted 23/06/2016 at 15:53:09 Sorry, colleagues. I started that British Isles thing - in the spirit of inclusiveness and goodwill, nothing at all p;olitical. As a scouser, I'm well aware of our Irish links - historically and psychologically. I'm an Englishman but I was more emotional when Ireland scored last night than when England scored any of their many (ha!) goals in this tournament. I was reaching out to our Irish colleagues and saying "England are crap, can we claim to be part of where the real action is?".Éire go deo! Alan McGuffog 69 Posted 23/06/2016 at 16:19:38 Dunno about this British Isles thing ...people can get upset by terminology....but all the Irish lads, on and off the pitches, on the other side of La Manche have done themselves proud Tony Draper 70 Posted 23/06/2016 at 16:38:14 The Irish Republic, Northern Ireland, Cymru and England ALL through to the round of 16 ?Fuckin great !Shame that Alba aren't there too.This is "Toffee Web", not "Geography Web". Damian Wilde 71 Posted 23/06/2016 at 16:56:21 Andy:"What was all that crying about in the crowd at the final whistle. Have they actually won the tournament? No.I know, let's all cry on camera and get ourselves noticed... Pathetic."The only 'pathetic' thing was your post. What are you 'I'm mr no emotions'?Only on TW could such a negative post appear. Terry Underwood 72 Posted 23/06/2016 at 17:03:46 Well done to Ireland. If them pennos were at the other end, they would have been given. Just like the prem league, the "big" teams get the breaks William Cartwright 73 Posted 23/06/2016 at 17:33:57 I missed the bloody game . . . . . . ! Michael Polley 74 Posted 23/06/2016 at 19:22:08 Well done. Good to see the home nations and the ROI progress Brian Hennessy 75 Posted 23/06/2016 at 19:48:00 Paul @57 What kind of a comment is that? Paul English 76 Posted 23/06/2016 at 19:59:16 Brian, he's always injured when it comes to playing the RS at their ground.... Eugene Kearney 77 Posted 23/06/2016 at 20:22:06 Good luck Seamus and all the lads. What a turnaround after that awful match against Belgium...Now - get in there and avenge that netball score from Thierry Henry ;-)COYBIG Paul English 78 Posted 23/06/2016 at 20:35:02 Brian (#75), he's missed at least 4 matches over the last few years, against the RS, 3 at their ground. It seems more than a coincidence! I'm surprised only you have picked me up on this, Brian....!!!!! Rob Hooton 79 Posted 23/06/2016 at 20:35:31 Great performance by ROI, the whole street heard us cheer when they scored (we're not Irish). Marvellous to see Seamus leading them to victory against a very dirty Italian side. Good luck to all the lads from these close Islands, will be cheering you all the way Mick Davies 80 Posted 23/06/2016 at 20:43:57 Damian @ 71, thank you for your comment, that was exactly how I was thinking — it's called emotion, and if we win at Anfield this season, I guarantee plenty of it. John Wells 81 Posted 23/06/2016 at 22:18:06 Andy # 51What utter shite. Brian Hennessy 82 Posted 24/06/2016 at 10:48:10 Paul@ 78. So you are saying that Seamus is somehow scared to play against Liverpool and has faked injury on four occasions to avoid them... what utter rubbish! Lukas Polster 83 Posted 24/06/2016 at 23:36:53 Although I wondered why so many in UK treat Ireland like a home nation but the feeling is not mutual, I guess its similar to Germany/Austria. I was born in Austria very close to border with Bavaria (although supported Rapid) & I guess many Germans are happy for "little" Austria to win but again it usually isn't mutual. I guess like England/Ireland other nations hear us speak (almost) the same language& think we're the same....mind you as far as football goes I wish we were the same after Austria dismal showing! When you get frustrated with England performance be thankful youre not an Austria fan AJ Doran 84 Posted 25/06/2016 at 08:30:31 Great to get through though it was the second string Italian team so not quite on par with USA '94. How beautiful it would be to score a 'hand of god' style goal against the French, I can just see the look on Theiry Henrys face right now! CYBIGPaul 60 id further add that we don't recognise the term 'British Isles' over here. Keith Glazzard 85 Posted 25/06/2016 at 15:19:30 1/4 Irish myself (County Mayo) and will always support the lads. Sentiment a bit, but they always give everything for the shirt. I have found a new respect for Gareth Bale for the same reason. Ingerland players do their best I suppose, but their supporters tend to be someone I wouldn't want to live next door to.But back to EFC - if Jags starts to bow out, what a great capitan Seamus would be. 100%, good football brain and a heart that would fill the Pak End. Never leave us lad, until they carry you out! Paul Andrews 86 Posted 26/06/2016 at 08:59:26 A large percentage of scousers have a bloodline to Ireland. I watch Ireland with as much anticipation as I watch England.Great tribute to Seamus from Roy Keane in the Observer this morning. 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