France are through to the quarter-finals of Euro 2016 after beating the Republic of Ireland 2-1 in Sunday's last-16 clash at Lyon's Stade des Lumieres.

France are through to the quarter-finals of Euro 2016 after coming from behind to register a 2-1 win over the Republic of Ireland in Sunday's last-16 clash at Lyon's Stade des Lumieres.

Martin O'Neill's side got off to the best possible start against the tournament hosts when Paul Pogba's foul in the box in the second minute led to a penalty being awarded, which Robbie Brady duly converted.

Robbie Brady celebrates scoring the opening goal during the Euro 2016 RO16 match between France and Republic of Ireland on June 26, 2016 © Getty Images

Les Bleus were disjointed in the opening half and rarely tested goalkeeper Darren Randolph, while Ireland weighed in with further dangerous efforts from Daryl Murphy and Shane Duffy.

In the second half, however, Didier Deschamps's charges improved and succeeded in equalising just before the hour as Bacary Sagna's lofted cross was headed home by Antoine Griezmann.

Antoine Griezmann celebrates scoring during the Euro 2016 RO16 match between France and Republic of Ireland on June 26, 2016 © AFP

The Atletico Madrid man then edged his side into the lead just three minutes later when Olivier Giroud nodded the ball into his path, and he rifled into the back of the Ireland net.

Darren Randolph dives in vain as Antoine Griezmann scores his second goal during the Euro 2016 RO16 match between France and Republic of Ireland on June 26, 2016 © Getty Images

From then on France stepped up their game and could have had several more goals against their opponents, whose life was made more difficult when Duffy received a straight red card in the 66th minute.

Griezmann could have also netted a hat-trick late on when he was left one on one with Randolph, but the stopper was able to make the save as the final whistle confirmed the hosts' progress to the quarter-finals.