Ireland took a surprise 1-0 lead at halftime over hosts France in their Euro 2016 round of 16 match here on Sunday.

France midfielder Paul Pogba made a foul on Shane Long from behind in the second minute and Italian referee Nicola Rizzoli immediately pointed at the penalty spot.

Robbie Brady, who plays for English Championship side Norwich City, stepped in to fire a low penalty into France keeper Hugo Lloris's left-hand post.

Both goals France have conceded at this year's tournament were from clumsily-conceded penalties. Bogdan Stancu scored for Romania against Les Bleus in the opener but France still managed to win.