I would like congratulate Mr Michel Platini on his foresight to extend the number of teams playing in the Euro’s. This great man’s vision is coming to fruitition when you see teams like Republic of Ireland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Iceland all getting through to the last 16 of the competition. Great for the sport in general when smaller nations are given the chance and they do well.
So well done Monsieur Platini. 
Good to see Hendrick sorting out the post match fuel in the mixed zone
Great win for Ireland. I can see them going on now and winning the tournament.
Where we watching it Sunday, pal?..
Winner.
Still trying to get over last night, mate. This flat white sitting outside the Napoli is a good start though
Jaysus the price of tickets! Think we will head home Saturday as planned.Real sense of achievement around the place this morning a day of reflection and pride in our side.Gonna have a proper look around Lille today try some craft beer,might get the train up to Belgium tomorrow then before heading back to Paris Saturday.One things guaranteed we will all have a massive pep in the step the next few days.
Robbie the randy hoor copping an opportunistic feel off Kerrie after scoring (the goal) 
The expansion has nothing to do with Wales and Iceland advancing. Wales won their group and Iceland were unbeaten in finishing second. Both also finished second in their qualification group and would have qualified if it was a 16 team tournament. Albania can finally go home now after waiting for 72 hours to find out their fate.
What seeds were Wales and Norn Iron? What pot were they in for the draws?
Here in the office nearly asleep What a night
They were both fourth seeds notwithstanding Northern Ireland winning their qualification group and Wales finishing second in their group.
So in a compressed tournament they’d have ended up as 4th seeds in groups with teams of greater quality or tradition?
In a 16 team tournament, Northern Ireland would have qualified as qualification group winners. Wales and Iceland finished second in their qualification groups and would also have been in. Eire have certainly benefited from the expansion as as they finished 3rd in their qualification group and 3rd in their group in the finals. Iceland couldn’t have got a much tougher group - they had the FIFA ranked 8th, 10th & 20th seeds in Portugal, Austria & Hungary. Iceland themselves are 34th ranked.
This makes me very happy.
you are a breath of fresh air around here with your fact based commentary
So you’re saying the expansion still hasnt helped Norn Iron or the Principality? Really?
