PARIS (AP) Forget revenge, Ireland's game against France on Sunday is all about a chance to reach the quarterfinals of the European Championship.
That was the message from coach Martin O'Neill on Thursday as he prepared for a match in Lyon that carries more than its fair share of historical baggage.
Back in November, 2009, Ireland lost a World Cup playoff to France following a blatant handball from forward Thierry Henry in the return leg at Stade de France. After handling it, Henry's cross led to the extra time equalizer from center half William Gallas that sent Les Bleus through to the 2010 World Cup on aggregate.