- Darren Randolph hugely disappointed following Ireland’s exit from UEFA Euro 2016
- Hammers teammate Dimitri Payet the first to console the keeper on final whistle
- Irish stopper remains proud at his side’s fantastic achievements
There was a dream start for Martin O’Neill’s side when, after just two minutes, Shane Long was fouled in the penalty area, and Robbie Brady found the back of the net via the post from the spot.
But Les Bleus hit back in the second half when Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Greizmann bagged a four-minute brace to put Didier Deschamps’ side in front.
Randolph played a huge part in keeping the deficit at just a single goal, but the task for Ireland was made even more difficult when Shane Duffy was sent off with 25 minutes remaining.
The Hammers goalkeeper was left dejected at full-time but reflected on the marvellous accomplishment of reaching the knockout stages of the tournament.
He said: “We gave everything. Maybe if we had ten minutes more at 1-0, it would have been different, but when they have that much quality in the team, it’s hard to stop them all and do it for 90 minutes.
“What we’ve achieved when we’ve been here will probably sink in more when we’ve gone away.
“You look back and, as the manager said before the game, there are a lot of boys who have stepped up to the plate during this tournament and really put a stamp on the team and really made a name for themselves, which is great considering their age.”
We gave everything. What we’ve achieved when we’ve been here will probably sink in more when we’ve gone away
With Randolph visibly distraught at the final whistle, the first to console the stopper was Hammers teammate and French star Dimitri Payet, who embraced the West Ham No1 as Ireland’s elimination was confirmed.
“Payet didn’t score but his team did come out on top,” continued Randolph. “I just finished speaking to him on the pitch. He’s obviously going to be watching [England vs. Iceland] to see who he faces next.
“I personally will be rooting for France for the tournament, now.”
Conditions for The Boys in Green were difficult in Lyon, with the sweltering heat coupled with the huge backing for the hosts in the shape of support from the stands.
But, leading at half time, Randolph revealed the mood was wholly positive in the dressing room despite a likely onslaught coming in the second period.
“It was very positive at the break, and we wanted to go out and we knew we’d have to start the second half like we started the first – to frustrate them. We knew they’d have possession of the ball and a few chances but we backed ourselves to ride the wave and hold on.
“We went down to ten men and we were trying to keep the game going to see if we could nick an equaliser. We wanted to keep going for as long as possible.
“Coming out today, we’ve been used to seeing a sea of green taking over. We walked out today and we just saw one little pocket of green and the rest was blue.
“The noise was ridiculous and any time they got a bit of pressure, it does help them, because they feed off it. But in that heat, it was going to be hard no matter when we played them.
“We played more recently than them, but the buzz around the place and the dream of beating the French to get through, that adrenaline drags you on.”
Payet’s France will now face the winner of Monday night’s fixture in Nice – either England or Iceland – in a Paris quarter-final at the Stade de France.
“Payet didn’t score but his team did come out on top,” continued Randolph. “I just finished speaking to him on the pitch. He’s obviously going to be watching [England vs. Iceland] to see who he faces next.
“I personally will be rooting for France for the tournament, now.”
Conditions for The Boys in Green were difficult in Lyon, with the sweltering heat coupled with the huge backing for the hosts in the shape of support from the stands.
But, leading at half time, Randolph revealed the mood was wholly positive in the dressing room despite a likely onslaught coming in the second period.
“It was very positive at the break, and we wanted to go out and we knew we’d have to start the second half like we started the first – to frustrate them. We knew they’d have possession of the ball and a few chances but we backed ourselves to ride the wave and hold on.
“We went down to ten men and we were trying to keep the game going to see if we could nick an equaliser. We wanted to keep going for as long as possible.
“Coming out today, we’ve been used to seeing a sea of green taking over. We walked out today and we just saw one little pocket of green and the rest was blue.
“The noise was ridiculous and any time they got a bit of pressure, it does help them, because they feed off it. But in that heat, it was going to be hard no matter when we played them.
“We played more recently than them, but the buzz around the place and the dream of beating the French to get through, that adrenaline drags you on.”
Payet’s France will now face the winner of Monday night’s fixture in Nice – either England or Iceland – in a Paris quarter-final at the Stade de France.