In the first match of the day, the championship hosts, the French, stepped onto the field to face the Irish national team, who finished third in Group E.
Martin O'Neill's team aimed to avenge their loss in the 2010 World Cup. That time, France secured their spot in the championship with a goal that controversially involved Thierry Henry handling the ball.
The Irish played well for an hour, but ultimately couldn't withstand the stronger opponents.
Team line-ups:
France: H. Lloris; P. Evra, A. Rami, L. Koscielny, B. Sagna; N. Kante (46' K. Coman, 90' M. Sissoko), P. Pogba, B. Matuidi, D. Payet, A. Griezmann; O. Giroud (74' A. Gignac).
Ireland: D. Randolph; S. Coleman, S. Duffy, S. Ward, R. Keogh; R. Brady, J. McClean (69' J. O'Shea), J. Hendrick, J. McCarthy (72' W. Hoolahan), D. Murphy (65' J. Walters); S. Long.
Hugo Lloris captained the French team for a record 55th time.
The match started with action. In the first minute, the Irish earned a penalty when Shane Long was brought down in the opponent's box.
After Robbie Brady scored the first goal, the French tried to equalize quickly. They had several chances, with Antoine Griezmann heading the ball after passes from Paul Pogba and Dimitri Payet.
Pogba also took a good free kick from 30 meters, but Darren Randolph saved it.
Despite frequent interruptions, the French players struggled to dominate, and the Irish team also created some dangerous counterattacks.
The French fans in the stands certainly gave the Irish team extra energy.
After the break, the French attacks became more efficient, with Laurent Koscielny and Payet coming close to scoring early on.
Ultimately, Griezmann scored twice to equalize and then take the lead after a pass from Giroud. The fate of the game was sealed in the middle of the half when Ireland's Shane Duffy was sent off for a last-man foul on Griezmann.
France controlled the game after that, with Gignac and Griezmann having a few chances to score.
Didier Deschamps' team will face either England or Iceland in the quarterfinals.
Result: France 2 - 1 Ireland
[0-1] 2' Robbie Brady (penalty)
[1-1] 58' Antoine Griezmann
[2-1] 61' Antoine Griezmann
66' Shane Duffy (Ireland) sent off
Antoine Griezmann was named the Man of the Match.
