Euro 2016: Robbie Brady’s brother’s emotion as Ireland’s hero nets winner against Italy
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It was all too much for the brother of Republic of Ireland’s Euro 2016 hero.
Robbie Brady sent a nation into delirium when he beat Italy goalkeeper, Salvatore Sirigu, to net an 85th minute winner and send his country to the last-16.
And proud younger sibling, Gareth, failed to hold back the tears as he watched on alongside the Norwich star’s girlfriend, Kerrie Harris.
Brady Snr got on the end of Wes Hoolahan’s sublime cross to cap off Ireland’s domination with just five minutes remaining in Lille.
The Dublin Fire Brigade got in on the celebrations as they tweeted news of a phone call they had received about the goal scorer being “on fire” — a reference to the song about Northern Ireland’s Will Grigg, which has gripped fans from all nations.
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Martin O’Neill’s men had come into the contest against one of the tournament’s most impressive sides so far knowing only a victory would see them make the last-16.
Ireland started on the front foot and were in control for most of the game.
A nation accustomed with hard luck stories when it comes to major tournaments must have thought history was repeating itself when James McClean was denied a stonewall penalty in the first half.
However, they kept at it and Hoolahan came close to opening the scoring when he found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper — but shot straight at Sirigu.
He made amends just a minute later as he found club and international team-mate Brady with an inch-perfect cross to send a nation into ecstasy.
And none captured the emotion of the entire country better than the goal scorer’s brother.