The home nation goes face-to-face with the tournament favourites in Lyon after their epic victory over Italy that saw thousands of fans celebrate in a boozed-up bonanza.

But today's game is not just any knockout match.

And despite the boys in green put on a stunning performance to shock the Italians, they're main focus today will be a lingering sense of injustice.

REVENGE: Republic of Ireland are out to beat France today

Irish football still seethes with resentment over the moment a deliberate handball by Thierry Henry knocked them out of qualification for the 2010 World Cup.

The two teams were on level terms before, with 17 minutes remaining, Henry blatantly used his hands in a move that saw William Gallas score the decisive goal.

The incident sparked furious reaction across Europe and the FA of Ireland promised legal action.

To make matters worse, it was revealed during last year's FIFA scandal that President Sepp Blatter eventually did a deal with the FAI offering them five million euros to withdraw the threat.

Amazingly for a game of such high stakes, this is the first time the two teams have played since that fateful night.

The team though, have been quick to rubbish any talk of revenge.

Robbie Keane said: "I won't think about it for a moment.

"How long ago was it, seven years? F****** hell, move on."

And striker Shane Long added: "We were devastated at the time because it cost us a place in the finals.

"We don't even think about that. Our focus is just on the game.

"When it comes to that Henry handball, it is not even in our minds."

But their supporters may not be so ready to forget.

Dave Langan wrote: "I hope Ireland gets revenge today as we have been cheated twice. Kevin Moran goal and Henry handball, good luck."

And Chris Bloomfield added: "I hope Ireland get what they deserve today – a bit of revenge for Henry's handball."

There's also been controversy over ticket allocation for the match – as the Irish have only been given 4,500 tickets for the 59,000-seat area.

Manager Martin O'Neil described it as "totally disproportionate for a stadium of this size and brilliance – it is pretty unfair".

And French coach Didier Deschamps said they would not underestimate the Irish.

He said: "They are ready to go into battle as a unit and will fight all the way for each other.

"There is no revenge in football.

"It was years ago and the only thing we can change is what happens tomorrow."