EURO 2016: Northern Ireland to play Wales in last 16 of Euro 2016

It looked for a long while on Wednesday night that Wales would play Turkey and Northern Ireland would tackle hosts France in the last 16.

But the Republic of Ireland’s 1-0 victory over Italy – Robbie Brady scoring a late winner in Lille – changed the dynamics of the second-round line-up.

Turkey were eliminated as the Republic reached the next stage, and Group B winners Wales will now play Northern Ireland, one of the four best third-placed teams, at the Parc des Princes in Paris on Saturday.

“Northern Ireland are more physical than Turkey,” said Wales manager Chris Coleman. “They get the ball forward quicker. That’s where their strength is.

“They are superbly organised and defensively so difficult to break down. They are excellent from set-plays.”

Wales and Northern Ireland are in what is considered the easier half of the draw.

England, who play Iceland in the last 16, are in the same half as France, Germany, Italy and Spain.