Republic of Ireland were handed a golden opportunity to qualify from Group E in Wednesday's crunch clash as Italy were already guaranteed top spot and had half an eye on Spain in the next round, but the way they responded to the rallying cries of their coaching staff and huge contingent of fans left many thinking their Euro 2016 dream could now go beyond the last-16.
A breathless night ended in glory for Martin O'Neill's side as Robbie Brady's 85th minute header sealed qualification as one of the best third-placed sides in the 24-team tournament.
That they now face hosts France at Lyon's impressive Stade des Lumières, which witnessed the 3-3 draw between Hungary and Portugal, means their chances of progressing to the quarter-finals are obviously quite slim, some layers are offering odds close to 10/1 against the upset in normal time and half those odds for O'Neill's men to qualify by any means.
The spirit in the squad is unquestionable and victory over a classy, albeit much changed, Italian side will have bolstered confidence further still and yet that can only carry a team so far.
Creative midfielders Wes Hoolahan and Brady have been Ireland's goalscorers and, along with Shane Long, will be urged to test France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, who hasn't been called upon at all since conceding from the penalty spot in their opening game with Romania.
The obvious concern from an Irish point of view is that, in relation to their three Group E rivals, France's swift passing style probably best resembles that of Belgium, who ripped them open in a 3-0 win last weekend.
Circumstances have changed dramatically and the pressure is off to some extent but there's no case to be made for the Republic of Ireland beating France, who are vastly superior in just about every department from front to back and priced accordingly at 4/9 to win and a shade of odds-against in the half-time/full time market.
Accusations have been levelled at Didier Deschamps' defenders but they have shrewdly been kept together since the word go in a bid to help them gel and they are brimming with big-game experience. Back-to-back shutouts against Albania and Switzerland have seen their odds for another win to nil contract to 5/6.
They also have the luxury of the finest midfield shield operating just in front of the back four in the shape of Leicester's N'Golo Kante.
Expect Deschamps to ring the changes again in the attacking third, the introduction of Dimitri Payet - favourite for FIFA's Player of the Tourament gong at this early stage - and Blaise Matuidi in the second half against the Swiss a clear indication that they'll be recalled now full-strength is a minimum requirement.
Antoine Griezmann was one of those replaced last time and isn't certain to be among the starters here, despite the stunning season had in Atletico Madrid colours.
But one man sure to be recalled is Olvier Giroud and he's a good bet to open the scoring at 4/1. The much-maligned Arsenal forward is a very effective weapon against lesser opposition when a slightly more direct approach may be required and his overall record for France is superb.
Recently, Giroud has found the net five times in his last five appearances for his country, opening the scoring in three of those, and rates a reliable route in which to side with the hosts in a game they're expected to dominate in terms of possession and on the scoreboard.
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