France need to release the handbrake but will Didier Deschamps do it?

From the kind of language that the French squad were using, it was impossible not to think that this meant a lot more to them than an ultimately comfortable win over a much weaker Ireland. It might also mean more to their entire tournament. The ease with which they played out the final 15 minutes hid just how difficult the first hour had been.

[FRANCE COME FROM BEHIND TO BEAT TEN-MAN IRELAND]

The hosts were under no illusions, though. Didier Deschamps had said that a spirited Ireland had made them “uncomfortable”, while N’Golo Kante openly admitted in the mixed zone that France were “worried”. They certainly looked rattled. Dmitri Payet went even further and called it the “worst scenario”.

France, 1-0 down after Robbie Brady’s first-minute penalty, were continuing to make the kind of clumsy mistakes that gave away that spot-kick, and just couldn’t find a way through Ireland. It did not look good. The hosts were booed off the pitch at half-time.

But, could that “worst scenario” actually lead to the best France?

Antoine Griezmann later revealed that the squad “said things in the changing room” at half-time, while defender Adil Rami admitted there was a certain shame at the idea they could go out so early in front of so many of their own fans.

“We told ourselves, ‘No. We’re not going home now, not in front of our own fans. It’s impossible.’”

The team did more than just rouse themselves, though. They also re-adjusted.

On a booking, subbing N’Golo Kante for Kingsley Coman was a no-brainer. The wonder, however, is whether Deschamps should consider it so obvious from here on in. He should. France were so much better. The team just immediately looked like it worked.

To a certain degree, the issue is similar to one of the major quibbles with Spain’s all-conquering side of 2008-12 - even if they are of course so much better than this France. That team had won Euro 2008 in thrilling fashion, but with just one defensive midfielder - Marcos Senna - behind a beautifully flowing attack.

Because of a few tactical developments in the time between 2008 and 2010, however - most notably Jose Mourinho’s Internazionale countering against Barcelona in the 2009-10 Champions League semi-final - Vicente Del Bosque felt Spain were a touch too loose in possession, and didn’t have enough protection against breaks for those moments when they lost it.

So, he sought to strengthen it by adding another defensive midfielder, putting Xabi Alonso alongside Sergio Busquets. It strengthened Spain’s foundation and ensured they were even harder to get the ball off, but there was always the sense they became a less free-wheeling side. Brilliant as they were, and as deeply defensive as many of the sides who faced them became, there was always the sense they could have won that World Cup with a bit more of a flourish. Del Bosque, however, was never for turning.

Deschamps doesn’t have a team as good as that Spanish side, but does seem even more set in his caution. Those close to the squad say he considers Blaise Matuidi undroppable, but that Kante also deserves his place.

It might actually be fortunate that the latter is suspended for the quarter-final because it could force Deschamps back into this formation, one that made France’s attackers actually look their best.

That was never clearer than with Griezmann. Allowed play through the middle, he revelled, scoring one header and then finishing so coldly when left one on one. It should be his launchpad movement in this tournament as much as France’s.

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It should also be noted how the ball itself was launched for that second goal, but it didn’t make France look any worse. It was all just part of how it worked - and how it got the best out of Olivier Giroud too.

There were three occasions in the first half when other French forwards attempted to slide balls through to the number-nine on the ground, but he was always yards off the pace. That was always going to be the case, though, because it is just not the game he is equipped for. He is equipped for knock-downs, and they released Griezmann excellently here.

France just upped it a level. They looked comfortable. Given the erratic way this tournament has gone for them, though, how they will look on Sunday is anyone’s guess.