The Republic Of Ireland’s Euro 2016 campaign got off to a draw against Sweden in Paris this evening.
Martin O’Neill’s men showed a spirted performance which ultimately ended up the boys in green sharing the spoils with their Swedish counterparts.
The first half saw many chances for he Irish and were unlucky not to be ahead going into the break as Jeff Hendrick had the best chance cracked a superb shot against the bar from 25 yards. Although Sweden marginally shaded the possession they fairly rarely threatened Darren Randolph’s goal. Ireland began the game brightly and should have been ahead when John O’Shea failed to connect with a guilt edged chance five yards out.
Star man Shane Long kept the Swedish defence on their toes whilst Hendrick grazed the top of the net midway through the half. The second half got off to a fantastic start when Wes Hoolahan scored a superb half volley when Seamus Coleman delivered a fantastic cross. However Ireland’s lead was short lived when Ciaran Clark scored an own goal when he headed passed Darren Randolph from Zlatan Ibrahimović’s cross. Both teams pushed for a winner but a nervy Ireland managed to hang on.
Ireland now face Belgium on Saturday with their chances of reaching the last 16 still in their own hands.