1-1. It’s always 1-1.
Wes Hoolahan’s goal was cancelled out by a Ciaran Clark own goal during Ireland’s Euro 2016 opener, but it was a spirited performance from Martin O’Neill’s men who dominated most of the game.
Here’s how the players rated.
Darren Randolph 7
Fantastic reflexes and a really strong right hand to turn away a deflection off Ciaran Clark. Didn’t really have anything to do apart from that but did get an almighty punch on a late ball breaking in the box.
Seamus Coleman 7.5
The best right back in the world. Slow start, but grew into it and absolutely rinsed the opposing full back when he got forward and he cut inside and chipped beautifully for Hoolahan to burst the net. Looked a little shaky just after the goal in fairness, got done once and misjudged a bounce but got himself back together.
John O’Shea 7.5
Didn’t have as busy an evening as his centre half partner but he was cool and composed throughout and winning huge aerial challenges that the crowd loved.
Ciaran Clark 8.5
Bossed Zlatan Ibrahimovic throughout a heart-warmingly solid first period. Drew a huge fist-pump from his manager when he denied the Swede from connecting his right boot with the ball in the box. Let the big man goal side of him on the hour mark and was lucky to see his effort go just wide. Didn’t get as fortunate with 20 minutes remaining though when he turned the ball into his own net. He wrestled with the best non-stop for 90 minutes though and came out on top on so many occasions, throwing his body in the way however he could. The game would’ve been over long before the final whistle if it wasn’t for him.
Robbie Brady 9
Terrorised the right side of the Swedish defence. Broke forward with frightening purpose given half a chance and he didn’t mind going himself down the left even if he had no support whatsoever. Whipped in a glorious corner that John O’Shea was so close to and shaved the crossbar with his right foot too – all in the first period. The only thing he did wrong was one screwed pass to the opposing wing that put the side momentarily under pressure but it was another serious, serious performance from the Dubliner – in defence and attack.
Glenn Whelan 8.5
Had a bloody fine game. Anchored midfield like we know he can, seemed to read everything a second before the rest of them and, although he wasn’t too ambitious with his passing, his interceptions and ball-play were very, very tidy. Minced a yellow jersey right after the equaliser and got the Ireland fans off their feet again.
James McCarthy 7
Looked pissed off with the entire country of Sweden for whatever reason and that was good news for Ireland. Understated enough game on the ball but he was taking no prisoners in Paris on Monday night. He was taking no shit.
Jeff Hendrick 8.5
Started the game in a blaze of glory and brought the Irish fans to their feet when he hit a rasper on the half-volley. Crashed the bar after that with a delicious effort and drew the best from the ‘keeper straight after the break. Got in again after the Sweden equaliser but hit it straight at the goalie. Played really well, some fantastic touches and was buzzing full of energy but, argh, he could’ve scored one of them.
Wes Hoolahan 10
There are no words. Well, none, apart from genius, magician, gem, man of the match. Took the ball in all sorts of areas he should never be taking it in and he made sparks fly. One-twos, switches of play, threaded passes and first touches that would melt your heart. Took his right-footed, first-time goal with all the aplomb of a man who was made for a stage like this – he was just never given it before.
Jon Walters 6.5
Didn’t look fit but, three times with his head, he still set up Hendrick for big chances at the edge of the box and put Long through only to be blown up really harshly. Threw his big arse in front of Ibrahimovic at a stage, won ball back and worked like a warrior. Fitness scuppered him on Monday night but he still went off to a standing ovation.
Shane Long 6.5
Well wrapped up by the Swedes. Came into the tournament way too hot for people not to have red target dots on his head and he couldn’t move without being checked or pulled. Was looking for the over-the-top option but he was never given it from his team mates.
Subs
James McClean 6
Didn’t have much of an effect when he came on the left. Couple of runs down the wing and won a big header in the box but it wasn’t the usual crowd-lifter from him.
Robbie Keane 5.5
Sprang off the bench for Wes Hoolahan when we needed a goal but couldn’t get on the ball, no matter how many runs he made off it.
Aiden McGeady 5
Got six minutes to prove what over 80 caps already told us. ‘On his day’ rarely comes.
