Deflating.
The Republic of Ireland and Sweden played out a 1-1 draw in the opening game of Group E at Euro 2016.
After a scrappy opening period, Ireland grew into the game and began to exert some control over a limited Sweden team. However, after Wes Hoolahan’s goal, Ireland dropped off and looked nervy.
When Ciaran Clark’s own-goal came, via Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s cross, it was difficult to argue it wasn’t deserved. Ireland paid the price for retreating after a great period of pressure.
Wes Hoolahan was brilliant though.
Hairs standing up wherever we have hairs after that anthem. C'MON IRELAND!!!!! #IRLSWE
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) June 13, 2016
A rousing start.
Robbie Brady keeping up fine habit of beating the first man. Ireland in standard diamond that offers the width of a cigarette paper#IRLSWE
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) June 13, 2016
Ireland started narrow, looking to put pressure on the Swedish midfield, who seemed to be focusing on Ireland’s right side. Jon Walters was playing more centrally, and Seamus Coleman was left isolated against Sweden’s best player so far – Martin Olsson.
Zlatan backheels ball past Whelan and that impressive yellow mass of humanity loved it #IRLSWE pic.twitter.com/T9uAB8O9PV
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) June 13, 2016
The Swedish fans weren’t intimidated by the Irish fans, and matched them for noise.
Zlatan is playing in the hole at times, with Forsberg pushing up and tucking in alongside Berg. Something for Whelan to think about#IRLSWE
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) June 13, 2016
The greater numbers in Ireland’s central midfield cut off the supply to Zlatan, forcing the Swedish captain deeper… either that or the great man goes where he wants.
Hendrick couldn't catch that much better. Drilling into turf. For a man who has been riding the bench all season, Isaksson did OK#IRLSWE
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) June 13, 2016
A sweetly struck effort from Jeff Hendrick, stings the palms of the Swedish ‘keeper. ‘That’s better,’ as Andy Townsend would.
Hate to say it, but Seamus Coleman has had a ropy start. That was second time he has lost position – lucky Berg didn't do better#IRLSWE
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) June 13, 2016
Seamus Coleman, a defender who makes one mistake a season, gets his mistake out of the way early. Good man Seamie.
Our centre-halves are freaking brilliant attacking players. John O'Shea was the width of a blaa from getting on Clark knockdown#IRLSWE
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) June 13, 2016
O'Shea should've put Ireland ahead there, so close #COYBIG #EURO2016 #IRL pic.twitter.com/TXKNbEDVJn
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) June 13, 2016
The Ireland skipper appeared to see the ball late – inches in it.
And there is first rendition of "You're shit, but you're birds are fit" #IRLSWE
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) June 13, 2016
The first of many.
clearly that should be "your birds". Need to put down the binoculars and pay attention
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) June 13, 2016
Robbie Brady HAS a right foot and he is not afraid to use it.
Cracking effort from one of Ireland's brighter sparks thus far#IRLSWE
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) June 13, 2016
Robbie Brady doesn’t have a ‘bad foot’.
Jeff Hendrick also has a right foot and my god he damn near split the crossbar in half from 25 yards.
Nice spot of ball, this#IRLSWE
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) June 13, 2016
Either does Hendrick.
Ireland have really grown into this game and that is without Hoolahan doing a whole lot
If he sparks, "godnatt" Sweden (Goodnight!)#IRLSWE
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) June 13, 2016
Hoolahan begins to drift in the central areas and get on the ball more. Zlatan watches on.
Jeff Hendrick has been excellent
That is all
Oh, and it is half-time
0-0#IRLSWE
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) June 13, 2016
So had Brady and Hoolahan. Sweden have yet to have a shot and Ireland have grew into the game, testing the Swedish keeper a number of times.
Hendrick with his third decent shot of the game. He is in the mood and we like it.
We like it a lot#IRLSWE
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) June 13, 2016
The second half starts as the first ended – with Hendrick firing a rasping shot at goal. He’s already had three efforts, three times the number of shots Sweden have had.
Wes Hoolahan you beautiful human being
1-0#IRL
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) June 13, 2016
Wes Hoolahan with a brilliant finish on his right foot. Seamus Coleman turns the Swedish left-back drifts a ball across the penalty area, Wes smashes it home and Eamon Dunphy has combusts with joy.
One please, poster size. Framed, hang it in pride of place#IRLSWE pic.twitter.com/Y1yrhsQw7n
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) June 13, 2016
Ireland have the goal, a well-deserved lead against a Sweden team that haven’t offered much. O’Neill’s side are in clear control. So of course Ireland instantly sit back and allow Sweden back into the game.
Since the goal Ireland have let Sweden come onto them and it is not a great idea as Zlatan gets closer to our goal. That was close#IRLSWE
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) June 13, 2016
Here comes Jimmy!
McClean is poised and ready to make a racket.
Sweden, lock up your shins#IRLSWE
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) June 13, 2016
Here comes McClean *gulp*.
Wes, you're taking the piss
…
…
…
Keep it up#IRLSWE— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) June 13, 2016
Meanwhile, Wes continues to run riot.
https://twitter.com/SportsJOEdotie/status/742407865764302848
Clark own goal
Bah!#IRLSWE
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) June 13, 2016
It’d been coming, despite Hoolahan’s heroics, Ireland dropped off after taking the lead.
That was unfortunate for Clark, who couldn't get himself arranged after Larsson and Zlatan combined down left channel#IRLSWE
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) June 13, 2016
Wes is taking his leave.
Some second half showing
We're not worthy#IRLSWE pic.twitter.com/lmuPHhUz4I
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) June 13, 2016
Goodnight, sweet prince.
10 minutes go.
C'mon Ireland FFS!!#IRLSWE
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) June 13, 2016
Robbie Keane comes, so does Aiden McGeady… for his 83rd cap.
Superman punch from Randolph there.
Another solid performer. Blameless for goal#IRLSWE
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) June 13, 2016
You shall not pass.
It's all over.
1-1
Bit of a pisser after taking lead so well, but this show is still on the road#IRLSWE
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) June 13, 2016
There was to be no late heroics.
A draw was probably a fair result, Ireland dropped off after taking the lead, and became panicky and rushed in possession. A point means Ireland’s hopes will persist until the final group game against Italy, at least.
