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.
https://twitter.com/SportsJOEdotie/status/742385651564306434
A rousing start.
https://twitter.com/SportsJOEdotie/status/742386966352666625
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.
https://twitter.com/SportsJOEdotie/status/742387521804472321
The Swedish fans weren't intimidated by the Irish fans, and matched them for noise.
https://twitter.com/SportsJOEdotie/status/742387959740157954
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.
https://twitter.com/SportsJOEdotie/status/742388818762993664
A sweetly struck effort from Jeff Hendrick, stings the palms of the Swedish 'keeper. 'That's better,' as Andy Townsend would.
https://twitter.com/SportsJOEdotie/status/742389117896511488
Seamus Coleman, a defender who makes one mistake a season, gets his mistake out of the way early. Good man Seamie.
https://twitter.com/SportsJOEdotie/status/742390671210864640
https://twitter.com/SportsJOEdotie/status/742390913662603265
The Ireland skipper appeared to see the ball late - inches in it.
https://twitter.com/SportsJOEdotie/status/742391056025653248
The first of many.
https://twitter.com/SportsJOEdotie/status/742392129994018820
https://twitter.com/SportsJOEdotie/status/742393678342328320
Robbie Brady doesn't have a 'bad foot'.
https://twitter.com/SportsJOEdotie/status/742394523775553541
Either does Hendrick.
https://twitter.com/SportsJOEdotie/status/742395591876022272
Hoolahan begins to drift in the central areas and get on the ball more. Zlatan watches on.
https://twitter.com/SportsJOEdotie/status/742397918515240960
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.
https://twitter.com/SportsJOEdotie/status/742402219207753728
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.
https://twitter.com/SportsJOEdotie/status/742402412535808001
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.
https://twitter.com/SportsJOEdotie/status/742405296300142592
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.
https://twitter.com/SportsJOEdotie/status/742405564974665728
https://twitter.com/SportsJOEdotie/status/742406302803054592
Here comes McClean *gulp*.
https://twitter.com/SportsJOEdotie/status/742407208365785088
Meanwhile, Wes continues to run riot.
https://twitter.com/SportsJOEdotie/status/742407865764302848
https://twitter.com/SportsJOEdotie/status/742408555878305793
It'd been coming, despite Hoolahan's heroics, Ireland dropped off after taking the lead.
https://twitter.com/SportsJOEdotie/status/742408884950863872
https://twitter.com/SportsJOEdotie/status/742410164607852544
Goodnight, sweet prince.
https://twitter.com/SportsJOEdotie/status/742410918924062720
Robbie Keane comes, so does Aiden McGeady... for his 83rd cap.
https://twitter.com/SportsJOEdotie/status/742413133852123136
You shall not pass.
https://twitter.com/SportsJOEdotie/status/742414175557799936
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.
