Republic of Ireland 1-1 Sweden
Ciaran Clark scored an own goal as the Republic of Ireland were held to a frustrating draw against Sweden in their opening Euro 2016 fixture in Paris.
Wes Hoolahan’s half-volley after the half time had given Martin O’Neill’s men a deserved lead at the Stade de France but the Boys in Green could not get three points.
The equaliser came in the 72nd minutes, Zlatan Ibrahimovic linking up well to get in behind the defence on the left side of the penalty area and cut the ball back across the six-yard box where Clark could only divert past Darren Randolph in the goal.
Hoolahan’s goal was a peach, and came just after the break after Ireland had been the better side in the first period.
Seamus Coleman’s superb cross from the left was met sweetly on the half volley by Hoolahan.
Both sides sit top of Group E after the fixture ahead of Belgium’s clash with Italy later this evening.
Ireland had struck the woodwork in the first half through Hoolahan, whose 30-yard drive thundered off the crossbar.
They had gone close several times before netting the opener, dominating the early stages.
However, after taking the lead, they found themselves coming under increasing pressure and finally cracked when Clark nodded into his own goal.
Jeff Hendrick forced a late save out of Andreas Isaksson but Ireland could not force the win and could now require victory over either Italy or Belgium to qualify.
