The two sides played out an enthralling 1-1 draw in Group E’s opening match.
The Republic of Ireland and Sweden both took a share of the spoils following a 1-1 result at the Stade de France on Monday.
Norwich City midfielder Wes Hoolahan scored the game’s opener with a perfectly executed half-volley shortly after the break, however Ciaran Clark inadvertently sent the ball into the back of his own net following a Zlatan Ibrahimovic cross in the 71st minute to level the scores.
Both sides will now have to aim for upsets against the two group favourites, Belgium and Italy, in order to advance from the group.
Ibrahimovic subdued but still makes an impact
Ciaran Clark and John O’Shea both expertly limited the space the charismatic striker was able to operate in, ensuring his effectiveness to be restricted. Despite this, however, Ibrahimovic still came up with the moment that counted for the Scandinavian side.
The 34-year-old found himself in the centre of some constructive Swedish link-up-play, and was set free just inside the perimeter of the box, where he whipped in a dangerous cross. Unfortunately for Martin O’Neill’s side, Clark could do little but divert the ball beyond Darren Randolph in goal.
The big man was the focal point for his side, and despite being subdued and afforded little support, he was once again the key figure. Sweden will obviously be hoping for more contributions though.
Hendrick a major threat from midfield
The Derby County man was the architect of most Ireland attacks throughout the whole match, driving forward from midfield and instilling fear into the Blågult back-four.
When O’Neill’s side was convincingly winning the contest in all but the scoreline in the opening period, the 24-year-old was the main danger – first firing a half-volley toward goal that was smartly parried by Sweden goalkeeper Andreas Isaksson, then hitting the crossbar just moments later with a shot from distance.
Similar individual performances from Hendrick may wield better results for the Irish later on in the tournament, as he looks to be a key man for the Boys in Green.
Olsson and Källström key men for the Swedes
Sweden’s response was phenomenal after conceding early in the second half. More focus and attacking intent was applied as Erik Hamrén’s men really began to play from that moment onward. Two key figures to this positive change were Norwich City’s Martin Olsson and former Lyon midfielder Kim Källström.
Nearly every Swedish attack stemmed from the left-hand side Olsson was operating from as a full-back. His drives forward with the ball and overlapping runs without it ensured there was always an option on the wing, and his deliveries into the box caused much confusion and panic amongst the Irish defence.
Källström, on the other hand, was a class act all throughout in pulling the strings and controlling the tempo of the play from the middle of the field. The veteran midfielder was influential to his nation’s forays forward and always looked for a positive pass deep into the Swede’s attacking third – most, if not all, times they came off.
Brady an inspiring presence for Ireland
Another Norwich City player to have a considerable impact on the game, Robbie Brady was a continuous provider of energy and industry down the left flank as a full-back in a narrow 4-3-1-2 formation.
The 24-year-old was crucial to O’Neill’s side in spreading the play and eliminating Sweden’s wide players from the game. Not only was Brady menacing going forward, but he was effective and stable in defence, ensuring nothing got through down Ireland’s left-hand side.
The former Manchester United man was a key contributor to his side’s high energy game in midfield, and will undoubtedly be fundamental to any potential success Ireland attain at the tournament.
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