It could, and perhaps should have been the Tartan Army who were in Paris for their biggest party since Scotland won in the city in 2007, but in our stead went qualification group rivals the Republic of Ireland, and their players set about making the most of the opportunity they had earned from the off.
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The Sweden coach was, however, careful not to blame Ibrahimovic, who has spent the last four years banging in goals in the French capital for Ligue 1 side Paris Saint Germain but is now leaving them on a free transfer.
Republic of Ireland were cruelly denied victory in their opening game at Euro 2016 after Ciaran Clark’s late own goal saw Sweden grab a point at the Stade de France. “We forced him away from goal and it worked a treat”.
“It’s good that we didn’t lose but I’m disappointed that we didn’t play at the level we’re able to do in the first 50 minutes”.
Jeff Hendrick was Ireland’s livewire in midfield in a hugely impressive first-half, testing Andreas Isaksson inside 10 minutes after lashing a knockdown from Walters on goal that was well blocked by the Sweden goalkeeper.
Full-back Seamus Coleman had jinked past two opponents on the right flank and chipped a flawless cross into the path of Hoolahan who swept in the goal with a fizzing half-volley.
“Sore! I was sore, as I said, after the first minute I was sore”.
O’Neill’s side suddenly stopped doing everything that had got them into a winning position, and allowed Ibrahimovic – as well as Martin Olsson and Emil Forsberg – to get into more risky positions.
Brady also started alongside club teammate Hoolahan in Ireland’s opener against Sweden, and looked to be a constant threat down the Irish left flank, with both full-backs pushing on high as Ireland took control of the game early on.
“Then we had to weather a storm and defended as strongly as we could but overall there is real disappointment we haven’t taken all three points”.
Darren continued: “He couldn’t get a run out under Trapattoni but O’Neill seems to like him a lot, so we hope it goes well”.
“But I think we have got more than fighting spirit in the side, I think we have got players who can play a bit, players who are improving at worldwide level”.
First, the bright Brady sent a whistling effort onto the roof of the Swedish goal before Shane Long laid the ball off to Hendrick, and he curled it against the bar on 32 minutes.
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Ibrahimovic then came within a whisker of converting a low driven cross by Olsson, but a point was the very least Ireland deserved as the match ended all square. You don’t want players just to keep going and pick up further injury. We conceded the goal and impetus and momentum changes.
