EURO 2016: Republic of Ireland draw with Sweden in openig group game
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND 1 SWEDEN 1
An own goal from Ciaran Clark saw the Republic of Ireland denied a winning start to their Euro 2016 campaign in Paris on Monday evening.
Wes Hoolahan gave the Republic a deserved lead shortly after half-time with a crisply struck half-volley worthy of opening the scoring in any match.
The Republic had come close to opening the scoring during a lively first half.
But, after taking the lead they found themselves under increasing pressure and conceded when Clark, chosen ahead of Richard Keogh in the centre of defence, headed a low cross from Zlatan Ibrahimovic into his own net.
The equaliser came from one of the few moments of quality from the Sweden captain, who collected a neat backheel from substitute John Guidetti and raced to the byeline before drilling in a low cross.
Hendrick drew a late save from Andreas Isaksson but there was no be no winner at the end of a feisty, scrappy match the Republic shaded but could not close out.
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