Martin O'Neill's gamble nearly pays off and Zlatan Ibrahimovic must wait for Euros record: Five things we learned from Republic of Ireland vs Sweden

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James Olley13 June 2016

Standard Sport examines the key talking points from Republic of Ireland's 1-1 draw with Sweden.

Martin O’Neill is prepared to be brave

Of all the selections available to the Republic of Ireland manager, including Robbie Brady, Jeff Hendrick and Wes Hoolahan was probably the most attack-minded feasible in an opening group game. That positivity was rewarded as Hendrick twice went close in the first half – including an excellent curling effort which cannoned back off the crossbar after a one-two with Shane Long – and again shortly after the restart, while Brady’s delivery from the left flank was a regular threat.

It remains to be seen whether O’Neill will gamble in similar fashion against Belgium and Italy but they have a positive platform to build on.

Hoolahan 1-0 Hooligans

MARTIN BUREAU/AFP/Getty Images

The Norwich City midfielder could have been the one to give way had O’Neill adopted a more conservative approach to counter the threat of Zlatan Ibrahimovic but he more than justified his inclusion with a superb winning goal.

The 34-year-old found space hard to come by but he did his best to make things happening operating at the tip of Ireland’s midfield diamond – a system which helped them establish a degree of control – before his superb half-volley from Seamus Coleman’s cross gave the Republic of Ireland a lead they thoroughly deserved. The Irish were partying long before then, however, as this game was played out against a joyful backdrop a world away from England’s problems in Marseille.

Republic of Ireland can compete on the biggest stage

They were outclassed four years ago – admittedly in a devilishly difficult group - as Croatia, Spain and Italy scored nine goals between them in three group games against the Irish. There were fears in some quarters a repeat may be on the cards here in France after being drawn with Belgium (second in FIFA’s rankings) and Italy (12th), making it vital they took something from this game if they were to have any chance of progress.

The win they desperately craved eluded them but their performance was one of conviction and moments of genuine quality which will hold them in good stead for the challenges to come.

The wait goes on for Zlatan

MARTIN BUREAU/AFP/Getty Images

“The legend can deliver,” Ibrahimovic declared with typical swagger on the eve of this game but he remains stuck on six European Championship goals. Only Michel Platini (nine) and Alan Shearer (seven) have scored more but he was starved of regular service here and rarely threatened a goal himself, dropping deeper into midfield to try and affect the play. However, he did conjure Sweden’s 72nd minute equaliser with a moment of class - bursting to the byline before producing a cross which Clark headed into his own net.

Sweden benefit from own goals more than most

Clark’s unfortunate error was the first own goal at a European Championships since 2012 when England right-back Glen Johnson scored at the wrong end. England went on to win the game 3-2 but only Holland have benefited from more own goals at the Euros than Sweden. They did however score in all three group stage matches four years ago – albeit not enough to go out – and, despite a reputation for conservative play, have now scored in nine of their last 11 finals matches.

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