There could be no separating Ireland and Sweden after an entertaining match in Paris on Monday.

The match which opened Group E, which features Belgium and Italy, was closely contested during the opening 10 minutes and it was Ireland who had the first real chance to open the scoring.

Unfortunately for the men in green Hendrick’s powerful drive was palmed away by Isaksson in the Swedish goals. In the 17th minute, former Manchester United defender John O’Shea was guilty of kicking only the air when trying to divert Clark’s header towards the goals.

The chances continued at the Swedish end as Brady and Hendrick both went close, the latter denied by the bar in the 32nd minute.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic then stepped up for a free kick but his shot clattered into the wall and away from danger. For all Ireland’s tenacity they headed into the break without a goal to their name.

That position quickly changed after the break as Wes Hoolahan handed the Irish the lead much to delight of the packed crowd inside the Saint Denis stadium. Hoolahan quite superbly lashing home a half volley to add his name to the goal of the tournament contenders.

It was Ibrahimovic who continued as the Swedes leading light but his half chance was quickly closed out by Clark, who kept his side in front with half an hour to play.

Clark went from hero to zero as he turned in Ibrahimovic’s header after the former PSG striker dribbled his way into the box and produced a threatening cross which had Randolph beaten before Clark’s calamitous mistake.

Zlatan’s goal set up a tense but ultimately fruitless final 19 minutes as both sides were forced to settle for a point.

Image: uefa.com