Euro 2016 action moved to Monday where we had couple of very intriguing fixtures. Spain defeat Czech Republic while Ireland took on Sweden in what was a very competitive looking game. Ireland however absolutely dominated the first 45 minutes and should have scored with the chances they had. But they finally managed to break down Wesley Hoolahan scored just after the break to put Ireland 1-0 up while Sweden hit back late in second half when Ibrahimovic drilled cross deflected off Ciaran Clark for an own goal.
Republic of Ireland 1-0 Sweden Highlights
[European Championship 2016, Monday, 13 June ]
48′ 1 – 0 Wesley Hoolahan scored just after the break to cap off a wonderful first half performance by Ireland.
71′ 1 – 1 (o.g.) Ciaran Clark failed to cope with Ibrahimovic’s drilled cross which deflected in for a own goal.
Match Highlights (English, 9 minutes)
Ireland has lost four of their most recent games at the European championship and they start their campaign against a Sweden team who has had the better of Ireland for most part. Looking at their historic head to head record, Ireland has only won 3 of the 10 games between the two while their recent records against them is 6 games winless streak losing 4 and drawing 2. So Martin O’Neill has a major task ahead of him with a talented Sweden side who might be dark horses in the tournament with Zlatan leading the attack.
Team News & lineups: Zlatan Ibrahimovic is fit to start upfront and he will be hoping to finally break is duck against Ireland. He will be starting upfront with Berg while a four man midfield of Lewicki, Källström, Larsson and Forsberg will provide much needed competitiveness in the midfield.
Ireland on the other hand will assess both Robbie Keane and James McGrathy fitness who are likely to be fit as O’neill is looking to put together his best lineup. Jonathan Walters is another name who is doubt for big game on Monday afternoon.
Match Highlights: Sweden are a bit light-weight in midfield and that is where Ireland can exploit with several hard working players in there. Although Sweden’s chances depend alot on Ibrahimovic form and if he can deliver there is nothing Ireland can do. But I am going with a Irish win in this one as they have so much pace going forward with the likes of Shane Long and Hendricks.