An overhead view of Wes Hoolahan’s wonder strike against Sweden
THE fans dared to dream of a famous win over the Swedes this evening in Paris as the Republic kicked off the Euro 2016 campaign.
A Wes Hoolahan wonder right footed strike on 48 minutes in the Stade de France made that dream come a little bit closer.
It was nothing less than Ireland deserved.
They had put up a tremendous performance with Jeff Hendrick coming oh so close when he struck the wood work and made the keeper.
The dream of a win lasted 23 minutes when Swedish danger man Zlatan Ibrahimovic crossed from the left side of the box.
But in his attempt to clear his lines Ciaran Clark unfortunately scored a headed own-goal.
Derry’s James McClean came on just before the 70 minute mark and made an immediate name for himself.
A cross from the left and the Creggan climbed high and connected with his head only for it to fly just over the cross bar.
Ireland were rarely threatened by a Sweden side who failed to utilise the talent of captain Ibrahimovic.
And that will set them Martin O’Neill’s team in good stead heading into games with Belgium and Italy.
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