EURO 2016: Republic of Ireland draw with Sweden in openig group game

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND 1 SWEDEN 1
Republic of Ireland's Wes Hoolahan celebrates scoring against SwedenRepublic of Ireland's Wes Hoolahan celebrates scoring against Sweden
Republic of Ireland's Wes Hoolahan celebrates scoring against Sweden

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.

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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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