By Ah Kin Boon
The opening match for Group E ended in a draw, despite fans being served up with an extremely entertaining affair.
The intention to claim all 3 points were clearly evident as both sides started the game by playing open football. The winner of this game will arguably stand a higher chance to secure qualification due to the presence of Belgium and Italy in the group.
The match was fairly balanced in the early stages of the game but Ireland soon gained control with their pressing play, causing the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic to have a fairly quiet first half. They created more chances as well and should have an early lead when a flicked header from Ciaran Clark was begging for a contact from John O’Shea who was right in front on goal. Jeff Hendrick was unlucky to score as well as his well-taken effort from outside the penalty box hits the bar, not long after his earlier attempt got saved by Andreas Isaksson.
Ireland broke the deadlock on the 48th minute after Seamus Coleman’s cross was buried by Wes Hoolahan with a half-volley. The goal ignited the Swedish side and their efforts to chase the game were rewarded with an own-goal by Ciaran Clark. John Guidetti and Ibrahimovic was instrumental in that play as Clark could only guide his attempted clearance into his own net.
The game ended in a draw as most would have predicted and the top three players for tonight are:
Jeff Hendrick
Jeff Hendrick was instrumental throughout the entirety of the match and created some of the best chances for Ireland. He was only denied by two great saves from Swedish shot-stopper, Isaksson, and the crossbar. Hendrick almost regained the lead for Ireland but his attempt was thwarted by the Swedish keeper once again.
Robbie Brady
The Irish left-back was a constant danger down the left-flank due to his quick-feet and constant overlapping runs. He also managed to deliver great crosses into the danger area and he was close to getting his name on the scoresheet after his long-range effort flashed right above the bar. Brady’s effectiveness in the defensive department was also evident as he closed down on the Swedish attackers on numerous occasions.
Martin Olsson
While not getting his name on the scoresheet or even an assist, the Swedish full-back was a constant menace towards Seamus Coleman. He was constantly trying to provide services for the Swedish strike force and tracking back effectively to help out his defensive peers. His efforts did not go unnoticed as a few of his crosses flashed past the Irish goal mouth. Olsson was arguably Sweden’s best player tonight.
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