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Republic of Ireland 1-1 Sweden: Five talking points from Group E opener

Zlatan Ibrahimovic of Sweden and Ciaran Clark of Republic of Ireland compete for the ball

We pick out five talking points from Republic of Ireland's 1-1 draw with Sweden in their Euro 2016 Group E opener at the Stade de France...

Zlatan rescues Sweden

"The legend can still deliver," declared Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the build-up to the game. He may not have added to his tally of six European Championship goals, but he still produced the moment that mattered for Sweden. Just as Wes Hoolahan's opener looked like it might prove decisive, Ibrahimovic surged past John O'Shea and produced the cross for Ciaran Clark's own goal.

Sweden's forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic (top 2nd L) celebrates a goal with teammates during the Euro 2016 group E football match v Republic of Ireland
Image: Sweden celebrate after Zlatan Ibrahimovic provides Sweden's leveller

It was a moment of class that rescued Sweden and highlighted his importance to the side, but for a long time it appeared his afternoon might end in frustration. The 34-year-old, who is expected to join Manchester United after the tournament, was starved of service and failed to direct a single one of his four half-chances on target. In the end, though, he delivered on his promise.

Ireland banish memories of Euro 2012

Clark's own goal was a bitter disappointment for Ireland, who will count themselves as unfortunate not to have taken the three points. But while the draw may have felt like a missed opportunity, their impressive performance helped banish the unhappy memories of Euro 2012.

In Poland and Ukraine, Ireland suffered galling defeats to Croatia, Spain and Italy, conceding nine goals and scoring just once as they crashed out at the group stage. They have their work cut out to reach the knock-out stages this year in a group which also features Belgium and Italy, but they are already a point better off than four years ago. This time, there is reason for optimism.

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Hoolahan shines

 Wes Hoolahan (C) of Republic of Ireland celebrates scoring his team's first goal with his team mate Glenn Whelan (L) and Robbie B
Image: Wes Hoolahan celebrates scoring Republic of Ireland's opening goal

Ibrahimovic made the difference for Sweden but he wasn't the best player on the pitch. He wasn't even the best 34-year-old. Hoolahan's modest career bears stark contrast to Ibrahimovic's, but at the Stade de France he was deservedly named man of the match.

The Norwich midfielder showcased outstanding technique with his first-time finish from Seamus Coleman's cross for the opener. His performance was full of slick touches and he boasted the best passing accuracy (80 per cent) of any of Ireland's starters. He also impressed defensively. No player made more tackles (three), and he worked tirelessly up until his 77th-minute substitution. His quality could be key against Belgium and Italy.

Right-sided weakness?

Image: Martin Olsson enjoyed the freedom of Ireland's right flank

Coleman provided the assist for Hoolahan's goal but Martin O'Neill will have noted how frequently the right-back was exposed at the other end. Sweden's left-back Martin Olsson repeatedly found himself in space in dangerous areas over the course of the 90 minutes, with no one else on the pitch delivering more crosses (eight).

The right-sided struggles could have been costly for Ireland, and O'Neill must find a way to shore up things up before Saturday's meeting with Belgium's Eden Hazard.

Can Ireland qualify?

O'Neill rued Ireland's wasted chances after the game, but Ireland have reason to believe they can make it out of Group E. Fixtures against Belgium and Italy will test their credentials, but the new format means even a third-placed finish could be enough to qualify. If they play with the same energy and belief, Ireland could add to their points tally.

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