GROUP E
Ireland 1 -1 Sweden
Doherty 32'
Isak 87'
Dónal O'Brien
Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland
Friday 19th June
Spirits were noticeably high in Irish camp on Friday morning as paparazzi captured the team entering the stadium on Lansdowne Road. After completing an unlikely comeback from two goals down against Poland four days previously there was a determined tone in Stephen Kenny’s voice during the pre-match press conference on Thursday evening.
Having escaped a near disastrous beginning to the tournament when they found themselves two-nil down with just a minute of normal time to go Kenny was not unaware of his side’s failings, “The attitude was great from the boys, but we lacked composure and skill to deliver in the final third. This is something we’re aiming to fix against Sweden”. It was, after all, the much-derided long ball tactics that produced the two late strikes that saved Kenny’s blushes, leaving the question of the Irish players’ ability to play a possession passing game open as wide as ever.
One would imagine the mood in the Swedish set-up to have been somewhat downtrodden in comparison after feebly succumbing to defeat in their opening game. However, it was a different headline that dominated Swedish and international newspapers the next day. Just hours after their 3-0 trouncing by Spain, Zlatan Ibrahimović was seen boarding the team’s chartered flight to Dublin, setting social media platforms alight.
In an attempt to cool speculation, Swedish manager, Janne Andersson, announced that Ibrahimović had strictly joined the team to act in an advisory position in their build up and would not be part of the coaching staff despite photos of the big Swede training with Alexander Isak. Many saw it as a decoy mechanism to deflect attention away from his own side’s shortcomings in their performance against Spain.
What was not in doubt in this matchup was the importance it carried for both teams in a make-or-break game on a cloudy Irish afternoon. Defeat for Sweden would all but end their chances of entering the last 16. Whereas for Ireland a win would put them in a strong position to make it out of the group stage for a consecutive time.
It was Ireland, with a few fresh faces in the starting line-up, Aaron Connolly and Michael Obafemi the most eye-catching additions, who looked the most threatening in the opening exchanges. Hendricks, sporting a new ponytail look, picked up where he left off against Poland by commanding the midfield against Larsson and Ekdal. The crowd cheering every touch by the AC Milan man.
Despite the piling pressure the Swedish defence stood defiant against the waves of Irish attacks, twice intercepting two through balls that were a whisker away from reaching Obafemi up front. It was on the 32nd minute that Ireland’s persistence paid off with a piece of wizardry between Coleman and Doherty on the right-hand side as the Wolves winger slipped through the backline to slot the ball emphatically past Robin Olsen in the Swedish net.
The first half continued much the same with Ireland on top throughout, however, Isak left Irish hearts in their mouths as his powerful drive from 30 yards out narrowly sailed over the bar just before the interval. One-nil it ended at half time to a raucous cheer from the Irish fans. With the possibly the most dominant display since the new Lansdowne road stadium was built, they must have felt they were witnessing the dawn of a new era as Kenny’s tactics were bearing fruit.
Alas, football being football, a game of two halves and all that. Irish elation came crashing down to earth in the next 45 minutes. After a tight opening 15 minutes Ireland were dealt a blow as Connolly, who had been tormenting Mikel Lustig the whole game, had to be taken off after receiving a cynical challenge from Alexander Isak on the side-line. Isak’s wink towards Ibrahimović sitting in the director’s box above not only prompted altercations between players on the pitch but also in the stands as an incensed Roy Keane was seen squaring up to the former Swedish international. What exactly was said or happened between the two legends was not disclosed but it was obvious to see that Keane was accusing the Swede of inciting foul play.
As the heads were cooled and play recommenced it was Sweden whose aggressive play started to wear their opponents down with their main target being Connolly’s replacement, James McClean. Ireland, now disjointed, could not find their passing game and Sweden nearly pounced on a mix-up between Duffy and McClean when Sebastian Larsson fluffed a gilt-edged opportunity to bring the sides level. The tide was starting to turn and to make matters even more difficult Glenn Whelan was sent off for a tired and reckless challenge on Isak on the 75th minute.
Backs were now truly against the wall as the Swedish took their turn to lay siege on the Irish goal but found the centre back partnership of Duffy and Egan an impenetrable force as they incessantly batted away deliveries into the box. Ireland continued to battle the onslaught with last ditch tackles and remarkable saves from Randolph in goal. Alas, the defence could not withstand the mounting pressure and finally caved in on the 87th minute. Ekdal, noticing Egan was left reeling on the ground after a tussle with Marcus Berg, sent a lofted ball over the top into space for Isak to smash on the volley high into the net.
Ireland bravely held on in the last five minutes of extra time, but they will no doubt be kicking themselves for failing to finish off the Swedes in the first half when they had the chance. Sweden, however, may have the gods to thank for their comeback, with one possibly having an influence from the stands. Having escaped the jaws of defeat and possible tournament elimination, their chances of progression are very much in their hands as they face Poland here in Dublin. Ireland will have to bid farewell to their capital and travel to Bilbao to face Spain in the last round of group matches knowing a win may be necessary to keep their Euro dreams alive. Judging by their last two matches one thing is certain, it will not be a dull affair.
Man of the Match: Alexander Isak