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Sweden draw an opportunity missed for Ireland

The Boys in Green were forced to share the spoils with Erik Hamren's side after Zlatan Ibrahimovic's cross was headed into the goal by Ciaran Clark

ANALYSIS

Martin O'Neill's failure to address his side's right-sided deficiencies ultimately cost the Republic of Ireland a victory in their Euro 2016 opener against Sweden.

Although O'Neill's decision to opt for a midfield diamond augured possession dominance over Erik Hamren's 4-4-2, Ireland instead exhibited a reactive, direct approach. Sweden, therefore, saw more of the ball, but the close attentions of Glenn Whelan ensured that their talismanic striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic couldn't freely use it to dangerous effect.