At 19:00, the E group matches started. In the "Stade de France" fortress, Zlatan Ibrahimovic's Sweden faced Ireland head-to-head.
One of the group's underdogs, Sweden and Ireland footballers fought for valuable points, as they will face Belgium and Italy in their next matches. After 90 minutes of intense competition, the result was a 1-1 draw.
Starting lineups:
Ireland: Randolph, Coleman, Brady, Clark, O'Shea, Whelan, McCarthy (substitute in 85' McGeady), Hendrick, Hoolahan (substitute in 78' Keane), Walters (substitute in 64' McClean), Long.
Sweden: Isaksson, Lustig (substitute in 45' Johansson), M. Olsson, Granqvist, Lindelöf, S. Larsson, Lewicki (substitute in 86' Ekdal), Källström, Forsberg, Berg (substitute in 59' Guidetti), Ibrahimovic.
The match began with an active performance from the Sweden national team. Left-back Martin Olsson was particularly active, but in attack Zlatan Ibrahimovic and his colleagues struggled against the Irish defense.
In the 16th minute, a dangerous situation arose near the Sweden goal, but John O'Shea's attempt went wide.
In the 29th minute, another opportunity was created by the Irish, but a strike went off target.
In the 32nd minute, Jeff Hendrick tested the Swedish goalkeeper from about 25 meters, but the shot hit the crossbar.
As the first half ended, Sweden received bad news as Mikael Lustig was unable to continue. He was replaced by Erik Johansson.
Starting the second half aggressively, Ireland quickly scored in the 48th minute through Wesley Hoolahan.
Sweden continued their attempts to equalize. In the 71st minute, Zlatan Ibrahimovic forced an own goal by the Irish defender C. Clark.
Both teams failed to create more serious chances in the remainder of the second half, resulting in a final 1-1 draw.
The best player of the match was recognized as Ireland's goal scorer, Wes Hoolahan.
Tournament E Group Table:
1. Sweden: 1 match played, 1 draw, 1:1 goal difference, 1 point
2. Ireland: 1 match played, 1 draw, 1:1 goal difference, 1 point
3. Belgium: 0 matches played, 0 points
4. Italy: 0 matches played, 0 points
