Zlatan Ibrahimovic helped create the equaliser despite an unconvincing performance as Sweden came away with a 1-1 draw against Ireland on Monday that could leave both teams facing an uphill battle to advance to the knockout rounds at Euro 2016.
Sweden finished the game without a single shot on target as Ibrahimovic's cross was headed into his own net by Ireland's Ciaran Clark in the 71st minute. It was a slightly lucky escape for the Swedes, as Ireland created the more dangerous chances throughout the game and had also rattled the crossbar before Wes Hoolahan deservedly put his team in front shortly after the break.
This was a Sweden side that looked bereft of a clear game plan and Ibrahimovic often looked too isolated up front to be a real threat.
Both teams badly needed a win in this game to boost their chances of reaching the last 16, as they'll be underdogs against Group D opponents Belgium and Italy. One point won't be enough to get either through; meaning at least one of them will have to spring an upset to avoid an early exit.
Player ratings (1-10; 10=best; players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating):
GK Andreas Isaksson, 7 -- Sweden's veteran goalkeeper did what he needed to do when called into action, making three decent saves to keep Ireland at bay. He couldn't do much to prevent Ireland's opening goal. His experience and calm demeanour give Sweden added stability at the back.
DF Mikael Lustig, 5 -- The Celtic defender had a decent performance before having to go off with an apparent muscle injury before half-time. Given that he's the only true right-back in the Sweden squad, that injury could prove quite detrimental to the team's chances.
DF Andreas Granqvist, 6 -- The bedrock of Sweden's defence came out ahead in most duels with the Irish attackers and provided the leadership that this back four badly needs. Earned a couple of cheap free kicks by going down easily in his own box, and tried to earn a penalty with the same method -- without similar success.
DF Victor Lindelof, 6 -- The 21-year-old Benfica defender showed good composure in his first big tournament game, and only got better when he was forced to move out to the right after Lustig's injury. Had one or two shaky moments, but largely validated his position in the starting lineup.
DF Martin Olsson, 7 -- Sweden's most ambitious player by far, and was a constant menace to Ireland with his runs down the left flank. Created several of Sweden's best chances with dangerous crosses into the box. One of the few bright spots in an otherwise underwhelming team performance.
MF Sebastian Larsson, 5 -- Didn't create anything down the right flank in the first half. Continued to work hard, but offered little in terms of a creative spark. One of only two Premier League players in the starting lineup should have done better against Irish opposition.
MF Kim Kallstrom, 5 -- Couldn't impose himself on the game the way Sweden need him to, and hit an uncharacteristically high number of wayward passes with his normally accurate left foot. Never had much speed to begin with and at 33 he simply looks a step too slow for the highest level.
MF Oscar Lewicki, 4 -- Worked hard defensively but was totally anonymous in terms of Sweden's attacking play. Central midfield will remain an issue for the Swedes if they can't find a player who will do more to let the team control possession and dictate play.
MF Emil Forsberg, 4 -- Did little to live up to the hype of being a rising star for the Swedes. Had a promising start but failed to create chances for his teammates and spurned a glorious opportunity with a wayward finish in the second half. Also got beat defensively in the lead-up to Ireland's goal.
FW Zlatan Ibrahimovic, 6 -- A quiet game by his standard but he did create the equaliser with a dangerous cross into area that Clark turned into his own net. Was starved for service for most of the night, but Sweden need their main star to grab games by the scruff of the neck in a more convincing manner than this.
FW Marcus Berg, 4 -- Provided a good work rate as always but was totally ineffective as a target man and never looked likely to cause the Irish defence any major difficulty. Was substituted with more than 30 minutes remaining, and deservedly so.
Substitutes:
DF Erik Johansson, 5 -- Was dropped for Lindelof but came on for Lustig before half-time and played solidly at the back. Was part of a collective defensive failure on Ireland's opening goal but otherwise dealt well with most situations.
FW John Guidetti, 6 -- Gave Sweden a much-needed spark when he came on for Berg and proved a much more effective playing partner for Ibrahimovic up front. Fed Ibrahimovic with a delightful backheel flick to help set up the equaliser.
MF Albin Ekdal, NR -- May have started this game ahead of Lewicki if he hadn't sustained a freak injury shortly before the tournament. Only came on in the 86th minute and didn't have enough time to show whether he's ready to play more in the coming games.
