Darren Randolph 7
Produced one of the saves of the tournament to prevent Ciaran Clark scoring a second own goal. With little time to react, he dived across goal to get a strong hand on the deflection. Came well for a number of high crosses but his distribution wasn’t always so solid. Not much he could do for the goal.
Seamus Coleman 7
Cut inside Emil Forsberg to cross for Wes Hoolahan to score the goal and was still bursting forward in the closing stages. Caught out on one or two occasions and had plenty to do keeping Forsberg in check.
John O’Shea 6
The captain wasted Ireland’s best chance of the game when he missed a sitter in front of the goal, just like he did here in 2004.
He was slightly off-balance as Clark’s flick-on dropped in front of him and he could only scuff the ball wide of the post.
O’Shea had his hands full dealing with Ibrahimovic and just couldn’t get close enough to stop the big man’s cross for the equaliser.
Ciaran Clark 6
A solid defensive display was unfortunately ruined by the own goal. It’s hard to put too much blame on him for diverting Ibrahimovic’s cross past Randolph.
Recovered his composure after that to make some vital interventions.
Flattened Berg in the first minute and didn’t give him much of a sniff after that, with the Swede taken off before the hour mark.
Robbie Brady 7
He’s renowned for his ability with his left foot but it was with his supposed weaker right-foot that he went close with a strike that caught the top of the net.
Clearly enjoyed his left-sided partnership with Hendrick. Occasionally wasteful in possession and not as effective in the second half.
Glenn Whelan 7
The midfield anchor showed his experience as it was often him that kept an eye on Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the first half and covered the space as he dropped deep.
Played most of his football in his own half and was booed by his owns fans for kicking the ball out of play in injury-time as Aiden McGeady lay on the turf. Booked for a crunching tackle on Oscar Lewicki.
James McCarthy 6
He treaded a fine line with a couple of late challenges in early stages and was eventually booked for pulling back Forsberg, although he took one for the team as Sweden were on the break.
Not as composed on the ball as he would have liked but worked tirelessly across the middle before being replaced by McGeady.
Jeff Hendrick 8
The Dubliner justified his selection in the final midfield spot with a standout performance. He was unlucky not to find the net with a powerful half-volley that was beaten away by Isaksson and the curling effort that hit the bar.
Also had two shots saved by the keeper in the second-half. Combined well with his old St Kevin’s Boys team-mate Brady in attack and defence. Certain to start against Belgium on Saturday.
Wes Hoolahan 9
The little maestro did it on the big stage like we all knew he could.
It took him a while to get into the game but he was the instigator as Ireland were the better team in the first half.
Not afraid to mix it with the big boys or get on the ball in tight spaces. He also has the ability to keep it there too.
The 34-year-old crowned a superb performance with a goal of the highest order as his sweetly struck half-volley swept past Isaksson into the corner.
Jonathan Walters 5
He clearly wasn’t 100% fit but Martin O’Neill felt he had to take the risk. His ability to get around the pitch was also hindered when Kim Kallstrom stood on his knee in the first 15 minutes.
His knock-down created Hendrick’s first chance and he then provided cover to Seamus Coleman before being replaced by James McClean in the 63rd minute.
Shane Long 7
Will have relished the tough battle with young centre-half Victor Lindelhof, even if it didn’t yield the reward of goal. Took a battering from both centre-halves at times and felt he should have had a penalty when he was pushed.
Substitutes
James McClean 6
Almost introduced himself with a goal as he attacked Coleman’s cross and beat Seb Larsson in the air.
Robbie Keane 5
Brought on for Hoolahan but had little time to make an impact.
Aiden McGeady
Not on long enough to be rated.
Man of the Match
Wes Hoolahan.
Magic.
Talking Point
Ireland’s performance in the first 60 minutes was superb. It deserved more than a point but they let Sweden back into the game, with Ibrahimovic coming to the fore.
It looked like they were hanging on at times towards the end and it will be difficult to raise themselves for the two tougher games to come.
Many will wonder whether they have another similar performance in them in such a short space of time.
Where Next?
Ireland return to their base in Versailles to prepare for Saturday afternoon’s clash with Belgium in Bordeaux, while Sweden face Italy in Toulouse on Friday.
