Even though he described Ireland’s performance as “brave”, Eamon Dunphy was ultimately disappointed that Martin O’Neill’s side could not manage the game effectively once they took the lead against Sweden in Monday’s Euro 2016 clash at the Stade de France.
A stunning goal put the Irish ahead on 47 minutes but that advantage was cancelled out when Ciaran Clark diverted the ball into his own net on 71 after good work by Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Reflecting on Ireland’s first point at the European Championships since the 1-1 draw against Russia in 1988, Dunphy said: “I thought it was a very, very brave performance.
"The key things was that we didn't manage the game when we had the lead. You have to have somebody in the middle of the field, in particular, who can slow the tempo down, keep the ball a lot more and make them suffer.
“Sweden reacted to going behind by upping their tempo and we just didn't have the experience to protect our lead.
"I still think we can be proud of the performance. The coach put two attacking players on - McGeady and Keane - to try and win the game."
Liam Brady was, in the main, impressed with what he saw, though he did lament the fact that Ireland retreated somewhat after the Swedes levelled.
"It's a good point but it could have been so much better, because for the majority of the game, particularly in the first half, we were so much better," explained Brady.
"It was a very physical game but we were strong and we were up for it and in Wes Hoolahan we had the most skillful player on the park. He got a great goal, but we kind of retreated after that goal.
"That goal came on 47 minutes and for the next 20 minutes we dropped deeper.
"Sweden came more and more into it before Clark put in to his own net.
"You have to hand it to Sweden, however, as they came on strong in the end. Ibrahimovich, who had been quiet became more influential and his efforts led to their goal."
