Sweden's former Blackburn Rovers left-back Martin Olsson is fouled by Ireland striker Shane Long
BLACKBURN Rovers centre-back Shane Duffy and Burnley left-back Stephen Ward were unused substitutes as Republic of Ireland had to settle for a 1-1 draw with Sweden in their Euro 2016 opener at the Stade de France.
Martin O'Neill's men took a deserved 48th-minute lead courtesy of a brilliant finish from Wes Hoolahan.
But they were pegged back in the 71st minute when a cross from Sweden skipper Zlatan Ibrahimovic was headed into his own goal by Ciaran Clark, who had been preferred to Duffy at the heart of the defence.
Ireland face Belgium in their second Group E match on Saturday afternoon.
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