By Daily Sports on June 14, 2016

Ciaran Clark scored an agonising own goal as the Republic of Ireland were held to a frustrating draw against Sweden in their opening Euro 2016 fixture in Paris.

Wes Hoolahan gave the Republic a deserved lead shortly after half-time with a crisply struck half-volley worthy of opening the scoring in any match.

Martin O'Neill's team had struck the woodwork and gone close several times prior to scoring.

But, after taking the lead they found themselves under increasing pressure and conceded when Clark, chosen ahead of Richard Keogh in the centre of defence, headed a low cross from Zlatan Ibrahimovic into his own net.

The equaliser came from one of the few moments of quality from the Sweden captain, who collected a neat backheel from substitute John Guidetti and raced to the byeline before drilling in a low cross.

Jeff Hendrick drew a late save from Andreas Isaksson but there was no be no winner at the end of a feisty, scrappy match the Republic shaded but could not close out.

Earlier on, Spain's attempt to win a record third European Championship in a row began with a last-gasp victory over the Czech Republic.

Gerard Pique headed in a late Andres Iniesta cross, finally breaking the resistance of their stubborn opponents.

Alvaro Morata, Jordi Alba and David Silva had earlier efforts saved as the holders lacked a cutting edge.

Spain had also survived a scare when Cesc Fabregas hooked a Theodor Gebre Selassie header off the goalline.

Vladimir Darida had a chance to equalise but Spain keeper David de Gea, who started the game after a build-up dominated by allegations against him in the Spanish press, blocked his volley from 10 yards.

•Culled from bbc.com. Photo shows Clark scoring own goal.

Source Daily Sports

Posted June 14, 2016

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