Golden chance missed as luck deserts the Irish at Euro 2016 opener

It was a perfect start to the Republic’s Euro 2016 dreams in Paris, a Wes Hoolahan cracker that ignited 30,000 Irish fans at the Stade de France.

The only thing missing was the so-called luck of the Irish as Sweden grabbed a Group E point without even registering a shot on target.

Manager Martin O’Neill and skipper John O’Shea admitted the opening 1-1 draw felt like an opportunity lost, with Jeff Hendrick rattling the crossbar and John O’Shea inches away from scoring as Ireland dominated the game.