The lost 20 minutes that could cost Ireland dear

The Group E draw with Sweden was one that got away from us, a victory we should have achieved but didn’t. Because, while it was a very, very good performance, it wasn’t perfect. And the critical imperfection in it was that we didn’t control the game after we took the lead.

I know, of course, that there will be a natural ebb and flow to most games of football at this level, so Sweden were always going to come into it, which they duly did after Wes Hoolahan’s goal, when they began to push more bodies forward.

But that was the precisely the point at which we needed to apply some authority, be better on the ball and show more composure in defence. Instead, we looked a bit panicky and lacking in leadership — and ultimately we paid the price.