Sweden give Ireland a ringing endorsement

THE new Republic of Ireland era last night received a ringing endorsement from an unlikely source - Sweden.

Though Lars Lagerback’s highly-rated Swedes were comprehensively beaten and, at times, outplayed by Steve Stauton’s side at Lansdowne road, the losers were more than gracious in defeat.

Barcelona striker Henrik Larsson struggled to make an impact against the Irish after a lively start to the game, but he insists that the Swedes will return to form before the finals begin in June. He also took time to praise the winners.

“Some days it doesn’t work and you can’t do anything about it, but we were beaten by a better side, simple as that. I don’t see it as a blow for our World Cup hopes at all because we have great confidence in our team and squad.”

Sweden faced the Irish as preparation for their World Cup Group B game against England in Cologne on June 20 and Larsson admits that the more physical aspect of British and Irish teams is something that the Swedes must learn to cope with. He said: “We have to sit down and see what we did wrong and try to do it better when it really matters.

Lagerback’s team, who were so assured defensively on their way to qualification for the World Cup, found the pace and trickery of Ireland’s Damien Duff virtually impossible to deal with as the home side highlighted the fact that they will be one of the best teams not in Germany this summer.

Sweden defender Erik Edman admitted that his team’s defensive failings proved their downfall at Lansdowne Road.

He said: “You have to say we played really badly against a team who played really well. It’s as simple as that, but Ireland have an interesting team with some great young players.

“Damien Duff was having fun all night and Robbie Keane was great as well. They played a bit smarter than us. They were fighting for the second ball and we didn’t do that really.

* CHILE could provide the next opposition for Ireland at Lansdowne Road on Wednesday, May 24.

Chile, like Ireland, failed to qualify for this summer’s World Cup finals after finishing seventh in the 10-team South American World Cup qualifying group.

In their 18 games, Chile scored just 18 goals and conceded 22, but are still a major force and probably ideal preparations for Staunton’s new-look side before that European Championship opener against Germany in Stuttgart on September 2.

Holland, in the World Cup, are lined up for August 15.