Legends target Croatia at finals

Heroes of the Republic of Ireland’s opening games at Euro ’88 and Italia ’90 respectively, Packie Bonner and Kevin Sheedy know how crucial it is to hit the ground running at a major finals.

Keeper Bonner famously frustrated England in Ireland’s finals debut at our only other European Championships in Germany 24 years ago, when Ray Houghton’s early goal beat the auld enemy.

Sheedy’s sublime left foot netted a glorious late equaliser as Jack Charlton’s side then came from behind to draw 1-1 with England in Cagliari in Ireland’s World Cup opener two years later.