With the expanded 24 team format one win, or three points, could be enough to get you out of the group stage and into the knockout round.
That’s what made the Sweden vs. Republic of Ireland game so intriguing. With the other two teams in this group being Belgium and Italy, this game was probably both teams best chance at getting that win.
Both teams came out playing like it as well. Though the tournament is still young this one of the first games that featured both teams playing open and going for the win. As the first half progressed it was Ireland getting the better of the chances. Ireland was knocking on the door for the latter of the first half, making you wonder just when they would find their breakthrough.
Shortly after the second half began, Wes Hoolahan did.
