Soccer

Watch: Jeff Hendrick hits the crossbar at the Stade de France

Derby County midfielder comes closest to breaking the deadlock in first half in Paris

Jeff Hendrick sees his effort rattle off the crossbar. Photograph: Epa
Jeff Hendrick sees his effort rattle off the crossbar. Photograph: Epa
Mon Jun 13 2016 - 18:04

HT: Republic of Ireland 0 Sweden 0

Ireland's Euro 2016 campaign began with a dominant first half performance against Sweden at the Stade de France.

While chances were at a premium it was Martin O'Neill's men who went closest in Paris, with John O'Shea missing a golden chance at the back post after Ciaran Clark flicked on a Robbie Brady corner, before Robbie Hendrick rattled the cross bar with a long distance effort.

Jeff Hendrick reacts after hitting the woodwork against Sweden. Photograph: Afp
Jeff Hendrick reacts after hitting the woodwork against Sweden. Photograph: Afp
Jeff Hendrick shoots from distance against Sweden. Photograph: Afp
Jeff Hendrick shoots from distance against Sweden. Photograph: Afp

Running onto the ball just after the half hour mark the Derby County midfielder opened his body and looked to curl one towards the top right corner, only to see his brilliant effort ping back off the woodwork with Andreas Isaksson stranded.

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It was a bright first 45 minutes for Ireland with Seden struggling to gain any real foothold in the game.