Robbie Brady backs Republic of Ireland to make Euro 2016 knockout stages

Speaking the day after his side’s 1-1 draw, O’Neill said: “Jon Walters, obviously, would be the main concern”.

Ciaran Clark’s 71st-minute own goal meant they had to settle for a point in the Group E clash – although that is one more than they managed in their three games during their ill-fated Euro 2012 campaign. “I try, but I can do much better”.

However, after battling through for 65 minutes with an achilles injury on Monday, Walters was struggling to complete his usual, typical shift of three men and he had to eventually be withdrawn.

For most of this match, however, he was kept quiet by a determined Irish defence and the particular attentions of his marker Glenn Whelan who gave an outstanding display.

He said: “I think that he would look at the overall performance, his own overall performance and be particularly pleased with it. It is unfortunate”.

Sweden trailed until the 71st minute, when Ibrahimovic glided forward and sent a teasing ball across the goalmouth that Ireland defender Ciaran Clark stooped to head it into his own net.

Such is the internal Swedish focus on Ibrahimovic that there has even been a debate going on as to who is the squad’s second-best player.

Wes Hoolahan nearly upstaged Zlatan Ibrahimovic on Monday at the European Championship, scoring a goal that the flamboyant Sweden striker would have been proud of.

“Three games, we’re one in, we’ve got a point on the board”.

Ibrahimovic then had the chance to put Sweden ahead on 82 minutes when Martin Olsson fired a ball across the area, but he could not make contact.

Except, Ibrahimovic’s first-half performance wasn’t all that regal and certainly not what we’ve come to expect from a player who scored 38 goals for French champion PSG last season.

What do you think of the Irish performance? We were very, very dominant, we played great and then we got in front just after half-time.

“We have desire, we have a never-say-die spirit, but I thought they looked accomplished and I think that’s players growing into worldwide football, which helps”.

Asked if they could win at least one of their remaining group games, he said: “Yes, 100 per cent, especially the way we played today in the first half pushing forward”.

“Wes did brilliantly to keep it down, it’s not his strong foot and it was a great goal”, he said.

“We go into Saturday’s game now and we know that we’re a hard team to beat and not many teams will like playing us”.

Ireland were better team during the first half, and they served notice of their intent when Jeff Hendrick fired a snap shot on goal on ninth minute, forcing a decent save from Sweden keeper Andreas Isaksson.