Swedes Fail to Turnip

I Payet

D Repuberlik of Oireland got their Euro campaign underway with an impressive performance against Sweden last night. The Irish came out of their corner in fighting mood and were unlucky not to be leading at half time after dominating proceedings during the first 45. They finally capitalised upon their dominance just after the break with a well-crafted Wes Hooligan strike. However, as the ever-optimistic Ronnie Whelan suggested, it was too early to take the lead and duly, Sweden managed to squeeze an equaliser in the 71st minute. Strangely, Hammers netminder Dazza Randolph only came under real pressure for the period between Ireland's opener and Sweden's equaliser as the Irish went back on the offensive looking for an elusive winning goal.

A key talking point centred around Sweden's cynical fielding of two Zlatan Ibrahimovic's!!!  In a blatant affront to the German legend of the doppelganger, the Swedes introduced a second Zlatan (under the pseudonom of Eric Johansson) at half time. 

but which one is the original?

In a pathetic attempt to cover their tracks they then forced the second Zlatan to play as a defender.  Either way, the Irish defence was having none of Mr Ibrahimovic's nonsense as the self proclaimed 'leg end' failed to impress his utter excellence upon proceedings as Ciaran Clark and John O'Shea coped admirably with his threat.

All of this will undoubtedly be of interest to the West Ham board as they continue to seek ways to keep Dimitri Payet at the club. Leaked pictures from their sports science department suggest that their efforts are progressing well!

Next up for Ireland will be Belgium and then Italy. After Italy's 2-0 victory last night, the Belgian's will be desperate for a win -and perfectly positioned for Ireland to catch them on the counter, hopefully.