The Republic of Ireland failed to capitalize on taking the lead early in the second half and had to settle for an opening 1-1 draw with Sweden.
Ireland have the oldest squad at these Championships but they finished the first half in the ascendancy in what was an average encounter between two teams who what they lacked in quality made up for in honest endeavor.
The Irish took some time to settle down but eventually had all the chances in this first period. Jeff Hendrick brought a save from keeper Andreas Isaksson, then the same player went closest on the half-hour when his curling shot crashed against the cross bar.
Before this John O'Shea and Robbie Brady also had opportunities as Sweden looked lethargic with talisman striker Zlatan Ibrahimović kept under close supervision by the Irish defence.
The breakthrough for the Republic of Ireland came just after the break as Seamus Coleman sent over a cross to Wes Hoolahan who cracked in a fierce half-volley for the opener. This stirred Sweden who responded immediately as Darren Randolph was forced to save a header but Emil Forsberg blasted over the rebound from close range.
Sweden suddenly showed some urgency forcing the Irish back and Ibrahimović almost levelled with a first time shot which went narrowly wide. But the enigmatic player did turn provider for the equalizer when his low cross was headed into his own goal from six yards by Ciaran Clark.
In the nineteen minutes remaining it was Sweden who looked the more likely to score as Ireland looked visibly tired but they remained solid at the back and held on to lose their unwelcome record of having lost their last four games at European Championship finals.
The Swedes have now only won three of their last 15 games at these finals but probably did enough in the second 45 minutes to deserve a share of the spoils.
Euro2016 - Group E
Rep of Ireland: 1 (Hoolahan 48)
Sweden: 1 ( Clark og 71)
Stade de France, Saint-Denis
