SWEDEN rode their luck to deny the Republic of Ireland the win they deserved in Paris on Monday, but Robbie Brady says the Boys in Green will bounce back from the disappointment.
Norwich City wing-back Brady, who was in sparkling form in the Group E opener, is confident Ireland have the beating of Belgium and Italy - but they need to take their chances.
Dubliner Brady says a more clinical finishing touch will be required against group favourites Belgium - who lost 2-0 against Italy in their opening game - when they meet in Bordeaux on Saturday.
When asked if the Republic could still qualify for the knockout phase of the tournament, he replied: “Yes, 100 per cent, especially the way we played in the first-half pushing forward.
“If we finish a couple more of them off in the next couple of games... We've shown that we can hurt teams. I'm really looking forward to the next two and I've got really good feelings that we can out of this group.”
Brady came close to scoring at Stade de France when he sent a right-foot drive just over the Sweden crossbar in the first-half. Jeff Hendrick, John O’Shea and Shane Long also had chances before Wes Hoolahan eventually broke the deadlock.
Sweden fans watch Monday's Group E match in Paris:
That goal sparked the Swedes to life and their pressure finally paid off when Ciaran Clark headed a cross from Zlatan Ibrahimovic into his own net to deny Ireland a first victory at a major tournament since their 3-0 win against Saudi Arabia at the 2002 World Cup.
“I wouldn't say it felt like a defeat,” said Brady as he reflected on the 1-1 draw.
“It's a point on the board, but it's disappointing all the same not to see it out. We were quite dominant for a lot of the game and had a lot chances, but we didn't get three points.
“But it's a point on the board and 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. We'll be looking for three points in the next couple of games.”
Meanwhile, the more he plays at international level, the better Brady’s Norwich City team-mate Hoolahan looks. It’s a mystery why current manager Martin O’Neill’s predecessor Giovanni Trapattoni chose to leave him out of the side.
“It's a shame for football,” said Brady.
“A shame for Irish football especially that he did miss that much time and people didn't get to see him for more time. But he's here now, so people just need to tune in and catch the best of him because he's still a top-class player. He's a class act and I'm over the moon for him.
“He was excellent, which he always is. He's one of these lads that you think might get caught on the ball sometimes and he just manages to come up with something to get himself out of it.
“He's a joy to play with and it's a joy to watch him play. All credit to him.”
