Player ratings: Republic of Ireland 1 Sweden 1

Darren Randolph

One clean catch early on settled his back four. Then made a great save from Ciaran Clark's deflection on 48 minutes. Rating: 7

Seamus Coleman

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Glenn Whelan is handed a yellow card by Serbian referee Milorad Mazic. Photo: Getty Images

Zen master among green haze of stress to create goal. Minding the house more than raiding forward, as Ireland eventually needed from him, there was an important clearing header on 50 minutes. Rating: 7

John O’Shea

Will rue the inaccuracy of swinging leg off Clark's nod down on 18 minutes - a goal lost - and inability to stay with a ghosting Zlatan Ibrahimovic for Swedish equaliser. Rating: 6

Ciaran Clark

Expertly minded Ibrahimovic for so long but the pressure exerted by the great man told for his unlucky own goal (granted, Clark almost scored two). Far more good than bad. Rating: 7

Robbie Brady

Importantly accurate, a previous flaw clearly ironed out, his instinctive deliveries should have yielded three early goals. Rating: 7

Glenn Whelan

Ibrahimovic felt him a few times, his teammates constantly heard him, warning them, reassuring them. Ireland's muscular presence, he deserves praise for largely unseen cover in no man's land. Rating: 7

James McCarthy

Poor. Struggled to impose himself with the yellow card coming off an impetuous foul on Forsberg all because he sloppily lost possession. Rating: 5

Jeff Hendrick

Like Roy, not into those friendly outings. Best Ireland player in key qualification games and again during this first half when a wonderful right footer left him momentarily shocked as it bounced off crossbar. Rating: 7

Jon Walters

Retreated to right back at times, inspirational toiling, scrapping onto ball where others wouldn't have a prayer. Unfit, made way for McClean after 62 minutes. Rating: 6

Wes Hoolahan

Boys and girls will be hitting half volleys all over the land. Took 35 minutes to carve a patch among yellow beanpoles by stealthily easing to the right of Long. Makes this team what they are. Rating: 7

Shane Long

Hurler's bravery coupled with natural strength that struck fear into Swedish hearts. Starved of opportunities, his tracking for 56th minute tackle on Kallstrom mattered. Rating: 6

Substitutes

James McClean then Robbie Keane then Aiden McGeady - arriving for Walters, Hoolahan and McCarthy - showed intent by manager and need for three points. None of them made required impact. Rating: 4

Manager

Hard to criticise any tactical decisions or substitutions. Players so nearly delivered a famous victory for him, until thwarted by the Ibrahimovic moment. Rating: 7