Sport

The Morning Sports Briefing

Ireland’s Euro campaign gets underway this evening, Russia go to war with an English myth and what to watch out for

Republic of Ireland squad training at Stade de France in Paris. Photograph: Donall Farmer/Inpho
Republic of Ireland squad training at Stade de France in Paris. Photograph: Donall Farmer/Inpho
Mon Jun 13 2016 - 08:35

Soccer

Ireland's Euro 2016 campaign kicks off tonight in Paris - with Martin O'Neill's team playing Sweden in their first group game. In what is probably their best opportunity to claim three points from their three upcoming group games.

Ahead of the 5pm kick-off O'Neill has issued a rallying call - be fearless. "Doing your utmost in the match.And you never know."

After Ireland and Sweden do battle, Belgium take on Italy in the day's other Group E tie.

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Yesterday Northern Ireland had a disappointing start to their campaign, suffering a 1-0 defeat to Poland which manager Michael O'Neill described as his team being outclassed. "Overpowered."

Reigning World Champions Germany also began their Euro 2016 with a 2-0 win over Ukraine.

Ken Early was in Marseille on Saturday watching England's draw with Russia - his column tells of how the Russian fans went to war with an English myth.

“If the English “hooliganism” could be described as passive – taking up a static position and inviting trouble – the Russian form was active – going out and making it. They roamed the streets looking for stragglers to beat up. Over the course of the afternoon videos proliferated of Russians kicking and stamping on heads.”

GAA

Meanwhile in the world of GAA Tipperary pulled off the story of the weekend - a first championship win over Cork in 72 years. Roscommon booked their place in the Connacht final after a rampant second-half display against Sligo.

Kerry eased by Clare, although the Banner did manage 17 points. Westmeath scraped by Offaly, Meath had enough about them to beat Louth - and before all that Donegal looked fresh and focused in their win over Fermanagh in Ulster.

Rugby

Gerry Thornley is this morning summing up Ireland's historic win over South Africa in Saturday's first test - "Rory Best's team didn't just beat the Springboks on South African soil for the first time ever here on Saturday, they defied logic and all manner of odds."

What to watch out for

Reigning champions Spain take on Czech Republic in the day's first Euro 2016 fixture.

TV3 from 12.30pm

UTV from 1.30pm

Ireland and Sweden kicks off at 5pm, then at 8pm Belgium and Italy gets underway.

RTE 2 from 4pm

BBC 1 from 4.30pm