Plenty of fire, not enough ice as Ireland's learning curve continues

Plenty of fire, not enough ice. That was the story of the Republic of Ireland's 3-0 loss to Sweden on Friday night as the wait for a win in Euro 2025 qualification goes on.

Cooler heads did not prevail in the moments that mattered most. The hosts were generally excellent in the opening 45 minutes, but they imploded in front of goal, while Sweden ruthlessly showed them how it's done through Johanna Rytting Kaneryd (2) and Fridolina Rolfo.

Eileen Gleeson's team were a ball of energy in that first half and really should have taken the lead.

The game's pivotal miss perhaps defined the contest: Lily Agg was extremely lucky not go in the book for a wild tackle on Rolfo; moments later, with her blood still up, she snatched at a glorious chance, sidefooting it wide with the goal gaping.

Fire and ice; aggression and composure.

It's not easy to get the balance right, to go full throttle out of possession and then take your foot off the gas at the right times to enhance your self control, but Ireland at least enjoyed moments that suggested they are getting closer.

"I think we started great," said defender Caitlin Hayes.

"We had them rattled. We could have gone in at half-time winning if we were a bit more clinical. There are definitely positives to take going into Tuesday.

"There's no time to go and lick your wounds. We just have to amend some of the things we did wrong and take the positives into Tuesday. We've got to keep pushing forward.

"I enjoy being tested by the world's best. It's a joy to play with this short on and it's a joy to play at the Aviva."

They will push forward without the injured Denise O'Sullivan and, likely, Ruesha Littlejohn who is a major doubt.

It means others will have to step up to the plate - which is a challenge,