For the most part, the nation hasn't yet fallen prey to the delusions of four years ago. Aware of the embarrassment of 2012, we have kept a reasonably tight rein on ourselves this time.
The Sunday Independent's Declan Lynch has urged us to cling to that lack of self-belief which has accompanied us on our giddiest journeys.
However, there is a gnawing sense that the Swedes are in danger of becoming the Croatia of 2016. That is to say, it is a game that many have already pencilled in as a draw at worst. The thought of losing is borderline unthinkable.
The bullish and reassuring cliche of the summer is that the Swedes only have one player. Zlatan Ibrahimovic and ten nonentities filling shirts.
Sweden only have one player, the Belgians are overrated and Italy won't like facing us with 6 points under our belt #2012delusionsagain
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) December 12, 2015
Roy Keane was asked his opinions on Sweden's only player this morning. A cheerful Keane is most anxious to assert his status as the better-looking man.
Confusingly for the English members of the press corps, he classified Ibrahimovic as 'a bit of a boy', as apt a description for Ibrahimovic as we have heard.
He looks a good character. You'd be happy to play with. He's a big player for Sweden. We'll have to keep an eye on him.
As a player? Really, really good. Seen him recently live, I’ve done a few Champions League games, lot of speculation he might be going to England.
I'd like to think I'm better looking than him! He looks like a good player you would be happy to play with
He looks a bit of a boy. Do you know what that means in Cork? I will try to explain it to you later. You’ll have to Google it. Bit of a boy, one you want to be in the trenches with.
Do you understand that? Yeah, I’d like to be in the trenches with him. Scores goals as well. Big lad, big character. Again, he’s not shy. Pretty confident. One to watch from our point of view.
