Ireland Gain A Valuabe Point In Bari

Andrea Pirlo
By Brian
April 1 2009

An early sending off lead to a very one sided affair tonight in Bari as we took on the might of Italy in a WCQ group game. Going in as the underdogs, and struggling with injuries, most would have taken a point as a massive result. Thats exactly what we achieved. A late Robbie Keane goal securing a valuable point in a game where it could maybe have been so different

An exciting start to the game with John O'Shea lying in a heap on the floor, and Pazinni walking away fomr him after an aerial challenge where Pazinni's elbow left O'Shea bloodied. Not a terribly malicious challenge, but tonights referee, to the Italians bewilderment, flashed the red card and left Pazinni having an early bath, and the Irish following extremely excited at the prospects of facing 10 man Italy.

The Italians, known for their defensive prowess, and captivated by Fabio Cannavaro's performance tonight, were always going to try nick a goal and shut up shop. This is exactly what they did, when Paul McShane left us exposed at the back, allowing Grosso on a trademark run down the left to pull the ball across. It left Iaquinta with the easiest of tap ins, and silenced the baying Irish fans.

The remainder of the game was played mainly in the Italians half, with some counter attacking efforts the best the Italians could hope for. They showed the discipline they are noted for in their approach to defending the slight lead and proceeded to shut the Irish out time after time.

Trappatoni showed us a new side to his tactical magic tonight, as he made cunning change after change, as early as the 23rd minute, bringing on Caleb Folan for Andy Keogh. Keogh who replaced the injured Aiden McGeady had really failed to stamp any influence on the game, and Trap wasn't giving him time to do so. We switch to a 4-3-3 style with Keane playing a mainly free role from deep. Interesting but posotive from Trappatoni.

The lack of creativity from the Irish boys meaning clear cut chances are non existant, save an excellent individual effort from Stephen Hunt, a dipping half volley. If it had been left, or right, of Buffon, it could very well have found itself nestling in the back of the net.

We saw the introduction of Darren Gibson, the changing of O'Shea to right back for the very poor McShane and Noel Hunt joining his brother on the field. Even with the tactical battle between Trappatoni and Lippi, which Trappatoni seemed to be edging, we still couldnt break them down efficiently. Just unable to create anything threatening and the set piece delivery leaving a lot to be desired. The absence of Duff and McGeady was evident tonight.

Just as it all looked lost, step up the countries captain, our all time record scorer, Robbie Keane. A floating long ball from Given, knocked down by the tall target man Folan, falls into Keanes path, where he rifles a left footed shot past Buffon to send the Irish fans who travelled over into raptures! A bit of luck in the final minute or so and it could just have been the unthinkable victory. 1-1 the score remained, and we have kept in touch with Italy in the group. Not much more could have been asked of the boys tonight.

Ireland Gain A Valuabe Point In Bari

Posted by: Ireland (IP Logged)

Date: 01/04/2009 22:12

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