The Republic of Ireland needed a wonder save from goalkeeper Keiren Westwood to pick up three precious points in an eventful EURO 2012 qualifying tie at the Aviva Stadium and climb into joint leadership of Group B.
The drawn match in Yerevan between Armenia and visitors Russia meant that Ireland’s three points hoisted them onto the same points total as Russia and Slovakia, who matched Ireland’s progress by defeating Andorra.
Ireland’s win was largely the product of a high-powered opening by Ireland that produced goals from Aiden McGeady and Robbie Keane within 21 minutes of kick-off. These goals catapulted them into a dominant position but in the final analysis this early lead survived only because of a teak-tough defensive performance throughout a tense second half.
Ireland were grateful for their early return as Macedonia showed skill and imagination as they sought an equalising goal. And they would have claimed one as well but for the alert Westwood, whose brave advance to deny Macedonia’s Trichkovski in the 75th minute was of critical importance.
The game was notable for the excellence of Ireland’s remarkable Damien Duff, whose exploits on the right wing testified to his current good form. It was also significant for Robbie Keane who brought his international total of goals to a marvellous 46 and for the arrival of the promising James McCarthy, who was introduced, as promised, for the closing minutes.
Richard Dunne again was outstanding in Ireland’s defence as he shook off the effects of an injury that had kept him out of club football in recent weeks. But regrettably he was shown a yellow card in the second half and, as a consequence of picking up two yellow cards in the tournament, he will miss the return match in Macedonia in June which is sure to test the strength of Ireland’s championship challenge.
The match looked hugely promising for Ireland early on for their opening salvo was breath-taking and for 25 minutes they operated on a different plane to Maceedonia. They were sharp and incisive in their work, diligent and committed in their tackling and they executed their football at a pace that suggested they were intent on nurying Macedonia.
A goal within two minutes was the catalyst for a performance that was full of positive intent. It came from Aiden McGeady, a first goal in his 38th international, and proof positive that manager Giovanni Trapattoni had encouraged his strike force to shoot more often.
Kevin Doyle’s contribution was critical as was his input in that sparkling opening spell. He retained possession under heavy pressure and succeeded in sliding a pass to McGeady. The winger turned inside on to his right foot inside Shumulikoski and from 18 yards he fired right-footed past goalkeeper Nuredinoski.
This was more than anybody could have hoped for and Ireland grew in stature and in ambition. They used their talented wingers effective, Damien Duff on the right and McGeady on the left, and controlled midfield.
Darron Gibson and Glenn Whelan were immense, powerful in the tackle and using the ball effectively. They dominated Macedonia and Ireland restricted the play to Macedonia’s half as they eagerly sought to add to their lead.
Duff ran the experienced Goran Popov a merry dance as he conjured up one of his most effective performances and he illustrated his confidence by cutting inside for a right-foot shot that was narrowly wide after seven minutes. Keane forced a corner off the goalkeeper as he fought to reach a headed deflection from Doyle as a second goal seemed imminent.
It duly arrived after 21 minutes. A free for Ireland 30 yards from goal was struck powerfully by Gibson. The ball flew through to goalkeeper Nuredinoski and as he spilled the ball Robbie Keane struck like a flash to knock the rebound into the net off the stricken goalkeeper.
This was Keane’s 46th goal in his 105th international – a testament to his unfailing dedication to the Irish cause. Keane’s career is a long and enduring record of selfless work for Ireland and his spectacular return of 46 goals is a glowing tribute to his commitment.
Sadly the goal was preceded by an unfortunate accident that forced the withdrawal of Kevin Doyle. The Wolves striker was a huge influence on the game until he fell awkwardly when hit from behind as he rose for header. He immediately signalled for a replacement and his shuffling departure reflected damage to his left knee.
Ireland had to operate with ten players for more than three minutes while Shane Long waited on the half-way line to replace his former club colleague. Trapattoni ran agitatedly down the touchline and encroached on the pitch as he sought to facilitate Long’s introduction but in vain as the referee studiously ignored him.
The second goal gave Ireland the impetus to maintain their push and Long was only seven minuted on the pitch when he found himself clear with only defender Demiri blocking his path to goal. Long forced him to back pedal into the penalty area but angled his left foot shot across goal and wide when it looked as Ireland would secure the third goal they needed to make it safe.
Instead their position was made precarious in the extreme as Macedonia gingerly played their way into the game. They were always stretched when Ireland came forward but as Ireland appeared to be drawn into a more cautious and circumspect approach so Macedonia prospered.
Gone was the fire and brimstone approach that enabled them force their will on the game as their work-rate dropped and Macedonia found the time and space to influence the trend of the game in midfield. Shumulikoski exerted a growing influence and with centre-forward Goran Pandev picking up clever positions and attracting a lot of possession, they forced Ireland into an increasingly defensive role.
Richard Dunne was on top of his form and he needed to be to control Pandev. Macedonia picked their passes with accuracy and consistently and the pressure on Ireland’s defence grew ostensibly as they won an increasing amount of possession.
Macedonia were technically very good but as Ireland defended with discipline and good organisation, Macedonia were repeatedly repulsed as they sought in vain to thread a path through a dense picket fence of Irish defenders. The sustained period of Macedonia pressure paid off on the call of half-time as Pandev turned a beautiful pass through a narrow gap to Trichkovski, who turned adroitly inside Dunne’s tackle and beat Keiren Westwood from 12 yards.
The second half lacked the sparkle and spectacle of the opening 45 minute, principally because Macedonia were a much more potent force and enjoyed more possession. Ireland could not recover the attacking verve that had so decorated their opening play and scoring opportunities were as rare as a positive bank account in these straitened times.
Duff, a persistent threat to Macedonia on Ireland’s right wing, struck a volley from McGeady’s cross narrowly wide after 58 minutes and Keane tried but failed narrowly to send Long in on goal with an attempted nut-meg on an opposing defender in the 64th minute as the flow of the game was firmly re-directed towards Westwood’s goal.
It was a battle for Ireland and they needed an inspiring save from Westwood in the 75th minute to retain their slim advantage. The defence was caught too square as Macedonia played a ball over the top of Ireland’s defenders for goalscorer Trichkovski. He was in space, just twelve yards from goal but Westwood’s advance was heroic as he smothered the shot at goal and rescued a precious win for Ireland.
The game was evidence of how challenging this group will continue to be for Ireland must have greeted the final whistle with feelings of relief. The exuberant mood of the sparkling opening half-hour was chased from memory as Macedonia advanced in effect and ambition and Ireland know they will face a huge challenge when they travel to Skopje to face these opponents again in June.
Unfortunately they will not have the services of the influential Richard Dunne for he picked up his second yellow card of the tournament and will miss the game. And Ireland will be hoping that the magnificent Damien Duff and the elusive Aiden McGeady will retain their form and fitness as they seek to process a route through a competition that as unpredictable as the Ireland’s economic future.
Teams:
Republic of Ireland: Keiren Westwood; Kevin Foley, Richard Dunne, Darren O’Dea, Kevin Kilbane; Damien Duff, Glenn Whelan, Darren Gibson (Keith Fahey 77), Aiden McGeady; Robbie Keane (James McCarthy 87), Kevin Doyle (Shane Long 20).
FYR Macedonia: Nuredinoski; Shikov, Grncharov, Noveski, Popov; Naumoski (Risticj 68), Shumulikoski, Demiri (Georgievski 84), Tasevski (Gjurovski 61), Trichkovski; Pandev.
Referee: Mr. Istvan Vad (Hungary).
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