We went minute-by-minute as Ireland travelled to Kazakhstan for their opening World Cup 2014 qualifier. It was… emm… it was something, that’s for sure.
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Kazakhstan 1-2 Republic of Ireland
16.45 – Evening all. Five o’clock is the new quarter-to-eight, so what better way to kick start your weekend than with some competitive international football.
Yes, you have to watch Ireland. No, it’s not optional.
Giovanni Trapattoni and his (slightly) new-look Boys in Green are in Astana for their opening 2014 World Cup qualifier; the first ginger steps (we’re looking at you, Paul McShane) on the road to Rio.
Kick-off is in 15 minutes so if you’re still at the desk, already in the pub, on a bus or on a train, make sure you stay with us for the latest updates.
17.12 – Over on Facebook, the predictions are coming in. The pessimism of earlier seems to have been replaced by that Friday feeling:
17.32 – From a quick free-kick out to the left wing, Simon Cox hoofs a hopeful ball into the box where it’s cleared away before John O’Shea even manages to leave his feet. Pretty uninspiring stuff from Ireland so far — and that’s me being nice.
17.48 – “This is a f****** shambles,” writes Les Rock, echoing the sentiments of a nation — and it very nearly gets worse. Bogdanov’s long-range effort is palmed straight back out by Westwood and the rebound comes back off the post. The fact that the linesman’s flag is up is no consolation at all unfortunately.
A minute plus stoppage time to play.
17.59 – “Caveman stuff” is how John Giles has described that first-half and he’s not wrong.
If you’re looking for someone to blame for the goal, look to Stephen Ward for giving away the easy free with a lazy tackle or Glenn Whelan for trying to mark Nurdauletov from two yards away.
18.39 – That was very nearly curtains for Ireland. Dzolchiyev outmuscles St Ledger and drills the ball low inside Westwood’s near post. He gets down to tip it behind but that really should’ve been Kazakhstan’s second.
POLL: What result do you expect from Ireland’s meeting with Kazakhstan?
Preview: A new journey begins, as Ireland face Kazakhstan
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