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Ireland 4-1 Oman (FT)
Hello, and welcome to our liveblog for this evening’s game between Ireland and Oman.
Giovanni Trapattoni will presumably be eager for his side to produce an improved display, following their distinctly underwhelming performance against Kazakhstan on Friday.
Here is the Ireland team for this evening:
David Forde, Seamus Coleman, Stephen Kelly, Sean St Ledger, Marc Wilson, Robbie Brady, David Meyler, James McCarthy, Andy Keogh, Shane Long, Kevin Doyle.
You’ll have noticed that there’s a late change in the Irish side, with St Ledger starting ahead of McShane. We’ve received this statement from the FAI in recent minutes:
“Word just in that Paul McShane has come down with something and was vomiting after the warm-up. St Ledger starting in his place.”
Speaking on Setanta, Kevin Kilbane says that “history suggests we can beat anyone”. Some may consider that statement a bit of an exaggeration, but perhaps he was thinking of this famous moment:
YouTube credit: FatherTed2006
The teams are out, with kick-off less than five minutes away.
Our saviour against Kazakhstan, Kevin Doyle, captains the side tonight.
There seems to be some confusion, with the announcement of “the Irish National Anthem” being followed by a song from the tanoy that is definitely not Amhrán na bhFiann (it was instead the official FIFA music).
Anyhow, after that farcical delay, Amhrán na bhFiann belatedly begins playing.
While we await kick-off, here’s a quick poll for your amusement:
If some of the fringe players impress tonight, do you think Trap will start them against Germany?
Poll Results:
It’s a somewhat positive opening, as Ireland at least look to be trying to pass the ball a bit, rather than lump it forward, as they did all too often against Kazakhstan.
After just two minutes, Kevin Doyle’s cross is almost deflected into the net by an Oman defender, as Al Habsi is forced to make a good reaction save.
Down the other hand, a poor clearance from David Forde puts Ireland under pressure, with the defence struggling to clear the ball thereafter, as the Oman attackers lurking.
A deep free-kick into the box finds the head of Sean St Ledger, who heads it across the box to the unmarked Shane Long, and the West Brom striker nods home easily to give Ireland the lead (7 minutes).
Ireland are continuing to pass the ball consistently, unlike they did against Kazakhstan, with James McCarthy already looking far more influential than he was in Friday’s game.
A clever ball from Shane Long finds the head of Andy Keogh, but the winger is adjudged to be marginally offside.
If Ireland continue to play in this manner though, they could win the game by four or five goals. However, it must also be said that Oman look pretty hopeless. They’re no Kazakhstan even.
Perhaps partially due to the distinct lack of enthusiasm surrounding the Irish team at the moment, the attendance at Craven Cottage tonight is really poor. The fact that it’s being played in London is another obvious reason.
I’ll try to get you the official figures before the end of the game.
If that doesn’t impress Trapattoni, I don’t know what will. The ball isn’t cleared properly by the Oman defence, and Robbie Brady hits a classy volley from about 25 yards out, which finds the corner of the net (23 mins).
“Oh man,” say the office’s resident pun expert, Hugh O’Connell.
Speaking on Setanta, Matt Holland says Oman “are not a bad team,” but I reckon they’d struggle against a decent League of Ireland side.
Not that anything should be taken away from this Irish performance – they’ve shown a decent level of flair and creativity tonight, for a Trapattoni team at least.
However, as I was just typing there, Oman had claims for a penalty waved away by referee Andrew Marriner.
Let’s hope Ireland don’t get too complacent now.
Robbie Brady is really staking a claim for a more influential role in the squad.
He curls in a perfectly wighted free-kick, and Kevin Doyle is on hand to nod home (35 mins).
If only it were always this simple, as far as Giovanni Trapattoni’s Ireland team are concerned.
Ireland are looking really confident now. David Meyler attempts an ambitious shot from distance that goes well wide.
Normally, most critics would urge supporters not to read too much into this game, but the team have been so poor of late that it’s hard not to grasp for positives.
Another great cross by Brady from a corner, and St Ledger’s header is well saved by Al Habsi.
Shortly thereafter, Kevin Doyle almost plays Shane Long through on goal, but slightly overhits his pass.
Both strikers have looked lively for Ireland tonight.
What problems? Ireland have produced a thoroughly convincing display so far tonight.
In contrast with the majority of Trapattoni’s time in charge, they have attempted to pass the ball consistently, with Robbie Brady in particular catching the eye, albeit against a side that are 93rd in the World Rankings.
Kazakhstan were 142nd, but they appear superior to Oman on tonight’s evidence.
Of course, the Asian qualfying matches have far less quality than the European ones, so this could be part of the reason for the deceptive difference in status between the two sides.
Alex Pearce has replaced Marc Wilson and Darren Randolph has come on for David Forde in the second half for Ireland.
Still no sign of James McClean though.
Meanwhile, in the World Cup qualifiers tonight…
Ireland almost add a fourth, as Keogh is played through, but his shot is palmed away for a corner by Al Habsi.
As the low-key opening start to the second half continues, it’s also worth mentioning that Germany are currently 2-0 up against Austria and Sweden are beating Kazakhstan 1-0, and it’s early in the second half in both those games.
Interesting to note that Sweden aren’t exactly winning convincingly against Kazakhstan either and they’re playing at home, remember.
Oman have a rare short on target from Al Farsi, which Randolph tips over the bar.
Ireland haven’t showed the same level of urgency since the beginning of the second half.
Good ball into the box from Stephen Kelly finds the head of Kevin Doyle, who narrowly misses the target.
And it’s the last action of the game from the Wolves man, as he’s replaced by James McClean.
It looks like Ireland may now play five in midfield, though it’s not entirely clear what formation they’ll adopt as of yet.
James McCarthy comes off for Simon Cox, who will presumably now play upfront instead of Doyle.
McClean has now almost scored twice since coming on.
Firstly, his free kick was tipped away from goal by Al Habsi, and then, his volley following some nice Irish build-up play narrowly eludes the top corner.
Meanwhile, McGeady has replaced the impressive Robbie Brady, with twenty minutes remaining now.
A clever through ball splits open the Irish defence, and Al Farsi coolly slots it into the corner.
There is no doubt that the Irish performance has dipped in this second half. Their failure to establish an rhythm to their play is probably partially as a result of the extensive amount of substitutions made, with the latest seeing Joey O’Brien coming on for Shane Long.
Ireland need to be careful here.
Al Hosni has struck a shot narrowly wide from just inside the box, as they threaten to capitalise on the increasingly lax attitude of Giovanni Trapattoni’s team.
Another goal from a set-piece for Ireland, as Alex Pearce heads home powerfully from McGeady’s ball in (84 mins).
Oman have struggled to deal with the side’s aerial threat all night.
Beautiful skill from McGeady to evade his marker with a drag back, before playing in Andy Keogh with a lovely through pass.
Unfortunately for Ireland, Keogh is adjudged to be narrowly offside, though he hits the chance wide anyway.
McGeady underhits a pass, and Simon Cox is the victim of a sore-looking tackle from the opposition player.
Consequently, Cox has to be carried off, with a few seconds remaining.
It’s full-time in the Group C games – Sweden have beaten Kazakhstan 2-0, and Germany have triumphed 2-1 against Austria.
So a much-improved performance from Ireland, all in all.
Oman, though, it has to be said, are the worst international side Trap’s team have played in a long while.
Robbie Brady, Seamus Coleman and Shane Long in particular did themselves no harm at all on the basis of that performance, and they’ll surely all feature on the bench, if not the starting lineup against Germany next month.
Moreover, it’ll be interesting to see whether Ireland attempt to pass the ball as much in that game as they did tonight.
Sad when the “B” team plays better than the “A” team
Not that I care, but why are we playing games in london?
I know the answer to that one, but you don’t care.
Money plain and simple
like blank sheets of paper?
like blank sheets of paper???
Havin’ a mare tonight Vincent!
Very good young Irish team out… expect some good football tonight. Still want Trap and that utter gobsh-te Delaney OUT
the level of personal attacks and abuse, and illiterate idiotic rantings in the comments section these days is really turning me off the journal, realise not much can or should be done but I for one shall be moving along… you can be annoyed and upset with trap and Delaney and Robbie but the casual hate and bile illustrates some vile disgusting people, you are your thoughts, you are your words, YOU are your comments..
Get a grip of yourself,they’re fair game for criticism as soccer players with Ireland
Website comments sections are the sewers of the Internet :)
move along so
Trap to take off anybody that scores,too positive
Not on RTÉ and this one will prob be more exciting…… Typical…. ah well….
seems like I was right… three goals when did this last happen..
It’s on setanta
ya but u need the banter from the panel…
It’s just like watching brazil. After this first half performance I think we will win the world cup.
Seamus Coleman had a great game. Hopefully now he will get what he deserves.
Andy Keogh has to be the worst player to ever put on an Irish jersey and I’m including the fans in that.
He’s useless alright
Paul Green?????
I second paul green
For what it’s worth Oman are 93 in the rankings and as we know Khazakhstan are 142
Come on Ireland :)
Play in London? What’s wrong with our pitch?
Could u imagine how embarrassing it would be to the fai to have a empty aviva putting it on it craven cottage means it will be full of expats on a night out
We would have a better chance if that dope Trap plays the team he has out tonight…
Ireland winning 2-0 so far. Absolutely disgraceful. Trap out! *fumes* *rants* *points finger*
We’re beating Oman 2-0 and what…….. we should just forget last Friday night, forget the whole shambolic Euro 2012 tournament and forget about the arrogance, ignorance and overall ineptness of Mr Trappattoni??????
Your forgetting that it was Mr Trapattoni that got us into Euro 2012. A 10-year wait for a major tournament final, and 24 for a return to the European stage. All down to Trap. We got to Euro 2012 by winning most games, drawing a few and only lost one game by one goal.
Because Euro 2012 was a complete shambolic, you and others think we should throw in the towel and get someone else? After all the progress so far? Yes the last match was an absolute disaster but it was Trap that made changes resulting in Ireland winning the game – albeit a poor win after a shite match. People called for his head, saying he was stubborn and wouldn’t try out new players – he did just that tonight allowing Ireland win 4-1. Yes, Oman were a poor team but Ireland played much worse against a lower ranked team on Friday and managed to do much better against a team that was ranked higher today.
All under Trap. Is he perfect? No. Is Ireland perfect? No. Is Trap a complete failure and needs to be given the sack along? Absolutely not. It was Trap who got us to this very point and I don’t think we are slipping backwards. He is a very experience manager and the best on the table.
Why do all you Trap supporters like to forget Armenia managing to screw up against Macedonia which played a major part in us squeezing into the play-off position?
He’s being riding his luck for ages now, playing players out of position, no plan B… (no plan A)…. and playing the most predictable, turgid anti-football ever seen in green jerseys, it’s no wonder we were brutally exposed on the main stage…same formation, same tactics being used since he took charge.
As refreshing as it was tonight to see a few passes being thrown around and an actual gameplan it’s nothing but papering over the cracks, come the German game he’ll resort back to the same predictable 4-4-2 with no clue on what to do if Germany score first…pump the ball up field as high as they can and with any luck it’ll bounce over Neuer’s head.
And his treatment of Andy Reid was disgusting but that’s trap for you, unlike most managers who try nurture talent and skill and put confidence in your players he depresses it by suggesting the players he picks haven’t got the passing or attacking skill and that is why any creative players we have are ignored…MacClean, Clarke, McCarthy, Coleman etc etc, they don’t fit into his stubborn mindset, he picks players who’s only perceived skill is stopping the opposition playing and even that tactic has been exposed for the fail it is.
He’s suggesting he has to play one way and one way only becasue we don’t have attack minded players, but that’s his opinion and it stinks.
A manager with no clue???? Turgid football??? No plan A?????
Thats the funniest rant I’ve seen… Why dont you go back to watching league of ireland football and pretending its a real league. This manager knows how to win tournaments and you should be delighted he stepped into a job that no other manager of his class would touch with a ten foot barge pole. If it wasnt for him we’d be back to the era of qualifying for nothing and not looking like qualifying ever either…. All the usual excuses about small nations etc would be back in force as people like you relish the idea of mediocre football pretending its actually good…. Theres plent of videos on you tube on the eoin hand era and johnny giles managment etc. Go watch them to relive your favorite moments… We’ll stick with the current world class manager.
Haha you for real Charlie or are you in full on sarcastic mode?
I’m suggesting sarcasm becasue no way can you be serious – LOL – good one.
Jez cant even get the national anthems right
Down with that sort of positivity…. Don’t you know where you are????
But yes… Come on Ireland!!!
@Atlantic Soup, Illiterate? Kettles and Pots come to mind. Your punctuation leaves a lot to be desired. If you are going to make a point using the word illiterate, you should at least punctuate your post. Now I am not one to comment on punctuation, grammar or spelling, everybody has a right to voice an opinion irrespective of their literary expertise but to call them illiterate, when your own post is littered with mistakes, is just taking the piss.
Capital A for Atlantic for a start…..
No harm, but we are playing Oman. The rankings are arseways!!! Long way from the glory days. When players fought tooth and nail, eg Aldridge v Mexico…Totally agree with the fact we are forgetting our escape on fri nite and the shambles that was euro 2012…bit rough on Robbie…A savage servant…Deserves some respect…
Coleman, Long, Meyler the pick of the bunch with fairly good displays from Brady. Thought Wilson was solid despite having little to do when he was on in the first half. Pity he wasn’t challenged more. Keogh largely innefective going forward yet completed game – go figure! McLean looked busy and had a couple of good chances. Taking responsibility for, and having good effort with, free kick demonstrates he isn’t letting his faux pas effect him. Pity he didn’t get a full game. I reckon he would have had a cracker tonight.
Whether, any of the above force their way to a start against Germany is debatable. Hope I’m wrong but fully expect Trapattonni to revert to type in terms of selection and style of play. Ultra cautious approach will no doubt win out. Pity!
To be fair Eamonn I didnt see much outside of McLean that would have me running to the team sheet with an eraser….. They rest were like a very very good league of Ireland side which wouldnt do much against any team in the 75 of the rankings lets be honest. Although I would be playing Long and Doyle upfornt instead of that “king of the near miss” keane. I must admit I have never been a fan of that particular muppet. The only reason he’s still getting paid to play football is because he has a good agent.
Yeah let’s not get carried away where was ciaran Clarke tonight another balls from Crapattoni check out my blog on http://www.snazzyireland.com in the forum .I for one have had enough of our good young players been treated with no respect
Then go watch one of your own sports… Cricket maybe… You’d be happier and so would we. Win / Win
What was the official attendance?
Kick off???
7.45
7.45 r 8.. I really do think that this game will b gud…. beta then frydays 1 anyway….
It’s on now must be a 7.30 kick off
Major cock up at the anthems. No one had a clue what was going on! The people singing before was good in fairness.
Attendance: 00,067
Compete waste of time.
Why was the game played in London?
Probably because it’s cheaper then opening lansdowne road for 50 people.
This Result is just camourflage for the problems that still exist in the Team and the Management. In other words it just papers over the cracks that have already started to appear in the set up. It is time for change especially Manager Trappatoni who by all accounts has completely lost the Plot.
Just take the U21′s manager Noel King for example. He is one man who knows how the modern game should be played. He is well known in FAI circles having also managed the Irish Womens team and he is also familar with many players in the squad having brought many young players to the fore.
So the FAI would not have to look very far as they already have a future manager in their ranks. Mind you this is only a suggestion on my part.
To conclude Trappatoni should take a severance and sail off into the Italian Sunset.