HIS HAT-TRICK EARNED Ireland a comfortable 3-0 win against the Faroe Islands but Robbie Keane is already targeting six points from their next two World Cup qualifiers.
The Ireland captain scored his 57th, 58th and 59th international goals on the same night he became the country’s record caps holder during what was a fairly routine victory over the minnows.
Austria defeated Sweden 2-1 in Group C’s other game mean they sit level on 11 points with Ireland and although the Swedes are a further three points back, they do have a game in hand.
In September, Ireland face both teams back-to-back in the space of four days and wins will be crucial for Ireland’s chances of making the play-off spot for next year’s finals in Brazil.
On the performance, Keane said: ”The first 25 minutes I thought we were very good. We got it down, passed it and pressed them really well. You try and get the first goal to open them up but to be fair they didn’t really open up that much.
“They kept very compact and in stages made if difficult for us. We came out better in the second half and created a few more chances. It’s been a good day.
“All we have to do is concentrate on ourselves and not worry to much about Austria or Sweden. We know what we have to do – we have to play them both. We’re still in contention and they are two games that we have to win. We’re quite capable of getting three points in them. ”
Taking over from Shay Given by winning his 126th cap was clearly a proud moment for the 32-year-old striker, and after a week of telling the media that he has several years left in him, Keane praised the spirit in the squad.
“I don’t think I’ve had to prove that (my hunger) to anyone. I’ve shown that since I was 18 so that will never change.
The two weeks we’ve been together has been good for the players. The good atmosphere depends on the results and the last three games have been fantastic. The way the lads have bonded and conducted themselves on the pitch has been great.”
Wes Hoolahan made his senior competitive start at the Aviva Stadium and shone on the night – playing a part in all three goals and showing Giovanni Trapattoni just why there have been calls to play him for so long.
“He’s a fantastic footballer,” Keane said of his team-mate. “He’s clever, he’s easy to play with and suits me perfectly. He did very well tonight and is another great addition to the squad.”
Hoolahan, who could be among a host of players to miss the trip to the US to face Spain, returned the compliment.
“It’s amazing (to play with Keane). His movement is fantastic and he’s always there looking for the ball. He showed tonight what a great player he is.”
Explain your comment? We outplayed austria and comfortably held sweden and we are improving
In all fairness, if we stick with St Ledger in defence, then I can’t see us getting the points we need for 2nd from Austria, Sweden and Germany.
He might look good against the Faroes, but you can’t stick a rusty championship centre back, (who never plays more than 10 games a season) in against the top nations, you will get punished. Simple fact, the gulf in ability and match sharpness is just too big.
We’ve seen this already at the euros and against Germany and Austria at the Aviva and sadly I can see it happening again this autumn.
We have better options at centre back capable of stepping it up to that level, but until they’re given a chance, we’ll continue to have a miserable time against the better teams in qualifying.
Gavin did you see our performance last nite? Dismal !
Away to Sweden we looked good but we are incapable of beating these teams away from home and we’ll struggle to do so against Austria.
We played ok against Austria but the last 20 minutes was reminiscent of Russia away, sit back and defend as deep as we can and we paid a hefty price for it.
As for Sweden at home that game has draw written all over it, our football qualities are shocking and its keeping people away from games.
St Ledger last nite was brutal, o shea is a muppet(always has been and always will be) Whelan-wtf???
Simon cox was also horrendous and this was just last nite against a side who would struggle in the lenister senior league.
Don’t get me wrong I am a massive fan and travel to every game home and away from the uk and nobody wants success more than me but robbie is talking through his arse.
Do you remember the staunton late late show, show?
No were not!
But how about now?
I think we have a chance of beating Sweden a home. They were dreadful against us away from home. I agree that the defensive centre half partnership is important here. St Ledger showed in the euros and against England that he’s not quite good enough for international football. O Shea and Dunne may be a better bet for september.
However Austria look at lot better than Sweden and getting a draw in Austria seems like a tall order. Not impossible though. We could very easily miss out on a playoff on goal difference. Which will open up a huge can of worms on Traps tactics.
Have to agree with Denis spot on.
With coleman, Mccarthy and long upfront we have the basis of a decent team. Sweden are poor and if trap hadnt of put the shackles on us at ht v Austria we wudda beat them. All too play for now and we are due some good luck