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

Discussion started by Ireland (IP Logged), 01/04/2009 22:12

Ireland
01/04/2009 22:12

What do you think? You can have your say by posting below.
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.

Reply Quote Report

Tosh
02/04/2009 00:08

Great result,hopefully we can keep up this undefeated run and qualify.

Reply Quote Report

Carlo Von Schutt
02/04/2009 00:16

Hope so!

You'd have hoped for 4 pts from the last two games.

Was gutted that McGeady missed a great chance the other night against Bulgaria at 1 - 0.

Could prove costly.

But great result tonight. Anyone got any video links?

Reply Quote Report

Briansmurph
02/04/2009 00:30

Hey Carlo welcome to the board mate,

link of the goal is ">here

Reply Quote Report

Carlo Von Schutt
02/04/2009 01:06

Thanks.

Link's only got the Iaquinta Goal, no Keano?

Anyway gave me chance to re-live this ">1, 2, 3, 4, 5 O'Leary

Reply Quote Report

Briansmurph
02/04/2009 01:15

Ya sorry mate heres the keano ">goal

Reply Quote Report

Tony ~ Montana
02/04/2009 04:44

Keane had a chance to win it at the death too!

---------------------------------------------






---------------------------------------------

Reply Quote Report

Carlo Von Schutt
02/04/2009 04:52

Thanks mate.

Reply Quote Report

Carlo Von Schutt
02/04/2009 08:59

Looking at the stats it looks like Ireland dominated the game.







Was it that one-sided?

Reply Quote Report

Steve
02/04/2009 12:21

All I can say is god damn robbie keane. 89th minute goal against Sunderland a few weeks ago, and now this... the only result I got wrong on my accumulator bet..

Looks like I'm going to have to keep working here for SN.

Reply Quote Report

Tosh
02/04/2009 14:09

Yeah Carlo it was very one-sided,Italy just sat back after they got the goal.

Reply Quote Report

Carlo Von Schutt
04/04/2009 03:07

Okay Tosh.

Aint seen the game yet. But, hopefully, I'll get to see this weekend.

Reply Quote Report

Goto: Forum List•Message List•Search• Log In

Sorry, only registered users may post in this forum.

We record all IP addresses on the Sportnetwork message boards which may be required by the authorities in case of defamatory or abusive comment. We seek to monitor the Message Boards at regular intervals. We do not associate Sportnetwork with any of the comments and do not take responsibility for any statements or opinions expressed on the Message Boards. If you have any cause for concern over any material posted here please let us know as soon as possible by e-mailing abuse@sportnetwork.net