IrishFootballOnline.com » The unofficial and Independent Irish Football website.

Uninspiring Ireland held

Wednesday 18th August 2004, 9:58 pm

Andy Reid, first goal not enough for win.

Photo by Tom Carey.

Ireland wrapped up their preparations for World Cup qualifying in less than emphatic style as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Bulgaria, manager Hristo Stoitchkov's first game in charge.
It was almost a disastrous start for Ireland after 45 seconds. Kishishev won possession as Kenny Cunningham played a hospital pass to Andy Reid and it was only for a terrible finish wide of Shay Given's goal that Bulgaria were not a goal up.
Clinton Morrison had Ireland's first chance of the game in the seventh minute but his weak header failed to trouble the visiting keeper. It was the home side who were then almost gifted a goal as confusion at the back saw a defender almost head past his keeper.
Ireland did break the deadlock soon after though, Andy Reid firing in a free kick from long range. Although it looked a cross, the flight deceived everyone and a wicked bounce in front of goal saw it beat the keeper and give Reid his first international goal.
Kevin Kilbane almost made it 2-0 inside a couple of minute as he fired in a shot from outside the area. However, he was thwarted by a punch from the keeper.
Kenny Cunningham more than made up for his earlier error after the half hour when he got back brilliantly to make a perfect tackle inside his own area as the Bulgarians were about to fashion an effort on goal. Kilbane again went close from Duff's header but Brian Kerr's side looked lethargic and happy with their one goal lead. Reid almost grabbed a second in the final minute of the half but despite his effort beating the keeper, flew wide after hitting the post.
Morrison had another frustrating night up front for Ireland and one of his few efforts came minutes into the second half as he fired straight at the keeper.
Just after the hour Jonathan Macken was introduced but his appearance failed to add anything to the game and failed to silence those saying there are more deserving players in our own domestic league.
Stephen Carr provided the best bit of skill in the game as he ran in on Steve Finnan's lobbed through ball, beat a couple of defenders before crossing from the end-line. Unfortunately for him the only target to pick out was the sliding in Morrison, who got no-where near the ball although Kilbane fired a shot over as the ball came loose.
Bulgaria could have profited from a slip by Carr just a couple of minutes later but instead fired well over. Whatever about the poor finishing from the visitors, their increased grip on the game was worrying and Shay Given had to make a fine save at full stretch just minutes later to keep them out.
Given was beaten in the 70th minute, Bozhinov blasted a ball past the keeper from just inside the Irish area. Gary Breen had lost an aerial battle with Manchev and the knockdown fell sweetly for Bozhinov, although the finish was still outstanding.
There were few chances of note in the final twenty minutes, Bulgaria adopted a pose of not needing to chase the game anymore while Ireland were frustratingly poor at carving out chances. Damien Duff had a shot deflected wide with just over ten minutes remaining while Alan Quinn hit a tame shot straight at the visiting keeper minutes later.

Ireland : Given (Kenny 70), Finnan (Quinn 70), O'Shea, Cunningham, Doherty (Breen 46), A Reid, Miller (Carr 52), Roy Keane (Kavanagh 63), Kilbane, Duff, Morrison (Macken 63).