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

Stephen Ireland saves some Irish blushes

Wednesday 7th February 2007, 9:46 pm

Stephen Ireland struck for a winner over four and a half minutes into injury time to give Ireland an win over European minnows San Marino in the tiny European state tonight.

Having struggled to create much in the first half, Ireland went ahead four minutes into the second period as Kevin Kilbane again nabbed an important goal, heading home after good work from Steve Finnan and Stephen Ireland.

However, a shapeless and at times witless Irish side failed to kill off the game and a rash rush from his area saw Wayne Henderson let the home side in for a calamitous 87th minute equaliser.

A long throw-in in the fifth minute of an announced four added minutes eventually found its way to Stephen Ireland and he forced home the ball to deny the home side an historic point.

A very forgettable first half had few decent chances although an excellent long through ball from Stephen Ireland deserved better than the wasteful drifting finish from Robbie Keane. Kilbane had a shot deflected wide too but the San Marino goal wasn't exactly peppered.

An injured John O'Shea was replaced by Paul McShane at the break and Ireland were ahead on 49 minutes. Finnan crossed and Ireland headed on for Kilbane to power a header home at the back post.

Although the lead goal was in the bag, Steve Staunton's side failed to build and at times seemed content with the one goal lead. Duff caused problems after a dangerous run and low cross and substitute Stephen Hunt almost bagged a debut goal within seconds of his introduction - seeing his shot rebound off the back post.

Anthony Stokes also got his debut on the night as the Irish management seemed happy enough to sit on the one goal lead. Keane could have wrapped up the win but his first shot on target - with five minutes left - was well saved by home keeper Aldo Simoncini.

However, a rash decision by Henderson to race from his line to chase a seemingly innocuous long ball proved fatal. Henderson and Paul McShane got in each other's way while San Marino's Manuel Marani eventually appeared to get a knee to the ball while grounded. The ball trickled home to make it 1-1 and Staunton's reign was again in jeopardy.

As the fourth minute of an announced four minutes injury time ticked past, Ireland finally fought for some pride and Hunt's long ball into the box was played on by Kilbane. Stokes in turn helped it on and Stephen Ireland forced the ball home from a barely onside position.

The goal gave Ireland the win but is it really good enough?

Ireland : Henderson, Finnan, Harte (Hunt 74), Dunne, O'Shea (McShane 46), Carsley, Ireland, Duff, Kilbane, Keane, Long (Stokes 81).