Our Republic of Ireland team executed their mission of revenge for the Dublin debacle last March with an emphatic three nil victory in Luxembourg this Sunday evening in the final contest of our 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign. The first half did provide some concerns with an absence of fluidity as we lacked control, a fact acknowledged by Stephen Kenny in his post match interview. There were some positive moments during the opening half with a John Egan header which went just over the crossbar and a shot from Chiedoze Ogbene which was just too straight the primary examples. Highlight of the half was undoubtedly a brilliant save made by Gavin Bazunu on 27 minutes.
The early stages of the second half provided some moments of concern with the tts putting the ball in the net but it was ruled out, a touch fortuitously perhaps, for a foul on Shane Duffy in the build-up. Thereafter, Ireland slowly began to gain control and the introduction of Jason Knight for the ineffectual Adam Idah on 62 minutes was the catalyst for further positive momentum. Six minutes after his introduction, Knight‘s drive towards the penalty area was halted unceremoniously and from the resultant free kick, delivered by Josh Cullen, the head of Shane Duffy nodded Ireland in front. The goal proved the catalyst for increased composure and confidence and seven minutes later Knight was again the conductor as his back heeled lay-off enabled ‘player of the match’ Chiedoze Ogbene to score his second international goal. The Knight show was still not over as, with two minutes of normal time remaining, he collected a fine diagonal cross from James McClean and literally put it on a plate for Callum Robinson to score the third goal and take his personal goal tally to six in the past four matches.
The victory enabled Ireland to leapfrog Luxembourg into third place on the final Group Table which was where the seeding process suggested we would finish. This evening’s result, together with the three preceding matches has seen Ireland score ten goals without conceding any, which must lend itself to an air of positivity within the group and the great majority of the fan base. Tonight’s performance was not perfect and Stephen Kenny and his coaching team are fully aware that further improvement will be necessary. We must hope that the background contract extension rumblings are finally put to bed and Stephen and his team are encouraged to continue the rebuilding process which is gathering impressive momentum.
Team: Gavin Bazunu; Seamus Coleman(C), Shane Duffy, John Egan; Matt Doherty, Jeff Hendrick, Josh Cullen, James McClean; Chiedoze Ogbene, Adam Idah, Callum Robinson
Substitutes:
Jason Knight for Idah 62′
Alan Browne for Ogbene 82′
Conor Hourihane for Cullen 90′
Andrew Omobamidele for Doherty 90′
Troy Parrott for Robinson 90′
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Manger Stephen Kenny has named his Republic of Ireland starting eleven for this evening’s final 2022 World Cup qualifier in Luxembourg. The team shows two changes from Thursday’s draw with Portugal in Dublin. James McClean replaces Enda Stevens in the left wing back position while Adam Idah leads the line with Callum Robinson switching to the left flank in place of Jamie McGrath.
Team: Gavin Bazunu; Seamus Coleman(C), Shane Duffy, John Egan; Matt Doherty, Jeff Hendrick, Josh Cullen, James McClean; Chiedoze Ogbene, Adam Idah, Callum Robinson
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Our Republic of Ireland Senior Squad have travelled to Luxembourg where they will complete their 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign against their hosts who inflicted the shock one nil defeat in Dublin which was in essence the death knell for our qualification hopes.
Jack Taylor of Peterborough United has linked up with the squad as replacement for the injured Jayson Molumby while Andrew Omobamidele, who missed the Portugal match with an Achilles injury, has travelled.