Ireland are playing in a World Cup warmup tournament in the United Arab Emerates this week. France, UAE and South Korea are the other teams involved. The match against South Korea kicks off at 3:15... right about now. Anyone know where we can get updates?
Thanks woorijim, that was excellent. Korea 2-1 Ireland. Korea won it with a late goal (85th minute-ish). I saw most of the 2nd half, and it seemed a good, fairly even contest. Ireland's number 11 gave us the lead in the 1st half, stabbing home a corner, before Korea equalized with a well taken free kick. Late in the match, a Korean was put through on the right and crossed for an unmarked player to blast home. From what I saw, Ireland's left back (Sunderland's Capper, I think) played very well. Korea certainly had more chances, and perhaps they did deserve the victory, but I was quite impressed with how the Irish lads played.
According to RTE, Ireland's goal was scored by Nottingham Forest's Liam Kearney. They also say that Ireland played the Koreans off the park in the second half. I don't quite agree with that assessment, although they weren't at all bad.
Republic of Ireland team to face UAE: Henderson (Aston Villa), Kelly (Spurs), Fitzgerald (Blackburn Rovers), Paisley (Manchester City), Capper (Sunderland), Deane (Charlton Ath.), Ward (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Potter (Liverpool), Gilroy (Middlesbrough), Elliott (Manchester City), Zayed (Bray Wanderers). Subs: Moran (Athlone Town), Dillon (Longford Town), Brennan (Newcastle United), Kendrick (Newcastle United), Keegan (Leeds United), Foley-Sheridan (Liverpool), Kearney (Nottingham Forest), Doyle (St Patrick’s Ath.), Gethins (Ross County).
For some reason RTE won't work for me right now, but word is that Ireland won 3-2. I know UAE were 1-0 up through a goal in the 4th minute. I'll post again when I can confirm that result.
Ireland v France gets underway in 10 minutes or so. If Ireland win, and Korea drop points to the Emirates, Ireland win the tournament.
Republic of Ireland: Henderson (Aston Villa); Brennan (Newcastle United), Kelly (Tottenham Hotspur), Fitzgerald (Blackburn Rovers), Capper (Sunderland); Keegan (Leeds United), Potter (Liverpool), Foley (Captain) (Liverpool), Kearney (Nottingham Forest); Zayed (Bray Wanderers), Doyle (St Patrick's Athletic). Subs: Moran (Athlone Town), Dillon (Longford Town), Kendrick (Newcastle United), Deane (Charlton Athletic), Ward (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Gilroy (Middlesbrough), Elliott (Manchester City), Gethins (Ross County).
Final Score: Republic of Ireland 1-0 France Kearney scored in the 9th minute to give the Irish the win.
Wahey the lads, and without the teams most high profile player too. Lets hope this win leads to a good world cup and the next batch of Damien Duffs coming through.