MY HOMEPAGE

WORLD CUP HOMEPAGE

KNOCKOUT STAGE

SPAIN vs REPUBLIC of IRELAND

Match Report below

Match Stats: -

Man of the Match: Damien Duff (Rep. of Ireland)

Teams:

Spain:
             1-Iker Casillas 
             5-Carles Puyol 
             6-Fernando Hierro 
             4-Ivan Helguera 
             3-Juanfran 
           21-Luis Enrique 
             8-Ruben Baraja 
           17-Juan Carlos Valeron 
           11-Javi de Pedro (16-Gaizka Mendieta 66) 
             7-Raul (12-Albert Luque 80) 
             9-Fernando Morientes (14-David Albelda 71)

Rep. of Ireland:
              1-Shay Given 
              2-Steve Finnan 
            14-Gary Breen 
              5-Steve Staunton (4-Kenny Cunningham 50) 
              3-Ian Harte (13-David Connolly 82) 
            18-Gary Kelly (17-Niall Quinn 55)
              8-Matt Holland 
            12-Mark Kinsella 
            11-Kevin Kilbane 
              9-Damien Duff 
            10-Robbie Keane   

Match Referee: Anders Frisk (Sweden)
Linesmen: Leif Lindberg (Sweden) Igor Sramka (Slovakia)

Match Report: -

The Irish can find themselves desperately unlucky as they lost by the worst means possible. It really was harsh on them, especially as they deserved to go through to the next round. Spain got off to a good start but the Irish should have dealt with the ball more comfortably to prevent the goal, which left them with it all to do.

Apart from the bad start by the Irish, the first half was an exciting one as Ireland went forward and contained Spain very well, but Spain went into the half time break 1-0 up. The second half was class as Ireland pushed forward and had all of the attacking play, and Damien Duff was really showing to be a star.

So it came no surprise when he was tripped in the box and to be awarded a penalty which to the whole of the teams anguish, Harte missed. It was unfortunate, but Kevin Kilbane maybe should have made it equal with a rebound of the keeper from the penalty save. he had the goal gaping in front of him and he sliced the ball, and his shot went nearer to the corner flag than it did to the goal.

The Irish kept surging forward and thanks to a great and brave decision by the referee, booked Hierro for literally, trying to remove Quinn's shirt. This gave the penalty in the 90th minute. It was Robbie Keane's turn as Harte had been substituted. The Irish deserved the chance to go into extra time.

In extra time there were no goals as the teams defended rather than look for the golden goal, but Damien Duff had other ideas, but could not deliver the goal which would send Ireland to the last 8. Penalties were due.

Mick McCarthy gathered his team for the last time and you could see the determination and how pleased he was by the look on his face. His team had done proud and to continue, it was a daunting task.

Ireland got off to a good start, scoring through Keane, but then Hierro equalised. It was then Mattie Holland's turn but his agonisingly hit the crossbar and rebounded up out of play. Next to take Spain ahead, was Baraja and he scored. Next up was Kilbane who missed, and then Connolly who likewise missed, only he hit it straight at the keeper. It really was harsh. Valeron and Juanfran both missed for Spain but Mendieta made no mistake to take Spain through. Ireland lost 3-2. the pressure must be immense on the players. In my opinion, Ireland should have gone through as they deserved it, but they have done themselves and their country proud.

Well done to the Irish.

Come on England,. Bring it Home.