The Republic of Ireland got their 2004 European Championship preparations off to a flying start with a superb 12th minute strike from Robbie Keane in the Olympic Stadium, Helsinki.
This evenings game saw debut call ups for 2 Republic of Ireland U21 Internationals, Stockport County’s Jim Goodwin and Arsenals Graham Barrett. Thomas Butler too took the first step toward senior International Football. Going into this game Mick McCarthy was plagued with injuries, without the services of Andy O’Brien, Richard Sadlier, Stephen Reid, Stevie Finnan, Mark Kennedy, Clinton Morrison, Steve Carr, and Richard Dunne therefore came the chance for the new-boys.
Still 0-1 to the Republic on the half hour mark and Thomas Butler was on song with exceptional displays of pace, certainly giving Mick McCarthy potential nightmares for selection in the future. Mark Kinsella and Duff were the providers of the play for Keanos strike.
Half time 0-1 to the Republic
Stephen McPhail, Colin Healy and Rory Delap all featured in the second half, and the three of them all participated in Healys strike 14 minutes from the end, when McPhails corner was knocked down by Delap, and Healy struck a right footed shot in the back of the Finnish net. 0-2 to the Republic of Ireland. Republic of Ireland U21, Graham Barrett making his senior debut for the Republic scored the third for the Republic of Ireland. Barrett was a last minute call-up, slotting in merely because of injury. What a debut for the Arsenal Striker. The overall performance was good, however substitutions upset the overall possesion, what with Mick McCarthy giving everyone a chance. Three goals and a win which saw Finlands three year unbeaten record at the Olympic Stadium broken.
Final Score: Finland 0 - 3 Republic of Ireland (Keane:12, Healy:76, Barrett:87)
Team Republic of Ireland
Kiely (Given 77), Kelly, Cunningham (Doherty 46), Breen, Harte (Barrett 77), McAteer (Healy 46), Carsley (Holland 85), Kinsella (McPhail 46), Butler (Kilbane 46), Duff (Delap 46), Keane (Goodwin 83) –
Team Finland
Jaaskelainen, Pasanen, Saarinen, Hyypia, Tihinen, Ilola, Nurmela, Tainio, Johansson, Litmanen, Kolkka
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