The Republic of Ireland boosted their World Cup hopes tonight dominating the Danes to a 3-0 victory in Dublin. In front of a packed house with star performances from Clinton Morrison on his full 90 minute debut, he capped it off with his second goal for the Republic at senior level. The Danes changed from 2 to 3 up front for the second half, but that didnt rouse too many scoring chances. Then Keane (Rob) struck a 30 yarder right into the back of the Danish goalkeepers net. Sorensen tapped away a shot from Kinsella, and two more from Morrison before Harte struck in the top corner of the net. As Johnny Aldrige,Aldo , who was presenting for Sky said at half time, "My only complaint is that we hav'nt put more in the back of the net".
Many many chance's were available to both Morrison and Keane but they failed to capitalise on them. However Keane cannot be blamed really as David O'Leary has not had him in the forefront of the Leeds Striking line-up what with the introduction of Fowler this season. Mabye O'Leary will rethink his plans? Morrison on the other hand is getting to know that he cannot spend so much time with the ball in the box at this level, and when opportunities come they must be taken immediately.
Man of the match performance went to Damien Duff who played his heart out and has almost definitely secured his seat on the plane to Korea.He was brilliant at all times and given a standing ovation when he left the pitch with five minutes left on the clock. Duff lit up the first-half with a series of spell-binding sprints down the left touchline, by far the most played on surface of the pitch from the weekend Rugby. Every time he got the ball, a buzz went through the capacity crowd.
Well done to Nicky Colgan, capped at Senior international level for the first time, and making a crucial save too.
A BLOODY MARVELOUS PERFORMANCE BOYS
Squads on the night.
Republic of Ireland
Kiely (Colgan 65); G Kelly, Cunningham, Staunton, Harte; McAteer (Reid 65), Holland, Kinsella (Healy 63), Duff (Dunne 84); Morrison, Robbie Keane (Connolly 76).
90th min: GOAL Clinton Morrison 54th min: GOAL Robbie Keane(30 yarder) 19th min: GOAL Ian Harte
Denmark.
Sorenson; Rytter, Henriksen, Laursen; Jan Heintze (Jensen 81), Poulsen, Neilsen, Grankjaer, Rormedahl (Lovenkrands 67) ; Neilsen (Madsen h-t), Sand.
Referee – Brian Lawlor (Wales)
Attendance - 45,000
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