Rep Ire vs Switzerland
European Qualifiers Group D
7:45pm Thursday 5th September
Aviva Stadium
David McGoldrick’s first goal rescued a vital stage because they drew 1-1 with Switzerland in Group D of Euro 2020 qualifying.
McGoldrick cancelled out Fabian Schar’s magnificent opener using a well-placed header to the far corner in the cross of James McClean five minutes out of time to expand Ireland’s unbeaten start.
Schar had finished a one-touch passing move that was beautiful off to put the visitors ahead in the Aviva Stadium 16 minutes from time .
However, Mick McCarthy’s team revealed their new-found durability, which has witnessed them leading a qualifying group five matches in, since they battled back to make yet another stage on home land.
McCarthy said Ireland’s defence occasionally made that clear, with a nine-man setup behind the ball if Switzerland attacked and before the match he would take a point.
Having said that they forged the best opportunity of the first half 13 minutes in when a beautiful Callum Robinson back-heel gave Jeff Hendrick room to run into. He released the ball in a moment that was perfect to nourish McClean, however, he had been denied by a block in Nico Elvedi.
Although when Ireland did strike they found themselves vulnerable on several occasions about the rest, Switzerland frustrated before the rest, however their back held strong to refuse’keeper Darren Randolph any significant work to do until the rest.
The next period proved to be a different story. Switzerland took control as the game wore on and ought to have led when some wonderful passing found Breel Embolo unmarked in the box, however he slipped at the first moment and missed the target.
Another move did locate the opener. The Irish defence was caught by four passes in as many touches on the jump, and the people held the ball for over a minute before moving it forwards with speed and found an Scharup from the back into the corner.
McCarthy’s point appeared in danger of falling away but Ireland did exhibit a little additional fight in the past 15 minutes, which was personified by McClean’s determination to win the wall back on the left flank, before crossing for McGoldrick to conquer Schar from the atmosphere and head into the the far corner.
Switzerland remain six points behind Ireland with two games in hand, although Denmark’s 6-0 triumph over Gibraltar sets these three points behind using a single match in hand, however McCarthy will be quite satisfied with his team’s job in Group D with three matches to move.
The Republic of Ireland come back at the Aviva on Tuesday night when they host Bulgaria at a friendly at 7.45pm.
Recent Comments