Republic of Ireland have been eliminated from Euro 2012 after a 4-0 defeat at the hands of Spain in Thursday's Group C encounter in Gdansk. Fernando Torres, omitted from the starting line-up in the first match, scored a double, while David Silva and Cesc Fabregas each bagged a goal in a match that saw total Spanish domination from start to finish.
Each side had made just one change from their previous Group C match, with Torres and Simon Cox being introduced to the action in place of Fabregas and Kevin Doyle, and it was the two strikers who made an immediate impression at the start of the match. Cox tested the gloves of Iker Casillas in the first minute of the game with a well-struck shot from the edge of the area. Torres did one better and gave the holders the lead just four minutes into the match, providing the nightmare start the Irish had feared.
The Chelsea man pounced on some uncertain defending on the edge of the box from Richard Dunne to drive through into the box and smash a vicious strike past Shay Given, giving La Rojaan early lead. With Vicente del Bosque’s side camped outside the Irish box for the majority of the first 45 minutes, Given was forced into making decent saves from long-range shots, but the Aston Villa goalkeeper remained solid to deny strikes from Xavi, Gerard Pique, and Andres Iniestafrom outside the area.
Spain went through the first half in total domination of possession, with Xabi Alonso and Xavi controlling the central areas. However, the comfortable nature of their play somewhat lacked a cut-throat mentality, which kept the difference between the sides at just one goal heading into the break. Del Bosque’s half-time team talk seemed to induce confidence in the world champions, and they doubled their lead just four minutes into the second period when the Irish shot themselves in the foot again with some poor defending.
Silva latched on to a poor Given punch inside the penalty area and coolly passed the ball through the legs of Dunne into the corner, giving Trapattoni’s men a mountain to climb. Midway through the second half Ireland began to look more of a threat, with substitute Jon Walters providing a decent physical presence in the box. However, as they pushed forward in an attempt to claw a goal back, Spain looked dangerous on the counterattack, which ultimately led to their third goal of the match. Silva pounced on a lackadaisical touch from Aiden McGeady inside the centre circle and slipped a pass through the middle for Torres, who confidently strutted forward and curled a shot into the right corner.
Fabregas heaped on the misery for Ireland in the 82nd minute after drifting into the area from the right and unleashing a thunderous strike past Given. Spain now head in to the match on Monday against Croatia in pole position to qualify as group winners. Republic of Ireland take on Italy as Trapattoni’s men aim to generate some pride in their last game of Euro 2012.
With Ireland Trapattoni only has plan A - first line of attack is defense - Ireland had 10 Clean sheets prior to the Euro's - but when you have world class players, lets not forget this is prob the best national team since the 70's Brazils, its only a matter of time before you concede. I say well done to the boys for getting there - there was no Scotland, Wales of North of Ireland football team at these championships and despite the Group with Holland And Germany being called the group of death this WAS the group of death - Hold your heads up high lads you havent let your country down - and why on earth do ITV have Roy hissyfit keane anywhere near a mic to talk about Ireland - he needs to go walk his dogs of a cliff.
ReplyDeleteTheres wanting your country to win and knocking them when they dont - we went for the criac - dont think you'll see many other fans mixed in with other supporters from rival teams anywhere in the world - it will be the same when we play Italy - Picking any players from north or south of the border over the last 70 years and you woulndt get a team good enuf to beat that spainish side so fair play to them for trying - could have been 10 nil if it wasnt for the back line who made the howlers your talking about but they kept going until the end - Keane played in one of the best Irsh sides for the last 30 years 'Team' - thats what got us to world cups there not Mr Hissyfit