Ireland’s John Egan gets to grips with Poland’s Krzysztof Piatek
Photo: Stephen Gormley (Red Eye Agency)
Younger Ireland earn credible draw away to Poland in friendly match
by Mark Szczuka, Stadion Miejski in Wroclaw
Ordinarily a friendly match for Ireland so soon after a competitive match would be fairly meaningless. However it was probably a good thing for them that they had the chance to re-group so soon after such a disappointing performance and result in their opening UEFA Nations League match five days earlier in Cardiff when they lost badly 4-1 to Celtic neighbours Wales.
Poland meanwhile had contrasting fortunes as they had secured a decent 1-1 draw away to Italy four days earlier in Bologna in northern Italy in their opening qualifying match for Euro 2020.
The Poles started well and, had it not been for some last gasp tackles from Irish captain Richard Keogh, they could have easily been two or three up at the break. Ireland were without experienced players such as Seamus Coleman, Shane Long, Harry Artur and Declan Rice so it was not easy for Ireland manager Martin O’Neill with his small pool of players.
Indeed they were forced to hand international debuts to three young players including Sheffield United’s John Egan at centre half (who defended well) and Aiden O’Brien up front. The latter certainly justified his selection working tirelessly for the 80 minutes and scoring a great goal with his head after 53 minutes to his obvious delight.
Assistant manager Roy Keane gave O’Brien a pat on his way off
Stephen Gormley (Red Eye Agency)
The good start to his international career was acknowledged by Ireland’s Assistant Manager Roy Keane who gave the young player a tap on the back when he was taken off with 10 minutes to go.
Ireland’s young team fought hard to defend their lead for the next half an hour but Poland’s pressure eventually paid off when they equalised in the 87th minute through a goal by Leeds United’s Mateusz Klich.
There was some disappointment for Ireland to lose their lead so late on but they will be very happy to have put in a much better performance than against Wales.
This Ireland squad may also have found a few new young stars in Wroclaw on Tuesday night and Irish eyes might be smiling again when the competitive qualifying matches resume for Euro 2020 in October.
