Ireland Defeat Colombia 1-0
Trappatoni Records First Victory As Ireland Coach At Craven Cottage
Early Goal by Keane
An entertaining international challenge game at Craven Cottage between the novel pairing of Ireland and Colombia was played before a passionate crowd, offering many ex-pat Colombian and Irish football fans the chance to see their teams play in London.
The Republic of Ireland started well with Robbie Keane's deflected shot in the third minute beating goalkeeper Robinson Zapata for the winning goal. Good work from Liam Miller on the edge of the box led to Keane's opportunity, and despite a late intervention on the goal line from Cristian Zapata, the ball crept over the line to ensure a bright opening for the 'boys in green'.
A slick Colombian outfit dominated the remainder of the half with Dean Kiely making a number of crucial saves to maintain the Irish advantage. Perrea and Torres were prominent during this stage of the contest, but it was Juan Carlos Escobar who was denied on three occasions by Irish goalkeeper Kiely. The West Bromwich Albion keeper making a point-blank stop from Escobar to prevent a certain headed equaliser being the best of the chances.
Giovanni Trappatoni
Irish manager Giovanni Trappatoni opted not to change his team formation at the interval, however Ireland were much better organised in the second half. Winger Aiden McGeady had a promising chance in the 55th minute but his right-foot shot was well blocked by Zapata. With six changes made by the South Americans after the break it broke the fluency of their play, with chances becoming less frequent.
Colombia created a great chance on 62 minutes, when Edixon Perea's thumping shot was well gathered by Kiely. Ireland were not to be denied, and held on for victory with Keane's early goal proving the difference between the sides.
FIFA World Cup 2010
It was an important first win for newly appointed Ireland manager Trappatoni and the result will boost the Irish team's FIFA World Cup 2010 qualification hopes challenge. After the game the veteran Italian coach admitted that his team had been 'lucky' to win and hailed the magnificent display of Dean Kiely as a major reason for the positive result, but expected his squad to be 'stronger' in the autumn.
The teams were as follows:
Ireland: Kiely, O'Shea, Dunne, McShane, Delaney, McGeady, Miller, Whelan, Keogh, Keane, Doyle. Subs: Joe Murphy, Kelly, Mac Phail, Long, Daryl Murphy, Scannell, Foley, Hoolahan, O'Dea, Westwood, Bruce, Garvan.
Colombia: Robinson Zapata, Cristian Zapata, Bustos, Luis Aramanto Perea, Gonzalez, Guarin, Sanchez, Escobar, Torres, Edixon Perea, Garcia. Subs: Julio, Walter Moreno, Motta, Amaya, Hernandez, Polo, Armero, Valencia, Vallejo, Soto.
Referee: Mark Clattenburg (England)
