I was really impressed by the Ireland team, many will say that they played against 10 men etc etc, but Italy are a good enough team to combat against that. Players are much fitter these days than they used to be, so it is not really a huge advantage.
The Italy goal was disappointing to concede, I think Trap has finally seen the true McShane and Keogh. They were a little out of the depth during the first half, but one has to say McShane was quite good going forward at times.
The Subs were of genius proportions. Trap seen that Keogh was struggling, he could have easily stuck on midfielder to replace him but no, he seen that Chiellini and Cannavaro were completely dominate over Doyle and Keane and with Folan's arrival, it released Keane and Doyle but manily Keane as he was dropped back into a playmaker role in front of the 3 midfielders. Ireland now had a control over the middle of the pitch even if they were not creating too much, they were able to retain possession of the ball. Also, the full backs were providing the width for team, effectively making 5 players in the middle v Italy's 4 with O'Shea and Dunne patrolling Iaquinta.
Andrews was doing OK and Trap needed someone to take the ball and spread possesion about the place, so put on Gibson and he did the job, he brought a spark to midfield that some seem not to noticed. N Hunt replaced Doyle cause was a bit ineffective, and brings on Hunt to liven up the attack and tire the Italian players, which in the end caused the mistake.
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