Friday, March 23, 2018

Just a friendly tune-up for the Boys in Green


Turkey 1, Republic of Ireland 0
Antalya Staduyum, Antalya

With the Republic of Ireland return to international play and facing an old foe in the Turkish National team, today the matchup celebrated in Antalya Staduyum in Antalya. The Boys in Green are back and running towards building upon its future. 

For manager Martin O’ Neill making a series of bold moves in his initial eleven, handing dream starts to Declan Rice, Scott Hogan and Mark Doherty this coming in as a substitute. Very well handing a start to Championship side Preston North End hopefuls Sean Maguire and Alan Browne.

By sending, a 3-5-2 formation with Scott Hogan and Sean Maguire going forward in the attack also seeing the return of Seamus Colman getting the Captain band after a year of absence from the Green Army.

The midfield were the majority of the Republic of Ireland was to have its beginnings and orchestrated by a Seamus Coleman, Conor Hourihane playing in the wings and in the middle with Alan Browne,  Jeff Hendrick and James McClean. 

In the defensive backfield with veterans, Kevin Long and Shane Duffy accompanied by newcomer Declan Rice; these three did stand their ground against the locals and bravely doing the job of defending the posts of Colin Doyle.

Still the backfield is one area that the men from North Ireland needs to improve after several narrow escapes, one Shane Duffy in the 29 minute almost scoring own goal and in the 46 Turkey coming forward and narrowly missing.

However, do not count the Boys in Green out with a clear opportunity in the 17 minute after intercepting the ball in the middle of the field and a run from Scott Hogan beating the Turkish keeper but off target in what seemed a sure goal. very well in the 39 a missed penalty with a trip inside the area and the game official did not call. 

The game winner came in the 52nd minute with the locals on a corner kick the Irish defenders caught off guard when Captain Mehmet Topal shook off his defenders to score on a nice volley off reach of Doyle for the game only score. 

Despite the score, for manager Martin O’ Neill doing some tactical moves in his quest of a comeback and making six moves. Among one of his trademark move was in his frontal attack by substituting Sean Maguire and Scott Hogan for Shane Long and Daryl Horgan. 

Also in the midfield with Matt Doherty subbing for Seamus Coleman, Ciaran Clark for Connor Hourihane, David Meyler for Alan Browne and Alan judge for Jeff Hendrick. 

At the end, the result was not just for the Boys in Green but expose a potential with its newcomers showing off a lot of potential and shaping a bright future for Martin O’ Neill as well seeing his moves paying off. 

For manager O’ Neill he expressed some satisfaction after seeing how a number of his new players making their debut and performing solidly along with some of his returning veterans, that in his conclusion he likes what he sees.

Until their next, compromise in the Stade of France in May against the Republic of France on May 28th.

 

Post Contents and Property of Fern Mc Costigan © Copyright All Rights Reserved

Photos Credit and Property of Reuters and AP 2017

Photos Credit and Property of © Football Association of Ireland © 2001 - 2017. All Rights Reserved.

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