Republic of Ireland 1-0 Scotland

• Deniese O'Flaherty
• Sun, May 29 2011


Robbie Keane’s first half strike won the inaugural Carling Nations Cup for the Republic of Ireland but they made very hard work of defeating Scotland in a winner-takes-all game at the Aviva Stadium on Sunday night.

Keane collected a Paul McShane pass in the 24th minute and went bearing down on goals before slipping the ball past Scotland ‘keeper Allan McGregor. Scotland piled on the pressure particularly in the second half in an attempt to get something out of the game but the Irish defence were resolute and ensured it was three wins out of three as well as a hat-trick of clean-sheets for Giovanni Trapattoni’s men in this tournament.

Scotland looked the more dangerous in the early exchanges and they had plenty of possession inside the opening quarter of the game. Charlie Adam had their first attempt on goal in the 7th minute. Scott Brown got past Darren O’Dea too easily and played the ball to Adam but his effort went just over.

In the 16th minute, Phil Bardsley was denied the opportunity of grabbing the opening goal by the super reflexes of Ireland ‘keeper Shay Given. The Sunderland full-back hit a stunning shot from some distance but Given was able to push onto the crossbar.

It was a very open game of football and the strike pair of Simon Cox and Robbie Keane were lively up front for Ireland; combining well on a few occasions. They certainly were a bit of a handful for the Scottish defence.

After having a few half-chance Ireland broke the deadlock in the 24th minute; McShane done very well to muscle Steven Naismith off the ball and played a perfect ball to Robbie Keane who went through on goal and beat Allan McGregor with a fantastic strike.

In the 26th minute, a headed clearance fell to Keith Fahey but his shot sailed over the crossbar. Two minutes later Scotland had a chance to test Given but Adam’s curling free was easily dealt with by the Irish netminder.

After a lively half hour, the pace of the game died down a little and chances on goal were at a premium. Naismith had an effort five minutes from the break but Given was able to save with ease.

Ireland started the second half well and had a chance five minutes after the restart to double their advantage. Stephen Hunt played a quick free to the unmarked Cox but he dragged his low shot wide of McGregor’s goal.

Scotland did get into the Irish half a few times but failed to conjure up anything of note with the Irish defence standing firm. Jamie Forrest had a great chance for them in the 64th minute but he failed to connect with a cross from the right.

As Scotland went in search of an equaliser captain Kenny Miller had calls for a penalty turned down by Welsh referee Mark Whitby in the 76th minute. Both himself and Hunt had their arms tangled around each other and Miller received a yellow for remonstrating with the match official.

It was all Scotland at that stage and they continued to press. Miller was denied in the 79th minute by a pointblank save from Given to keep his goal intact. The Scottish captain really was a menace and he was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet two minutes from time. Naismith played a through ball into the striker, after holding off defender Stephen Kelly and with Given off his line Miller’s shot went wide. It would’ve been easier for him to score.

Rep Ireland: Shay Given; Paul McShane, Stephen Kelly, Darren O’Dea (Kevin Foley 66), Stephen Ward; Liam Lawrence (Seamus Coleman 62), Keith Fahey, Keith Andrews, Stephen Hunt; Robbie Keane (Keith Treacy 83), Simon Cox.
Subs not used: David Forde, Damien Delaney, Andy Keogh, Sean St. Ledger, Darren Randolph. .

Bookings: Paul McShane 42, Keith Fahey 48, Kevin Foley 72, Keith Andrews 92.
Sendings Off: None.

Scotland: Allan McGregor; Steven Whittaker, Grant Hanley, Christophe Berra, Phil Bardsley; Barry Robson (Chris Maguire 76), Scott Brown, Charlie Adam (Barry Bannan 62), James Forrest (Ross McCormack 85); Kenny Miller, Steven Naismith.
Subs not used: Matt Gilks, James McArthur, Gary Caldwell, Danny Wilson, Russell Martin, Iain Turner.

Bookings: Charlie Adam 62, Kenny Miller 76.
extratime.ie Man of the Match: Kenny Miller (Scotland): The captain was a real thorn in the Irish defence’s side and was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet .

Referee: Mark Whitby (Wales).