International Friendly Report: Republic of Ireland 1 - 2 Belarus

In what was a packed to the rafters Turners Cross for Ireland’s final warm up game before the Euros gets underway in less than two weeks’ time, the Republic Of Ireland saw their warm up campaign for this summers’ finals end in defeat. 

Goals from Mikhail Hardzeichuk and Maksim Valadzko put Belarus two goals to the good, before Stephen Ward pulled one back for Ireland.

This fixture has highlighted a number of areas which will need to be sharpened up, both defensively and going forward, for when Sweden, Belgium and Italy take on the Irish over the coming weeks. The training camp in Fota will allow Martin O’Neill and Roy Keane to adjust and work on the various aspects of play. In one sense this fixture could in the long run turn out to be a blessing in disguise, as it could be the catalyst which ensures that Ireland are in tip top shape for the adventure that awaits in France.

The performances of Cyrus Christie and James McClean will have encouraged the management , as they showed the passion and pride which has become a symbol of the O’Neill reign while playing for Ireland.   The way Ireland finished will also add to the encouragement in that regard, but the ability to turn more of their pressure into goals scored will be something which also needs to be addressed.

The fixture was the first international in Cork in over 30 years and was seen as a great occasion for those in the Munster region generally.

With that in mind and also most importantly, the deadline for naming the final squad to UEFA not long after the full time whistle, there was plenty for those out on the pitch to motivate themselves with, given that for some their place on the plane depended on how they did here.

The opening half saw Ireland begin brightly, but fade away when Belarus got their opening goal.

James McClean was showing the liveliness and passion that have endeared him to Irish fans in recent time. Cyrus Christie also was one of the only other Irish players to make an impression in the first period.  

Ireland initially started the opening half brightly, with Stephen Ward’s cross just missing the head of Ciaran Clark in the first few minutes.

The Boys in Green were seeing plenty of the ball, but they were not able to create many meaningful chances of note in the first half. Cork’s own David Meyler, who played at Turners Cross with Cork City prior to moving to Sunderland, while Roy Keane was the manager there, had Ireland’s only shot on target, but he was unable to properly test Chernik in the Belarus goal.

Belarus to their credit looked technically good and they indeed took the lead in the 20^th minute. It was a lovely curling strike to the right hand corner from all of 25 yards out by Mikhail Hardzeichuk. The visitors were linking up well and they arguably deserved to be ahead at the half time break.

Ireland almost made an instant impact at the start of the second half, but Daryl Murphy headed over from Aidan McGeady’s cross. It would have been the Ipswich Town man’s first goal in a Green jersey. Whatever was said in the dressing room at half time, it was working it appeared as there was a greater intensity about their play after the restart.

So when Belarus got their second goal in the 62^nd minute, it was against the run of play. But credit to Maksim Valadzko, who did well to work space for himself, cutting in from the left hand side and beating Given with a low finish.

When the away side did attack, the ease at which they broke down the Irish defence must have been a concern for the management.

Ireland got a goal back in the 70^th minute, when good innovation from Long set up Ward, who drilled a shot into the right hand corner.

After their goal, Ireland returned to piling on the pressure once again, with McGeady showing signs of what he can do, but weather it is too late to make the plane to France remains to be seen.  

Despite the best efforts to find an equalizer, Ireland on the night came up short.

The chosen 23 will now turn their attentions to the tournaments opening game as Stade De France prepare for an Irish invasion on June 13^th for Martin O’Neill’s sides opening fixture with Sweden.    

Republic Of Ireland: Shay Given (David Forde 67); Cyrus Christie, Richard Keogh, Ciaran Clark, Stephen Ward; Aidan McGeady (Callum O’Dowda 73), Darron Gibson (Wes Hoolahan, 66), David Meyler (Eunan O’Kane 73), James McClean (David McGoldrick 77), Jeff Henderick; Daryl Murphy (Shane Long, 66).

Subs not used: Keiren Westwood(gk), Seamus Coleman, John O’Shea, Glenn Whelan, Shane Duffy, Jonathan Walters, Robbie Brady, Stephen Quinn. 

Bookings: None

Belarus: Siarhei Chernik; Alexander Martynovich, Dzianis Paliakov, Mikita Korzun, Ihar Stasevich, Aliaksander Hleb (Siargei Krivets 90), Mikhail Hardzeichuk (Siarhei Palitsevich 74), Siarhei Kisliak (Pavel Niakhaichyk 90), Maksim Valadzko, Mikhail Sviakov, Mikalai Yanush.

Subs not used: Andrei Klimovich(gk), Ihar Shytav, Andrei Harbunov. 

Bookings: Mikhail Sviakov (83).

Referee: Dejan Jakimovski (FYR)

Attendance: 7,200.

Extratime Man of the Match: Cyrus Christie (Ireland).

You can see Matt Kirkham and Gerard Buckley's photos from the game here.