International Friendly Report: Republic of Ireland 3 - 1 Uruguay

The Republic of Ireland secured an important confidence boosting victory as they defeated Uruguay 3-1 at the Aviva Stadium on Sunday evening.

Goals from Jonathan Walters, Cyrus Christie and James McClean ensured Ireland would go into next weekend’s World Cup qualifier against Austria on a high as they deservedly defeated a Uruguay side, who had levelled through Jose Gimenez.

Martin O’Neill made eight changes to the side that lost to Mexico in New York with Darren Randolph, Shane Duffy and Cyrus Christie retaining their places.

Burnley defender Kevin Long was handed his first international start but it was the experienced Glenn Whelan, winning his 80^th cap, who had their first shot in anger after six minutes but he sent his attempt harmlessly wide.

Uruguay were dealt a blow when the imperious Edison Cavani was forced off with an injury shortly before Ireland again went close to taking the lead.

Robbie Brady’s powerful strike from distance was parried past his near post by Esteban Conde and from the resulting corner, taken short, Shane Duffy just failed to connect with Brady’s in-swinging cross with the goal at his mercy.

The visitors had their first attempt on target midway through the first half when Cristhian Stuani fired straight at Darren Randolph after a neat first touch.

Diego Laxalt curled over after being teed up by Jonathan Urretaviscaya moments later and those misses would come back to haunt Uruguay as the Republic took the lead thanks to a stunning strike from Jonathan Walters.

The Captain for the evening latched onto Glenn Whelan’s poke before curling a sensational shot from the edge of the box over the keeper and into the far top left corner.

The South Americans responded well to that set back and they almost equalised after 35 minutes but Martin Caceres was unfortunate to see his header from Jonathan Urretaviscaya’s corner clip the top of the crossbar.

But they weren’t to be denied for too much longer as with the first period drawing to a close they levelled matters through Jose Gimenez.

Gimenez beat the on rushing Darren Randolph to the ball and looped Carlos Sanchez’s long free kick into the bottom left corner.

Ireland ought to have restored their advantage on the brink of half time but Jonathan Walters inexplicably rifled Robbie Brady’s inch perfect cross off the bar from a couple of yards.

The Irish restarted the game brightly and were soon rewarded for their positive approach as they again edged in front.

Cyrus Christie cut in from the right before arrowing a superb effort across the keeper and into the far bottom left corner of the net.

Both managers took the opportunity to ring the changes as the second period progressed and it disrupted the rhythm of the game.

Uruguay almost snatched another leveller after 68 minutes from another dangerous long ball into the Irish penalty area but Kieren Westwood was equal to Jose Gimenez’s accurate header.

Daryl Murphy then had the chance to double his sides lead but he could only send his scuffed shot straight at the keeper.

But with 13 minutes remaining James McClean ensured the Republic would go into next Sunday’s crucial World Cup qualifier against Austria on a high as he grabbed his sides third with a brilliant solo effort.

The West Brom midfielder skipped past the challenge of his marker before coolly drilling the ball into the far bottom right corner when through on goal.

Republic of Ireland: Darren Randolph (Kieren Westwood 45); Cyrus Christie, Shane Duffy (Alex Pearce 60), Kevin Long, Stephen Ward; Glenn Whelan (Wes Hoolahan 45), Harry Arter, Robbie Brady, Jonny Hayes (Aiden McGeady 60), Jeff Hendrick (James McClean 74); Jonathan Walters (Daryl Murphy 60).

Subs not used: Colin Doyle, John O’Shea, Richard Keogh, Callum O’Dowda, Andy Boyle, Conor Hourihane, Eunan O’Kane, David McGoldrick, John Egan, Daryl Horgan, Alan Browne.

Uruguay: Esteban Conde; Maximiliano Pereira, Joe Gimenez, Sebastian Coates, Martin Caceres; Jonathan Urretaviscaya, Matias Vecino, Egidio Arevalo Rios (Alvaro Gonzalez 45), Diego Laxalt (Alejandro Silva 45); Carlos Sanchez (Nahitan Nandez 45), Edison Cavani (Cristhian Stuani 13).

Subs not used: Gaston Guruceaga, Ferderico Ricca, Diego Rolan, Gaston Silva, Mathias Corujo.

Referee: Craig Thompson (Scotland).

Extratime Man of the match: Cyrus Christie (Republic of Ireland).