Ireland 1-1 Czech Republic: Newspaper Reports
The Republic of Ireland staged a late comeback against Czech Republic last night at the Aviva Stadium, thanks to a goal from Simon Cox. Here’s how the Irish result was reported in newspapers at home and abroad.
Irish Times
Late equaliser fails to mask concerns
“On the evidence of this, indeed, it would be quite something if the Irish won their opening two games at this summer’s European Championships but, if they somehow managed to, what a shock the Italians might be in for in the final group game. In terms of reputations enhanced, Simon Cox for his sweetly-taken goal and Paul Green for the energy, purpose and drive he brought to midfield after a long absence, were probably the night’s biggest winners while Keith Andrews was again impressive, especially when breaking forward…McClean’s entry was the most celebrated event of the night, meanwhile, the 22 year-old’s debut raising at least as loud a cheer as an equaliser that Andrews engineered by dispossessing Daniel Kolar 30 metres out for Cox to finish wonderfully by rounding Tomas Sivok then slipping the ball through Cech’s legs from a very tight angle. By then, there were just three minutes of normal time remaining and only one side looked remotely like pushing on and perhaps grabbing a winner, but the visitors held on for a deserved draw. The strong finish, in any case, ensured that those fans who came along went home happy. What went before, though, must have made the trips made by scouts from Croatia, Spain and Italy feel pretty worthwhile too.”
Guardian
Late Simon Cox goal grabs draw for Republic of Ireland against Czechs
“For much of this international, it felt as though only one Irishman would remember it. He was the supporter who was ambushed on the field at half-time by the leap‑year proposal from his girlfriend. For the record, he said yes. The other 37,000 or so who were present saw little to cheer. There was, though, a happy finale to paper over the cracks and reinforce the bottom line that Giovanni Trapattoni has prioritised throughout his tenure as the Republic of Ireland’s manager. The home crowd had enjoyed a lift when James McClean was belatedly introduced from the bench for his debut; he injected energy and whipped over one tantalising cross. But if the substitute Simon Cox’s equaliser had not exactly been signposted, it did reflect both the spirit in this group and their ability to grind out results, in whatever fashion necessary. It is now 12 matches without defeat for Trapattoni’s team and in the countdown to Euro 2012 the momentum remains with them.”
Sportovni Noviny
Czechs draw 1-1 in Ireland
“With the squad not meeting again until May the players had their last chance to impress coach Michal Bilek. The Czechs aimed to continue their winter form from last year, which left off with three wins in a row. Today they had been close to a fourth victory in a row, something they have yet to do under Bilek….Ireland are heading back to the European Championships after a 24 year absence, but today it did not show. In the first half Cech had only one save to make, a long range shot from Robbie Keane, who scored in friendlies between the two sides in 2000 and 2004..”
Gazzetta dello Sport
Ireland 1-1 Czech Republic
“Trap avoids defeat in the final moments. The Czechs took the lead through Milan Baros on 50 minutes. In the 86th minute, Cox saved the game, after replacing Long fifteen minutes earlier – showing Trap’s keen eye for tactics once again.”
El Mundo
Spain’s rivals need to improve
“During the first half the Czechs controlled the game, and McGeady was the only danger on Cech’s goal, while the Czech Republic enjoyed the creativity of midfielder Plasil. The second half started more urgently, and five minutes after the break Milan Baros put the Czech Republic ahead on the scoreboard. Ireland reacted well, but Duff’s shot went wide. Everything indicated that Trapattoni would lose at home, but Simon Cox beat Cech from a tight angle to make it 1-1 right at the end.”
Jutarnji
Ireland draw with the Czech Republic
“Ireland deserved a draw. Keith Andrews took the ball from Kolar, played it to Simon Cox who penetrated from the left, his acute angled shot beating Petr Cech. Ireland remained undefeated for the 12th consecutive game. Although the Czech Republic had more possession and more shots on goal (20-13), the Irish had more good chances in the box (6-5). The result was a fair one for both teams.”
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