The Republic of Ireland and Turkey have drawn at Lansdowne Road in the first leg of their Euro 2000 play-off. The Irish must now go to the intimidating atmosphere of Turkey next Wednesday needing to win to progress to next summer’s finals in Holland and Belguim.
Ireland started the game brightly and forced the Turkish ‘keeper, Rustu Rencber into a save within the first half minute. Kevin Kilbane got hold of the ball, turned outside his man and unleashed a shot that the ‘keeper just kept out of the top corner. The game progressed with Ireland on top for some time but without them capitalising on their chances. Then Turkey began to play a more fluent and controlled brand of football and the game swung their way. They finished the half much the better with a Hakan Unsal effort just wide of Alan Kelly’s right hand post.
The second half began more brightly and again within a minute of the kick-off Ireland had a chance. This time Robbie Keane was on the end of the failed effort. Turkey had just been caught napping however, and playing with a lot more purpose they continually moved forward and kept Ireland pinned back for minutes on end. The introduction of Arif Erdem at half-time was testimony to their attitude – the striker had scored three against Northern Ireland in the group phase.
Then in the 79th minute Denis Irwin won a challenge inside the Turkish half and fed substitute David Connolly in the Turkish box with a neat through ball. Connolly poked the ball across to Robbie Keane and this time he gave Rustu no chance, despatching the ball to the left of the keeper.
Unfortunately Ireland only held their lead for 3 minutes. Turkey came at them and forced their way up field. Carsley blocked a Sergen effort but as he lay on the ground he deflected the ball with his hand. Swedish referee Anders Fisk had no hesitation in pointing to the spot and Tayfun Torkut beat substitute ‘keeper Dean Kiely with a well struck shot into the top left-hand corner.
Seven minutes of normal time left and the game was all square. That’s the way it finished after those seven, plus four extra minutes, in which it was obvious both sides were not totally satisfied with the result.
To make matters worse Mick McCarthy will be without Robbie Keane for the away leg after the player was booked for dissent shortly after he scored. Niall Quinn, who didn’t start the game because of a neck injury picked up in training, and Alan Kelly, who injured a groin kicking out the ball may also miss the game. Thankfully Mark Kinsella returns from suspension and will be available. Tonight, it is the Turks that go home much the happier though, having scored an away goal. The Irish will be up against it on Wednesday.
