Ireland stormed to a flattering 4-0 win over Cyprus in Nicosia this evening to continue their impressive start to World Cup qualifying Group 2. Despite the four goal haul, Mick McCarthy’s men had to endure several nervous moments during a tense second half as Ireland struggled to build on the two-goal lead they had taken before the interval. However, strikes from Gary Kelly and a second from Roy Keane put a gloss on an otherwise unconvincing display and ensure all three points for the Republic.
Man of the Match Roy Keane opened the scoring with a well taken volley from 12-yards after good work down the right by Gary Kelly, who had been recalled to the side in the absence of Stephen Carr through injury. That breakthrough came in the 32nd minute, and Ian Harte added a second nine minutes later, when he converted a penalty following a foul on Kevin Kilbane inside the area.
The two-goal half-time cushion did little to settle Irish nerves after the break, and with the Cypriots gaining in confidence, Ireland were fortunate to hang onto their advantage. The hosts created several chances as they came more and more into the game, with the tricky Okkas going close. In fact the home side should have reduced the deficit when Constantinou broke through the Irish defence in the 65th minute, but the alert Shay Given denied him a certain goal with a great save at his feet.
Christadodou should have done better six minutes later, but he failed to keep his shot down with only Given to beat from eight yards. Cyprus were to rue those missed opportunities when Kelly burst forward down the right and let fly from outside the area with a screaming right foot effort that gave ‘keeper Panayiotou no chance nine minutes from time. And ‘Captain Fantastic’ Roy Keane crowned an inspirational display when he hit the fourth in the 89th minute, using a combination of strength and skill to juggle his way through the Cyprus defence before finishing coolly past the despairing Panayiotou.
Filed by Shane Murray
