Ireland cruised to an impressive 3-0 victory over fellow World Cup qualifiers Denmark in a friendly at Lansdowne Road tonight. Mick McCarthy's team has now been beaten only once in their last 19 matches and this evening's result comes as a timely warm-up boost as the World Cup finals in Japan and South Korea are now only 64 days away.
The boys in green were dominant from the outset and with Damien Duff in sparkling form on the wing, it seemed only a formality before the home side would take the lead. The deadlock was duly broken after 18 minutes when Duff totally outwitted his marker and sent in an inch perfect cross for Ian Harte to head past Danish goalkeeper Thomas Sorenson.
Denmark, who topped their qualifying group, never got to grips with the game and they fell further behind ten minutes into the second half when Robbie Keane spotted Sorenson off his line and sent a blistering shot into the top corner from 25 yards. The hard-working Clinton Morrison completed the scoring with a highly-deserved third for Ireland in the final minute.
Two of Ireland's group rivals in the World Cup also registered friendly wins today. Saudi Arabia overcame Uruguay 3-2, while Germany defeated the USA 4-2. The third team in Ireland's group, Cameroon, registered a creditable 2-2 draw with World Cup favourites Argentina.
Filed by Tom Grealis
