Following the recent highs of Japan and Helsinki, Mick McCarthy's Republic of Ireland were brought back down to earth with a thumping 4-2 defeat at the hands of chief European Championship Group 10 rivals Russia in Moscow this evening. Ireland looked disjointed all over the park as they failed recapture the heady heights of Ibaraki and Yokohama, and there was a sense of inevitability to this result when the home side struck twice in five minutes early on to grasp the initiative.
Substitute Gary Doherty headed home within four minutes of his introduction to give Ireland a glimmer of hope, but the Russians responded immediately to regain their two-goal cushion. Clinton Morrison, who had been a first-half replacement for the injured Damien Duff, struck back for Ireland after 74 minutes but the unfortunate Phil Babb, a late substitute, could do little as he was outpaced by Alexander Kerzhakov and his saved shot rebounded off the Sunderland defender to complete a miserable afternoon for a disappointing Ireland.
Both sides were poor in defence, but it was Ireland, who hadn't conceded two goals in a competitive match since their 2-2 draw with Holland almost two years ago, who looked the more vulnerable despite starting with a first choice back four of Finnan, Cunningham, Breen and Harte. Chances were plentiful in the opening exchanges as both teams attacked at will, but there were ominous signs for McCarthy when striker Damien Duff hobbled off after 18 minutes with an injured thigh.
Within two minutes the home side took the lead, with Finnan guilty of some slack marking as Andrei Kariyaka cut inside him before coolly slipping the ball past Shay Given. Things went from bad to worse in the 25th minute when Matt Holland, unconvincing throughout, lost the ball in the centre of midfield. It was then worked to Vladimir Beschastnykn just inside the box and, as the defence stood back, the Spartak Moscow striker gave Given little chance as he swept home his 26th international goal.
Doherty - who is playing in defence for Tottenham this season – restored Irish belief when he thumped home a 68th minute Harte corner from the left, only for Russia to restore their two-goal advantage a minute later when Kerzhakov scored with a diving header. Morrison then ensured a tense finale when he calmly slotted home after 74 following an excellent build up from Mark Kinsella and Finnan, but there was to be no return from the brink this time around as Babb's return to the Irish fold was marred by a ricochet he could do little about five minutes from time.
Filed by Shane Murray
