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Friday 11 November 2011

Ireland Vs Estonia: 1st Leg Review and 2nd Leg Preview

On a cold night in Tallinn it was a night of an incredible nature as Ireland won 4-0 against Estonia. Following this result Ireland look effectively through. 


On the 13th minute a decent cross from Aiden McGeady was tucked away with a brilliant header from Keith Andrews. As Ireland improved the Estonian defender Stepanov made a reckless tackle on Robbie Keane after Keane intercepted a slack pass back to the Estonian and received a red card. 

In the second half Ireland started slowly but eventually took advantage of the 10 men of Estonia and Jon Walters scored a close range header even with the desperate efforts of the Estonian defence to clear the ball off the line. The 3rd was added as Keane scored a rebound after a terrible save from the poor Estonian keeper. 

The Estonian captain also saw red for a second yellow as he added to the yellow he received in the free kick that lead to the 3rd goal. He was seen to complete a deliberate handball. 

A fourth and final goal was added when Stephen Hunt got Ireland a penalty after Purje took down Stephen Hunt as he progressed into the box. Robbie Keane stepped up to take the penalty and scored his 53rd goal for Ireland. 


Ireland 4                                                      Estonia 0
K. Andrews
J. Walters
R. Keane x2


Ireland Match Ratings: Given 7 Kelly 7 Ward 8 Dunne 7 St Ledger 7 Duff 8 McGeady 8 Whelan 7 Andrews 10 Walters 8 Keane 9


So What Happens In The 2nd Leg?
In the second leg there will be a tougher proposition on hand. We may be through but the 2nd leg will not be a similar game to this brilliant result. Estonia are missing a few players that played in this game for the 2nd leg. Due to this it looks likely that both sides will take their feet off the pedal. Estonia will look to retain their pride and Ireland will be looking to keep another clean sheet whilst finishing off the job. Another valiant midfield display would be greatly appreciated by the fans. Another small question to be asked for the 2nd leg is: Who will play up forward with Robbie Keane, Walters or Doyle? Not that it matters a lot.


Whilst some people book their plane tickets to Poland/Ukraine others watch on enviously but look forward to a good game in the Aviva on Tuesday night.

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