Ireland 0-0 Croatia
Ireland go into next month’s big Euro 2012 qualifiers against Slovakia and Russia on the back of a five-match unbeaten run – and that’s the best that can be said about a scoreless draw against Croatia that gives drab a bad name.
Despite the number of withdrawals reaching “raft” proportions, Giovanni Trapattoni sent a strong side into action at the Aviva Stadium.
But there wasn’t much to savour either for the team or the supporters in a dull first international of the new football season.
Richard Dunne’s early header, which dropped half a mile from goal, and Darron Gibson’s tame shot were about the best of it for Ireland.
At the other end Niko Kranjcar, Darijo Srna and Nikola Kalinic went close for Croatia, although when we say “close” we really mean far, far away.
Ireland: Shay Given (Keiren Westwood, 64), Sean St Ledger, Richard Dunne, Stephen Kelly, Stephen Ward, Glenn Whelan (Darren O’Dea, 74), Darron Gibson, Damien Duff, Stephen Hunt (Andrew Keogh, 64), Shane Long, Robbie Keane.
Croatia: Stipe Pletikosa, Ivan Strinic, Vedran Corluka (Sime Vrsaljko, 73), Josip Simunic, Dejan Lovren, Ognjen Vukojevic, Luka Modric, Niko Kranjcar (Ivo Ilicevic, 65), Darijo Srna, Eduardo (Ivica Olic, 45), Mario Mandzukic (Nikola Kalinic, 73).
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ podcast – listen to the latest episode now!
