The Boys in Green will be looking to bounce back from the defeat to Scotland against Jürgen Klinsmann’s USA…
The last international of the calender year is upon us as the Republic of Ireland host the USA at the Aviva on Tuesday. Shaun Maloney’s goal in Glasgow ensured a first defeat on the road to Euro 2016 and Ireland will be looking to bounce back straight away against the Americans.
It’s the last time that Irish football will get to see the boys in green in 2014 so here’s hoping they finish with a win.
Here are five footballing reasons that we reckon Ireland don’t have to fear the USA…
Cyrus Christie making his bow at right-back
When he’s fit and available Seamus Coleman will always be the first name on the Irish teamsheet but it will be interesting to see how Derby County’s Cyrus Christie fares in the right-back slot.
The defender is expected to make his debut and while David Meyler deputised in this position against Gibraltar and Germany it wouldn’t hurt to have another option available.
Unlike Jack Grealish, the Rams defender had no hesitation about declaring his desire to play for Ireland since he qualifies through a Dublin-born grandmother. “He is a full-back but he started his career as a winger; a striker. He can go forward and he can play; that’s the main thing,” says Derby boss Steve McClaren and here’s hoping we see a decent debut showing.
A debut for David McGoldrick up front
“You’d expect a number of changes from Friday to be made because there are players who are entitled to a game and a chance to show the manager what they’re about”, says Roy Keane about any potential changes and we would be shocked if Ipswich striker McGoldrick doesn’t feature.
While Robbie Keane is still fit and available there is no denying that Ireland lack a genuine goalscorer in his absence. There is so much that we admire about Shane Long’s game but finishing isn’t his strongest facet. McGoldrick offers Ireland something that is badly needed, a player that can link defence with attack and it would be great to see him make a dream debut.
How good is Ireland’s squad?
Robbie Keane and Darron Gibson have returned to their clubs following the Scotland defeat, joining previous injury victims James McCarthy, Marc Wilson and Glenn Whelan.
The likes of Jeff Hendrick and Richard Keogh can only benefit from gaining more international experience, while we fully expect some of Ireland’s fringe players to be given a chance to prove themselves.
Alex Pearce, Ciaran Clark, Anthony Pilkington and David Meyler may all feature at some point and all will be looking to impress Martin O’Neill.
Pick up a home win against decent opposition
While the USA are arriving in Dublin without some of their key players it would be a welcome boost for the Irish players and fans to see the team register a win against a well ranked side at home.
No offence to certain countries but it’s been a long time since Ireland managed to beat a decent side in Dublin and, with home games against Germany, Poland and Scotland still to come during the qualification campaign, a win against the USA would be a timely boost.
The Americans were impressive in Brazil with a spirited draw against Portugal being the highlight on their run which ended after a last 16 defeat to Belgium, so they definitely won’t be a push over. It’s also a nice change to see a relatively new and unfamiliar opponent at the Aviva because this meeting will be just the ninth of all time between the sides and the first since April 2002.
A fresh approach from the US
This is the fourth game for the US since the World Cup in Brazil and Jürgen Klinsmann has made it very clear that he is focused on bringing through some fresh faces.
Two draws and a recent 2-1 defeat to Colombia isn’t a great recent return but they are missing some locally based players due to their clubs’ participation in the business stages of the MLS. The energetic Jermaine Jones and Spurs target DeAndre Yedlin didn’t travel to Dublin but there still is some talent in the American ranks.
Alejandro Bedoya and Kyle Beckerman were both quietly impressive during the World Cup, while there are high hopes for their teenage attacker Rubio Rubin who caught the eye against Colombia, while 1860 Munich’s striker Bobby Wood has also impressed in the occasions that he has been sprung from the bench and may start on Tuesday.
Ireland v USA – make the match, will you? Adult tickets from €20, Students from €15, Kids €10
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