We don’t think anyone was expecting that.
Four goals (one an own goal), two penalties, loads of mistakes, plenty of entertainment and, unfortunately, a potentially serious injury; the first half of Ireland v Slovakia has had it all.
We’d wager that few of the crowd at the Aviva Stadium were expecting such excitement from a mid-season international friendly, but they ended up seeing one of the most entertaining halves of football involving an Irish team in years.
Shane Long won two penalties (one dubiously awarded) and scored one, James McClean scored another and Paul McShane won’t want to watch either Slovakian goal again in what was a cracking 45 minutes.
Everyone watching is hoping for more of the same (and an Ireland win, of course) in the second half.
BEST INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY EVER
— Richie Sadlier (@RichieSadlier) March 29, 2016
Feel for the kids brought to their first Ireland game. They'll think it's always like this.
— Kieran Cunningham (@KCsixtyseven) March 29, 2016
As expected, Paul McShane and Martin Skrtel heavily involved here
— Dion Fanning (@dionfanning) March 29, 2016
Skrtel and McShane….a recipe for goals
— Fergal Lynch (@truefergallynch) March 29, 2016
4 – The Republic of Ireland have scored four penalties in their last five internationals. Spot.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 29, 2016
There literally wasn't time to fill a kettle between penalties #PersonalExperience
— Emmet Ryan, back in The D-SIX (@emmetjryan) March 29, 2016
What a generous soul Shane Long is!
— Eoin McDevitt (@EoinMcDevitt) March 29, 2016
https://twitter.com/niallducky/status/714896385905139712
Only on from work and looks like in missing the greatest friendly of all time! #IRESLO
— Michael Hennessy (@mheno2020) March 29, 2016
https://twitter.com/CaulkinTheTimes/status/714890576542478336
Rob Elliot has twisted his right knee according to @FAIreland medics
— Tony O'Donoghue (@Corktod) March 29, 2016
Best way for Paul McShane to improve his chances of making the squad tonight would have been getting injured in the warm-up.
— Malachy Clerkin (@MalachyClerkin) March 29, 2016
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