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Men's International Friendlies
IRL vs NZL
Men's International Friendlies
Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Ireland
vs
New Zealand
1
FT
1
Action
Lineups
All
Facts Only
All
Full-Time: 1 - 1
That is all for now from the Aviva Stadium, where the two sides could not be separated. This is Nicholas Friedlander signing out.
New Zealand can and will take plenty from this game, which was their best in some time. They grew into it after a slow start, and when they got Sarpreet Singh on the ball, they were the more likely to find a winner. Liberato Cacace was also strong, driving down the left when chances presented themselves. Attentions now switch to their upcoming assignments, including World Cup qualifiers, and for a few of these players, the Olympic Games.
Ireland now has much to ponder. On the night, young Michael Johnston was extremely impressive, showing some super dribbling skills, though he couldn't create anything too clear-cut. Outside of that, nobody really shone, in what was a very much academic assignment for the home side. They'll likely have some friendlies in the March international break, but nothing competitive until next season, having missed the Euros.
A fairly low-key friendly comes to an end, and in the end no winner can be found. Ireland started the brighter, but their rotated side faded as the game went on. New Zealand to their credit grew into it, and looked the more likely to push on for a winner, but they lacked a little bit of quality, as Max Mata spurned a couple of chances. Had they fallen to Chris Wood earlier, the final result may well have been different.
90+4'
Lewis whips it nicely across the penalty spot, finding a leaping Bindon, but he could only glance well wide of the right post.
90+3'
Just works onto a long ball, hooking it back into the path of Singh before being clattered. He earns a foul with time all but uo. One final chance for New Zealand!
90+3'
Ferguson gets up at the front post, heading away before Cullen worked a relieving throw out on the right flank.
90+2'
Boxall switches play for Bindon, before New Zealand reset play. Singh switched to Just who was positioned on the edge of the area. He was allowed plenty of time, teasing it to the back post where Stamenic was coming in! Manning does well to nod behind for a corner.
90+1'
Singh fails to pick out a teammate, with Ireland smuggling it away, eventually drawing a foul on halfway.