Murphy The Hero As Ireland Dispatch Moldova

Murphy The Hero As Ireland Dispatch Moldova
21:44, 06 Oct 2017

Prior to the game, all eyes were on Wales playing in Georgia. The Georgians were able to take two points from Ireland during the previous international break, despite having nothing to play for, so there was a reason for the Irish to feel slightly optimistic.

But it wasn’t to be. Ireland knew, no matter what, they needed two wins from two. Georgia held Wales for the first 45 minutes but an opener from Tom Lawrence just four minutes after the interval guided Chris Coleman’s side one step closer to a play-off.

Ireland could not have started the game better with Daryl Murphy volleying home a knocked on header just two minutes from kick-off. It was the perfect start but Ireland have been guilty of sitting back in games after scoring an early goal — as seen away to Georgia — but tonight they showed something different.

There was a sense of resilience from the draw against Georgia. Moldova rarely put pressure on Ireland, who, after taking the early lead, went in search of more.

Obviously, it helps when up against inadequate opposition. Ireland may regret their blunder against the Georgians.

Tonight there was no upset. Ireland got the job done and will now march onto Cardiff knowing anything less than three points sees them eliminated without reaching the play-offs. O’Neill’s side won every battle on the pitch whereas Moldova struggled to string three passes together.

Before the 20-minute mark, Murphy got his name on the scoresheet again to double Ireland’s lead. It was a magnificent header from distance which left the goalkeeper driving for fresh air across his line.

Shane Long almost made it three-nil when an effort from out wide came back and rebounded off his shine before the ball was cleared off the line. Shortly afterwards, Moldova had their first real chance of the game, forcing Darren Randolph to make a stunning stave.

Ireland’s play became rather sloppy prior to the interval but Moldova didn’t have the quality to take advantage of that, yet there were signs that if concentration lapses continue O’Neill’s men may face untold consequences.

Murphy, like a possessed man, chased down balls he had no right to win and repeatedly opened up Moldova’s defence. The big centre-forward has given O’Neill a selected headache for upcoming encounters once the Ireland manager has all of his attacking available.

The second half was played at a relaxed pace. This would have pleased the boys in green, who will need as much rest as possible to prepare for the all-important final game of the group, but Moldova looked dangerous at times.

Highlight of the night, at least from a Republic of Ireland perspective, was Sean Maguire making his debut for the first team. He came on near the end to some brilliant touches and looked like a live wire within the Moldovan defence.

Still, Ireland got the win they needed and now the trip to Cardiff holds real significance for the play-off spot. And not every nation that finishes as runners-up in their group will be guaranteed a chance to compete at Russia 2018.

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