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  • Writer's pictureSeán O'Connor

Ireland's Euro 2020 dream over after penalty heartache.


The Aviva’s Euro 2020 games will not feature Ireland next summer, as Kenny's men were left to rue key missed opportunities, before they exited the campaign on penalties in Bratislava last night. In a tight game, where both sides shared periods of possession & good chances to take the lead, Ireland ended the night losing their third ever penalty shootout, as they attempted a third consecutive Euro qualification.


In particular, the work of McGoldrick & Robinson was superb, while Hourihane & Hendrick transitioned the play well and generated attacks. Tactics of thoughtful passing patterns, runners off the ball, patient build up and an effective high press were evident to see, as Kenny’s “new era” begins to take shape. Kenny reflected on last night’s gutting result, saying the prize was absolutely huge, and you can't get it back, that's difficult to accept but we just have to accept it unfortunately, that's the reality.”


Although many have said that this was Ireland’s best away performance in recent years, nothing can take away the heartache of so cruelly losing a game on spot kicks. 4 key moments included McClean’s scuffed a shot from 8 yards in the first half, before an unmarked Alan Browne saw his effort saved with 20 minutes remaining. Ireland’s golden chance came on 85 minutes, when Hourihane’s effort from 6 yards was cleared off the line, following terrific play from McGoldrick & Robinson. O’Dowda was introduced in extra time, and soon set up Browne who was 6 yards out, but was denied a goal by the width of the post.


As Ireland supporters watched on from home, this proved to be Ireland’s last opportunity before penalties. Kenny shared the view that we did enough to deserve victory in Bratislava, “As the game progressed I felt we were in the ascendancy and we looked like we really wanted to win it. We had some good chances we just couldn't score that goal we needed”. Perhaps an impact from Connolly or Idah, who were both excluded an hour before kick off due to Covid-19, could have offered us something different, as we lacked ruthlessness in the final third.


That said, Slovakia certainly had chances of their own. Randolph was called into action just before half time, getting down well to parry Duda’s effort away. Then, on 75 minutes, Doherty failed to clear a Hamsik long-ball, before Haraslin’s effort from 12 yards was brilliantly cleared off the line by the heroic Duffy. Total heart-in-mouth moments from an Irish perspective. Visibly distraught after the game, Duffy told the press "It's hard to put it into words. It's never nice to lose on penalties. It's a tough one to take at the minute".


The tie went to penalties after efforts from McGoldrick & Browne in extra time. This was Ireland’s third ever shootout following Spain in 2002, and the famous Romania shootout in 1990. Hourihane & Brady dispatched their spot-kicks with confidence, before Browne saw his effort saved while Doherty’s smashed the crossbar. A repeat of that famous night in Genoa just wasn't to be.


After waiting for this game for almost a year, and after a series of missed chances in the 120 minutes, football reminded us how cruel it can be as Ireland’s Euro 2020 dream died. While the pain and disappointment will fade over time, the hope and potential for this team won't, as for the first time in years, Ireland controlled large periods and deserve to win a competitive away game. This game should not define Kenny’s tenure, and one may wonder what the result would have been, had Kenny had more than a handful of days with the squad.


Gone are the days of the aul’ “smash and grab”, the “hoof it” mindset and the “great heart but poor on the ball” talk that has surrounded the national team before. Last night showed us the possibilities that lie ahead if we stick with Kenny and his vision. With World Cup qualification starting in March, the future of Irish football is bright, brighter than it has been for years.


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