Ireland see off Saudi challenge (2-1) :down:
(FIFA.com) 29 Nov 2003
In this duel between Irish power and Saudi Arabian verve on 29 November 2003, it was the European side that eventually emerged victorious in Al Aïn, courtesy of a brace from Stephen Eliott. Gerry Smith’s boys just managed to edge out the technically gifted Saudis, but the Sons of the Desert will be left rueing the fact that they converted only one of a hatful of chances.
The pre-match chant by a traditional troupe of Emirates singers belted out with great gusto on the immaculate new Al Aïn pitch apparently goes by the name of the Al Ardha, and was used in days gone by to stiffen the resolve of the troops before going into battle. And it certainly had the desired effect on the Saudis, as Daniel Roméo’s charges hit the ground running. Osamah Al Harbi blazed a fierce shot well over (5’), before Ahmed Al Suwailh’s mazy run sewed panic down the right flank. His cutback was met by Khalid Al Salamah, but the Al Nassr defender’s effort was blocked by the Irish defence (9’).
Their domination proved short-lived, however, as the Irish giants roused themselves from their slumbers. Shots by Stephen Eliott (12’) and David Bell (16’) suggested that Gerry Smith’s players were starting to find their range, and so it proved, when on nineteen minutes the elusive Willo Flood broke through on the right and delivered a dangerous centre. Eliott showed great anticipation to get to the near post and glance the ball past a powerless Assaf Al Qarni (1-0, 19’). “I saw Willo’s run to the right, so I gambled and headed for the near post. His cross was superb and I just stuck it in the back of the net!”, was the goalscorer’s own account.
The Saudis looked stunned for a while but recovered admirably, cheered on by their army of fans beating drums and belting out rousing chants. Saad Al Abouad sent a shot over the bar (27’) before the livewire Al Harbi struck a powerful drive that Wayne Henderson could only collect at the second attempt (35’). But Roméo’s men were expending valuable energy without scoring, and it was the Irish who finished the half the stronger, as Paddy McCarthy rose to meet a corner perfectly, sending the ball inches over with Al Qarni stranded (44’).
The half-time firework display restored some sparkle to the display of the Sons of the Desert. After superb work by Al Salamah, Eisa Al Mahyani found himself unmarked in the box and levelled the tie with a fine cross-shot (1-1, 49’). The Irish responded by trying to take control of the match. Eliott won a free kick outside the box, but David Bell fired it wastefully into the stands (57’). This only seemed to further galvanise the Saudis, as Naji Majrashi, having only just come on, sprung the Irish offside trap, forcing Henderson to rush out and make the save (62’). Next, Al Mahyani broke away on the right, forcing a mistake by McCarthy that nearly embarrassed his own goalkeeper (64’).
The Saudis seemed to be gaining the upper hand over their opponents, but physically the Irish looked the fresher, and eventually it told. From a second-half corner, Eliott broke away from his marker and met the ball superbly with his head (2-1, 77’). Roméo seethed silently on the bench: “Our sweeper was carrying an injury, and when the corner was given, we were in the process of substituting him. Once we’d conceded this stupid goal, it was always going to be difficult to get back in it. It’s a real shame, as it came at a time when we were well on top, and could have gone on to win the match.” But these good intentions came to nought, as his flyweights succumbed to a heavyweight’s sucker punch, leaving them in dire need of a win against the Mexicans in their next match.
The Irish, meanwhile, face Côte d’Ivoire next and coach Gerry Smith was ecstatic after this opening win. “The Saudis were very good, and caused us problems right up to the end. We tried to shut up shop after our first goal, but they found a way through. We then endured a bit of a sticky patch, and I’m delighted for my players that they managed to come through it. But believe me, the Saudis are far from out of it.” No doubt Daniel Roméo’s downcast players will be buoyed by the compliment…
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Congratulation Mikhail

.... Hope the teams meet again later....
i think we still have a chance.