Republic of Ireland 0-0 Northern Ireland: Friendly ends in goalless draw in Dublin
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Darren Randolph produced a series of fine saves to deny Northern Ireland victory as the Republic of Ireland had to make do with a 0-0 friendly draw in Dublin.
The Republic, who went into the game having won just once in their previous nine outings and desperate to gain some momentum ahead of Monday night's Nations League trip to Denmark, were second-best in a clash between neighbours which demonstrated their respective difficulties.
But they needed Randolph to make fine saves from Gavin Whyte and substitute Jordan Jones either side of the break to ensure they emerged with something to show for their efforts as the visitors, who had tasted victory only twice in 11 matches before kick-off, created the better openings.
Indeed, the home side's only chances of note predictably came courtesy of Robbie Brady set-pieces on the Burnley midfielder's return to the international stage following a year out through injury, and the final whistle was greeted by a chorus of boos.
The reception afforded to the two national anthems was less than respectful, but in a cagey start to the game it was the visitors who almost broke the deadlock after Shane Duffy had misjudged Steven Davis' 14th-minute ball forward.
Duffy's error allowed Liam Boyce to hook the ball into the path of Stuart Dallas to in turn feed Whyte, who looked certain to mark his first senior start for his country with a goal until Randolph raced from his line to make a vital block.
Seamus Coleman and Boyce were left bloodied by a clash of heads seconds later as Northern Ireland continued to press, but Duffy should have atoned for his earlier error when he met Brady's 21st-minute free-kick, but got his timing wrong to allow keeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell to tip his downward header over.
Dallas might have done better after cutting out Glenn Whelan's crossfield ball and curling a shot harmlessly wide, but with he, Davis and Whyte dominating in midfield, the visitors looked the more likely scorers.
Whelan's 85th and probably final Ireland appearance came to a planned end nine minutes before the break as he was replaced to warm applause by Conor Hourihane seconds before James McClean, booed at every touch by the travelling fans, lashed an ambitious volley high over.
However, Randolph was called upon once again four minutes before the break when, after Darragh Lenihan's ball had been intercepted, Davis picked out Dallas' run and saw him force a solid save from the Middlesbrough keeper, who was relieved to see Michael Smith's stoppage time piledriver fly just over his crossbar.
The Republic returned determined to wrest control from the visitors and enjoyed a measure of success as they managed to ease themselves further up the pitch, and they went close when Callum Robinson steered McClean's 59th-minute shot wide after Coleman had crossed from the right.
Boyce looped a header over from Smith's 65th-minute cross as Northern Ireland responded and then saw the ball hacked away as it broke into his path after Randolph had parried Smith's volleyed delivery three minutes later.
The keeper came to the Republic's rescue once again with 18 minutes remaining when, after substitute Jones had pounced on another mistake by Lenihan, he denied the midfielder with his foot.
HALF TIME: England 2-0 USA
The last action of the half sees Harry Winks foul Weah on the left hand side but England good value for their halftime lead courtesy of two wonderful goals from Jesse Lingard and Trent Alexander Arnold in the space of two first half minutes.
The USMNT have caused some problems going forward themselves and Pulisic will be kicking himself for not giving them the lead when he saw himself through on goal.
England will be wary of their attacking threats but looking like scoring every time they go forward, they'll be hopeful of more, too.
As it stands, with Croatia holding Spain in Zagreb, a victory for England on Wednesday against Croatia will see them win their Nations League Group.
Another new boy for England tonight as Southampton stopper Alex Mccarthy replaces Jordan Pickford at half time.
48 mins: England 2-0 USA
The second half has started much like the first half with end-to-end action, Wilson first posing questions over the top of the defence before an exciting run from Weah just misses Pulisic at the far post.
53 mins: England 2-0 USA
Chances for both of England's first half goal scorers as Jesse Lingard sees his goalbound shot blocked before Alexander-Arnold chips a ball to the back post which only narrowly clears the goal.
Meanwhile, Eric Dier is readying himself on the bench.
Wayne Rooney comes on to a standing ovation, alongside fellow subs Henderson and Dier.
Over in Zagreb though, in competitive affairs, Croatia have retaken the lead against Spain courtesy of Jedvaj which leaves England in a position where they can finish top or bottom depending on their own result against the Croats on Wednesday night.
60 mins: England 2-0 USA
USA have stepped it up since Rooney stepped on the pitch, controlling possession and looking a threat.
Surely that's the trigger.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments