Republic of Ireland 0-0 Northern Ireland: Friendly ends in goalless draw in Dublin
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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.
ROI 0-0 NIR.
I'm glad we chose to focus on the England game this evening...
Smiles all round as Callum Wilson celebrates scoring his first goal for England on his debut, minutes before being replaced by Rashford.
Icing on the 'cherry' cake?
I'll see myself out..
85 mins: England 3-0 USA
England are still trying to get another and Rooney is certainly being very unselfish when he gets the ball, spreading the ball wide to Alexander-Arnold who seems to playing up front!
He gets two bites at the cherry but can't find and England shirt.
90+1 mins: CHANCE! ENGLAND 3-0 USA
And as I say that, Rooney wriggles around a couple of US defenders and allows himself to have a pop.
His left footed effort isn't bad but it doesn't quite make the corner and doesn't have the power he wants on it so Guzan gathers the danger.
Proper party pooping behaviour there.
A rye smile from Wayne, though.
90+3 mins: CHANCE! England 3-0 USA
Close again as Rooney stretches for a cross from the right hand side but slams the ground as he just can't reach it!
FULL TIME: ENGLAND 3-0 USA
A professional performance from England ends with a 3-0 victory following goals from Jesse Lingard, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Callum Wilson.
Wayne Rooney made his 120th and final appearance as an England player and almost grabbed a headline goal but was unable to do so.
A pleasant evening made even more interesting by Croatia's last-gasp victory against Spain in Zagreb which means that anybody can still win the Nations League group with one more game to play on Sunday between England and Croatia.
A chance for a very small minuscule attempt at revenge after this summer's heartbreak, perhaps?
Rooney full of laughs here, embracing Guzan at the end who stopped the party from reaching a crescendo!
Thank you for following the Independent live blog this evening as England oversaw a professional 3-0 win over Croatia.
Bigger challenges lie ahead, no bigger than in the shape of Croatia this Sunday where a victory will see the Three Lions progress from their Nations League Group.
Make sure you tune in to our live updates of that game, here with the Independent.
For now though, have a great evening, folks.
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