Amid
the excitement of the fast approaching Premier League season, and with the
shadow of Gareth Bale’s potential world record transfer looming large, it was
an international week in which international football barely got a look in, and
this celtic clash did little to grab anyone’s attention, at a sparsely
populated Cardiff City Stadium.
The
Irish visitors brought a strong squad to the Welsh capital, and Giovanni
Trappatoni’s side dominated the early exchanges. Looking more organised and
sharper on the ball than their Welsh counterparts, Ireland created chances, and
both Shane Long and Jonathan Walters would have been disappointed not to
give Ireland the lead.
Wales
never looked uncomfortable at the back, but it would certainly have concerned
Chris Coleman at how easily the likes of Long and Walters threatened Boaz
Myhill’s goal. Myhill proved up to the challenge, marking himself out as a
strong contender for man of the match on a night low on individual quality, but
the Wales boss will wonder how upcoming opponents such as Goran Pandev and
Christian Benteke will fare, if given as much time and space.
In
the second half, Long was given another glorious chance to win it, and after
scooping his first opportunity high and wide, it took a brilliant save from
Myhill to deny him. And were it not for further interventions from Myhill and
skipper Ashley Williams, substitutes Paddy Madden and James McClean almost
certainly would have given Ireland victory.
Without
Bellamy at his sparkling best and with the much discussed absences of Bale and
Ramsey, it was hard to spot a match winner in red. Many will point to the
impressively organised Irish squad, with their international experience and
know how clear for all to see at times, but Coleman will know that his team
need to adapt and learn to win without their stars. One superstar does not
equate to a so called ‘golden generation’, and if that tag is not to become a
millstone around this team’s neck, then others must learn to take
responsibility. One moment of magic would have won it against Ireland, and to
compete on the big stage, Wales must learn to stop relying on Bale to pull the
rabbit out of the hat.
Aaron Hill
I attended the Wales - Ireland game with the Bridgend County Borough Council Young Critics scheme. Thanks to Guy O'Donnell (BCBC) for organising, and also to Media Wales' Chris Wathan for his pre-match insight. More info on the Young Critics scheme can be found here.