FT Report: Luxembourg 0 Rep of Ireland 3 – Kenny’s side end rocky campaign on a high
The Republic of Ireland ended their rocky World Cup qualifying campaign on a high as they eased past Luxembourg.
It was the defeat to the same opposition back in March, a third successive at the start of the campaign, that left Ireland’s qualification hopes in tatters. Since then they have lost just once in the ten games, a 97th minute defeat at the hands of Portugal.
Shane Duffy, Chiedozie Ogbene and Callum Robinson all got on the scoresheet as Stephen Kenny’s side leapfrogged their hosts and secured a third place finish in the group.
It was the hosts that started the game the better, pinning their visitors in their own half for the opening five minutes. Luxembourg wanted a penalty when for a potential handball against Duffy but the protests were waved away by the referee.
Chiedozie Ogbene was the main threat to the home defence and he caused them problems. He made a great run down the right hand side, he then found Callum Robinson in the box but he was denied by Ralph Schon.
It was then turn for an Irish penalty appeal, A lovely passing move saw the ball fall to Adam Idah, he looked to have been pushed inn the back but, once again the referee was unmoved by protests.
Just as the visitors began to get on top they had their goalkeeper to thank. Olivier Thill, the main threat from the hosts picked the ball up on the edge of the box, his deflected shot was saved brilliantly by Gavin Bazunu.
Just before the break Schon made another superb save to deny John Egan after the defender rose highest from an Ireland corner.
Ireland struggled at the start of the second half and were almost 1-0 down, Jeff Hendrick’s poor pass left Bazunu in the middle of no where but Luxembourg’s match winner in Dublin, Gerson was unable to beat the Ireland keeper.
Just a minute later, Luxembourg had the ball in the net, only for it to be ruled out for a foul on Duffy.
In the 68th minute, Ireland took the lead. Josh Cullen’s free kick was headed home by no other than Duffy. Eight minutes later that lead was doubled. Hendrick’s ball found subsitute Jason Knight who cut the ball back brilliantly for Ogbene to finish.
Just as the game entered into stoppage time, Ireland got their third. James McClean’s cross found Knight who again pulled back this time for Robinson who tapped in to seal just a second win in the campaign for Kenny’s side.
Questions will remain if Kenny should continue for the Euro 2024 qualification campaign, there is a Nations League campaign before that one begins and it would suggest that results and performances there will dictate if Kenny is to be in charge for Euro 2024 qualifying campaign.