Football can still provide hope and a release from the mundane chores. Far from Krakow and Warsaw a significant Polish crowd gathered at Croke Park for Wednesday’s international friendly as if to offer a reminder of the impact an international has. There was a surge of nationalistic pride accompanying them in the old town, and there was a touch of a certain summer way back in 1994 when it was those of Irish descent that were sprinkled around the United States of America.
An hour before kick off the chants started to reverberate around the Jones Road venue, and it was pleasant to hear the Polish enjoying their evening on a nippy night in the capital.
Three minutes in another ripple of jubilance greeted Mariusz Lewandowski’s smashing headed goal as Ireland failed to adequately deal with Lukasz Gargula’s clever free kick.
There was the occasional encouraging cameo for Ireland with Caleb Folan and Kevin Doyle demonstrating the requisite graft in attack.
Still few could dispute the lack of Irish subtlety. That was particularly worrying. Darren Gibson and Glenn Whelan scampered about the pitch, but neither managed to utterly control the play, ensuring anxious moments were unavoidable.
The second half was barely a minute on when substitute Roger Guerreiro announced his arrival with an immaculate finish that crashed into the Irish net. Poland were really giving an exercise in efficiency, and it was interesting to monitor the two respective coaches. Two totemic figures in the world game, Giovanni Trapattoni and Leo Beenhakker, patrolled the technical areas. With a combined total of 135 years between them, the decorated individuals still found meaning in this match.
And with Ireland trailing by two goals Trapattoni sought to alter the contest’s complexion.
Reinforcements were required. Alex Bruce, the Hunt brothers, Shane Long, and Keith Andrews were unfurled in quick succession. Inevitably it was with Stephen Hunt’s raids that Ireland finally found some joy. There was a bit of passion put back into the previously muted home audience, who watched the Poles dictate affairs both on and off the field.
The Hunts and Long injected a drop of enthusiasm into the Irish challenge and the string of late goals offered a late dollop of fervour. Long’s pace disturbed the visitors, but they were able to nick a third on the break, meaning Andrews’ honeyed debut goal was merely a consolation.
Trapattoni’s first loss will be debated until the New Year. While the treatment of Andy Reid appears harsh in the extreme it would be wise to remember that, of the starting XI, only Shay Given, Paul McShane, Richard Dunne, Damien Duff, and Kevin Doyle are deemed regulars at their respective clubs. The remainder of the Irish squad is filled with honest and versatile professionals, who cross the white chalk lines less frequently. When they do ring rustiness is bound to be prevalent, and that was precisely why the Poles gleefully saluted a winning outfit.
It was tough on the locals who ruminated about those who weren’t in the vicinity. Andy Reid’s absence is divisive, but watching Stephen Ireland exhibit sweat and style at Eastlands on Saturday as Manchester City filleted Arsenal was a stark reminder of what the nation is missing.
