Played poorly but got good result

Soccer Analyst: In the context of the qualification process it is the result and not the performance that counted in Basel last…

Soccer Analyst: In the context of the qualification process it is the result and not the performance that counted in Basel last night. From a purely footballing point of view there might have been plenty to grumble about from an Irish perspective in terms of the general display but the most important aspect of this game and last Saturday's is that Brian Kerr's team have four points.

If the manager was offered that return prior to the games he would definitely have taken it. There may have been a little complacency after last Saturday's win over Cyprus and one or two individuals might have expected to be able to carry on where they left off at Lansdowne Road.

Switzerland are better than Cyprus and this game was going to be difficult; it's generally the same when you play two matches in a short space of time in that the second game proves to be the more difficult.

When a team functions well it seems that the three separate departments of defence, midfield and attack function as one unit. When a side plays badly then those units look disjointed and completely out of sorts. Ireland allowed too much space between Clinton Morrison and Robbie Keane up front and the defence.

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The Swiss were sharper on to the breaking ball and they were prepared to harry defenders, giving them no time to dwell on the ball. Ireland looked uncomfortable and several problems were inflicted by their own hand.

They tried to play too much football in the wrong part of the pitch.

The Swiss defence was as poor as we suggested before the match but they will still prove to be a difficult side to beat at home.

Ireland did create chances and in an ideal world it would have been great to see them push on and perhaps sustain the pressure.

But Switzerland will reflect on the number of clear-cut opportunities they created and might also point out that had Ireland pressed on they would have been afforded even more chances. Shay Given did well to frustrate the Swiss in the first half but for me the real evidence of his quality came last Saturday.

Any top class goalkeeper will tell you that it is far more difficult to have nothing to do for 30 or 40 minutes and then suddenly be called on to make an important save. That's the hallmark of a good goalkeeper. Last night Given would have enjoyed the game, the involvement on a more regular basis and certainly earned his money.

He was sharp and Ireland needed him to be as a lack of concentration meant that the visiting goal led a charmed life at times. Irish players didn't track their men and that meant that the defence was overwhelmed numbers wise.

The important thing is that Ireland survived. It's a bit of a cliché but it's far better to win a match playing poorly than to lose a game playing well.

The point taken in Basel has given Kerr's men the start they were looking for and in the context of the group it's going to be crucial. Switzerland are probably Ireland's main rivals for second place if France prove to be the pick of the group.

The Swiss have had a hoodoo over Ireland in recent seasons and Ireland have broken that. On the evidence of last night's game, Kerr will be confident that his side can turn over the Swiss when they get them back to Lansdowne Road.

Ireland's performance in the second half was a great deal more composed. The application and concentration was far better and while the visitors didn't create as many chances they didn't offer up any either. They were reasonably comfortable and Kerr will be happy with the result if not totally appreciative of the performance.

The results elsewhere last night underline the good start that Ireland have made to the group. The fact that France only grabbed a couple of goals against the Faroe Island and had Patrick Viera sent off - he'll miss the Irish game - will be a fillip for future battles.

Last night it was a case of enjoy the result and don't dwell long on the performance.