Satisfactory but real test of nerve and character to come

The priority was to put this very poor team away as quickly as possible and Ireland's intent from the tip off was impressive, writes PAT FENLON

TYPICAL OF our footballing history, it all comes down to one game.

If we had of been told 18 months ago that it would come down to a draw with Armenia at the Aviva Stadium in our last match, I would have been very happy.

Not anymore.

There is only one decision to be made in the coming days. Stephen Ward’s booking for diving, in search of a penalty, on the half hour would have reopened the door for Kevin Kilbane but he is injured.

Ward’s suspension means Trapattoni will probably switch John O’Shea to left back with Stephen Kelly at right back.

Ireland’s intent from the tip off was impressive. Priority number one was to put this very poor team away as quickly as possible.

Possession was immediately shifted up to Robbie Keane and Kevin Doyle – waiting to pounce in Andorra’s box. This was presumably on the captain’s insistence. Keane knew the importance of ruling out any possibility of a slip up last night.

The real test of nerve and character comes next.

We put pressure on the Andorrans further up the field. And they couldn’t handle it.

Kevin Doyle probably needed a goal more than anyone after a difficult few months. John O’Shea did well to nod it down but really he was just exposing a shockingly disorganised defence.

Still, seven minutes gone and 1-0 up was the perfect start. The result was secured by the 20th minute.

As expected, the Irish players duly checked out thereafter. Job done was the feeling that permeated once Glen Whelan’s pre-planned free kick ended up in the back of the net thanks to Aiden McGeady.

There were other chances to go three up but within a few minutes the mental sharpness of the collective Irish effort had visibly waned.

They knew it would take a miracle for Andorra to get back into this match.

Still, especially against such inferior opposition, it was disappointing to see that we were not more patient in possession. We are just not used to doing that. Little things, like Andrews spraying a ball cross the field to nobody in particular or O’Shea dumping one down on the opposing centre back’s head from miles out, were frustrating to see.

The pitch looked bumpy but that didn’t stop us in the opening 19 minutes.

Still, there is no need to be overly critical of this difficult night’s work. These trips are always tough; a wet and freezing night in a strange old ground for international football.

I was half hoping Whelan wouldn’t return after half-time. A booking would see him suspended and the tackles were flying in around him. Also, they were going to ground with the slightest hint of contact.

The referee wasn’t slow going to the pocket either.

This opposition was made for Keith Fahey’s crisp passing into the feet of Keane and Doyle. There were plenty of goals there for the taking.

It took 64 minutes before we saw Fahey and the game had long since become a joining of the dots exercise.

The work rate dropped and players were clearly saving themselves.

Russia are out of sight now. They will destroy Andorra in Moscow and deservedly top the group. The best football I have seen throughout the entire campaign was what they did to us in that first half at Lansdowne Road. They were world class.

The fullbacks attacked last night and Andrews raced into the box plenty of times but, as I said in yesterday’s column, this was all about building confidence before facing Armenia – the most in form team in Europe.

Eight goals in two matches. Four past Slovakia and a 4-1 thrashing of Macedonia yesterday, pretty much guarantees the Giovanni Trapattoni defensive style will be seriously tested on Tuesday night.

We will return to the rigid system he always employs. Their free scoring nature makes it essential to approach them with caution.

They are a quality side and the decision to go to Armenia in our first game back in September 2010 looks inspired now. Going there next week would have been a major worry.

They will come to Dublin believing that they are good enough to make the play-offs at our expense. A point will do but that thought process, combined with all out attack from Armenia would lead to a very uncomfortable night.

But when have we done it the easy way. The defining night of the Trapattoni era comes next.