Slovakia will provide a much tougher test

Brian Kerr Soccer Analyst: This result should be viewed in a positive light; three desperately vital points were gained.

However, unlike Wales, Slovakia will come to Croke Park on Wednesday night seeking a win after again proving their pedigree away from home with a 3-1 victory in Cyprus.

The standard of Saturday's victory was vastly inferior to most internationals taking place across Europe over the weekend - technique being the main attribute absent at Croke Park.

Watching the high-intensity battle between Germany and the Czech Republic on Saturday evening it was hard to believe we are competing on the same level.

Possession is considered precious on the continent, unlike our game where it was handed back to the opposition far too cheaply. Even the average European nations focus on retaining possession while moving forward with purpose.

Steve Staunton and his team will care little about other results having garnered three points in such high-pressure circumstances. But many of the 72,539 crowd, particularly the former players present as guests of honour, must have been cringing at the lack of quality.

On hearing through the grapevine on Saturday morning that Kevin Doyle would not start and given the lack of experienced strikers in the squad, I expected a 4-2-1-3 system with Stephen Ireland playing behind Robbie Keane with Duffer and Kilbane out wide.

Jonathan Douglas's selection in midfield alongside Lee Carsley was the first surprise but starting Ireland in an unnatural position wide on the right made no sense. There were enough players out of position already, like Steve Finan at left back (he had to check every time he wanted to cross. Ian Harte's exclusion left the defence off kilter) and Duff up front, although this was less surprising given he played beside Keane during Stan's captaincy at the 2002 World Cup.

The big problem with the initial line-up, given the cautious Welsh approach, was the team proved ill-equipped to utilise the lion's share of possession.

It was imperative the midfield duo dictated the flow of play but while Carsley and Douglas are honest, energetic workers neither has the ability or subtlety to find space or the range of passing to act as playmakers in a crowded midfield. Hence, we were over dependent on a wide build-up with Finan and Kilbane on the left and O'Shea and Ireland down the right - until Ireland swapped with Duff.

Although both pairings have played together recently they seemed to lack understanding. This led to defenders knocking long, hopeful balls into our small front men.

The obvious move of Stephen Ireland to a central role and Damien going wide right led to the opening goal, roughly 10 minutes after the switch.

Another problem was a lack of speed and precision in the build up and change of play among the back four. The ball needed to be moved with accuracy to expose the glaring Welsh deficiencies.

Their premiership players - Ryan Giggs, Craig Bellamy and Simon Davies - all looked like they were told by their club managers not to return injured. They duly obliged and rarely showed their ability. While the opposition's ultra cautious approach made it difficult for Ireland, Wales are a limited team with even less technical ability than us. They should have been filleted.

The only clear Welsh chance came from Richard Dunne's lack of concentration, which he is prone to, which allowed Bellamy a clear run on goal. After turning Paul McShane inside then out, he was only denied by Shay Given's bravery and anticipation.

I expected Stephen Ireland's expertly-taken goal to improve confidence but the second half performance was even worse, lacking sustained periods of controlled football.

Although the pitch appeared bumpy, it is not enough to excuse the poor decision-making right throughout the game.

Wales had a brief spell of quality possession in the second half but the Irish fans' resorting to a silly Mexican wave routine suggested they were hoping a game of football might eventually break out.

Many of the punters were "interested onlookers" rather than genuine fans. These people tend to dilute the hardcore elements around them. I expect more passion under the lights.

There were some positives. The ever-maturing Paul McShane overcame some initial errors to contribute plenty of blocks and tackles.

Stephen Ireland again showed his eye for goal and ability to break into the box from deep. Kevin Hunt added a dash and vigour that must leave him close to a starting place on Wednesday.

Keane, Duff and as usual Kevin Kilbane must also be credited for their industry throughout. Duff's honesty and commitment was epitomised by his crucial nudge on Giggs in the Irish six-yard box before he headed the ball out for a corner in the last minute.

Kevin Doyle didn't appear to be running with his normal fluidity and power and given Robbie's absence on Wednesday, Doyle's conditioning is a concern.

The real test for all involved comes next.