Brian Kerr: Energy, heart and a steely focus make it a special night

A special night in Dublin. This was a throwback to Jack’s days, almost, not unlike the Belgium or Spain games before we qualified in ’88 and ’90. It was all about energy, heart and pressure.

Not that the performance was all boot and bollick. There was Wes Hoolahan, amidst the spitting fire, demanding the ball be played to his feet, and some moments of short passing did break through the din. Not enough to scare the other nations going to France next summer, but enough to show what could happen if we really put our trust in Hoolahan's ability, even at the ripe old age of 33 (going on 25).

But this Irish team played with a steely focus. The tone was set by a boisterous Monday crowd, who packed the Dublin 4 pubs from 5pm sharp, followed by the way Jon Walters and Jeff Hendrick were given licence to switch wings. This was in stark contrast to the other night in Zenica when Martin O'Neill sent out a rigid, yet structurally sound, 4-4-1-1 system.

The missing element? Walters. Along with Hendrick, he has become so important to a successful Euro campaign. It’s the intelligence with which they play, Hoolahan as well, as they fluidly switch sides without leaving either full back exposed.

That shape was only really settled upon during the Germany game. But a more footballing approach is still needed. It suits us better. We all remember what happened in Poland three and a half years ago. After doing so well to qualify, the Trapattoni 4-4-2 approach proved grossly outdated when faced by the modern style of elite nations.

Naturally creative

That lesson must be, and I think has been, learned. O’Neill has modernised our approach to international football. That Wes has become a fixture helps. As does

Robbie Brady

. Both naturally creative footballers, neither could get a kick of the ball under the wise old Italian’s reign of efficiency and draws.

O'Neill and Roy Keane have sought to grow Ireland into a more collective force that can play with enough fluidity, yet maintain the defensive solidity which remains so crucial when faced by the best players in the world.

That’s the legacy they are in the process of leaving.

Much of Martin’s selections have seemed like an experimental process; searching for the players and formation required to get results home and away. These last two games showed us he is close to finding the right shape and a more consistent starting XI.

So far so good. We have qualified. It’s an achievement we know not to take for granted after so many years in the wilderness (pre-1988 followed by 2002-12). The warm-up games before next summer give Martin and Roy a chance to further mould the newly discovered shape to their liking.

Because no football nation worth its salt wants to just qualify. And we remain a football nation. You just had to hear the place shake last night.

The GAA give us our magnificent national games and professional rugby is thriving because it’s in touching distance for the kids of Dublin and Limerick. I know better than most about the history of boxing on this island (my Belfast dad was a trainer), but soccer remains the game of the people. All the people.

Also consider that we have made it to France despite two of our greatest servants being unable to get into the team. Hopefully Robbie Keane and John O'Shea can have important roles to play in France, on and off the pitch.

We’ll take the penalty. It wasn’t really a penalty but the crowd got their wish and we were playing in the right manner to earn it. God, they were wonderful when baying for blood last night. It was lovely to see and feel. Imagine being a young boy or girl walking down Lansdowne road last night. You’d be hooked for life.

The visitors looked jaded after Friday's exertions and the travel day. Emir Spahic was like John O'Shea in Warsaw. Every time he went into a challenge it was reckless. He should have been red-carded. Edin Cocalic was useless so I was sad to see him go after half-time. We had them on the rack. That's why it frustrated me not to see Whelan or McCarthy dropping deep to take possession and work it up the field. We can't ever expect to truly evolve if the knee-jerk reaction is a long ball.

Poured on the pressure

As the Bosnians poured on the pressure we retreated closer to our penalty area. It invited them on and was always going to lead to a goal chance or two. We became fairly rigid with McClean on the left, Walters on the right and Hendrick battling in the middle with McCarthy and Whelan. Long was up front all alone but that was the recipe required at that moment in the game.

But this team has grown. As the hour mark came and went the players came out of their shell and started playing again. Brady delivered a great ball into the box for Walters, the brilliant Jon Walters, who made it 2-0.

It was fitting that Walters was the last man to touch the ball. He drags the rest of them with him and took his penalty with class, but it’s his desire that makes him so vital to the cause.

And it is a genuine cause again.

Magnificent victory. The entire island is off to France. Mad.