Ger McCarthy analyses the major talking points from Ireland’s 3-1 victory against Moldova.
There’s still something about Wes
Let’s be honest, Wes Hoolahan’s inclusion in the Republic of Ireland starting line-up had more to do with Robbie Brady’s absence rather than any alteration in Martin O’Neill’s tactical approach.
Yet, it took the Norwich City playmaker less than two minutes to remind the Irish manager of his capabilities with a perfectly weighted pass to setup Shane Long for Ireland’s opening goal.
Irrespective of the quality of opposition, Wes Hoolahan remains this country’s most creative attacking outlet and deserves better than three competitive starts under O’Neill.
Shane Long and James McClean are far more effective in the final third when Hoolahan plays and the former Shelbourne midfielder should play a prominent role in the coming months, provided he is afforded the opportunity.
James McClean becoming indispensable
James McClean is one of the Republic of Ireland’s most improved players since Martin O’Neill’s arrival, underlined by the West Bromwich Albion winger’s brace of goals against Moldova.
The Derry native has courted controversy for his off-field comments on social media in recent years but a more focussed, mature approach plus an excellent showing at Euro 2016 has solidified McClean’s place in the starting line-up.
An ability to ghost into the opposition’s penalty box coupled with his willingness to get forward has helped McClean develop into a more consistent and potent attacking weapon.
The 27-year-old’s steady growth both on and off the field can only help his country’s chances of making the World Cup in two years’ time.
Ireland’s defence caught out far too easily
1-0 up and having dominated the majority of the opening half, Ireland’s defence picked the worst possible moment to mentally switch off and permit Moldova a chance to equalise which they gleefully accepted.
Prior to that, Seamus Coleman, Shane Duffy, Ciaran Clark and Stephen Ward had done little wrong and were functioning effectively as a unit. The manner in which Moldova’s equaliser unnerved a previously confident-looking Irish back four should also be cause for concern.
Despite a steady improvement over the past twelve months, Ireland simply cannot afford to concede such sloppy goals with Gareth Bale, Marko Arnautovic, Dusan Tadic and Aleksandar Mitrovic certain to provide sterner tests in upcoming qualifiers.
Moldova were always there for the taking
The best possible time to play a lower ranked country in a World Cup qualifier is when they have shipped seven goals in their previous two outings; possess a manager under pressure to keep his job and the general public thoroughly disinterested in their team.
Former USSR international and Moldovan manager Igor Dobrovolski was on borrowed time long before Ireland’s visit to Chisinau yet his bold decision to make seven first team changes reaped dividends with Igor Bugaev levelling just before the break.
Yet, Dobrovolski and Moldova’s failure to take advantage of an unsteady looking Irish team immediately after the restart proved costly. A third consecutive qualifying loss suggests an amicable parting might prove beneficial for both parties.
