While most countries were busy preparing for World Cup Qualifying matches on Wednesday, the Republic of Ireland hosted South Africa in an international friendly. As host of the FIFA 2010 World Cup, South Africa is guaranteed a spot next summer while the Republic of Ireland is in good position to be there as well. The match was at Thomond Park as Ireland was the home side. Here’s a recap of the international friendly along with video highlights.
Republic of Ireland beats South Africa 1-0 in international friendly – Video Highlights
The Republic of Ireland grabbed the lead in the first half despite being outplayed for most of it. The goal came in the 37th minute by Liam Lawrence. It was off a free kick as Lawrence curled it ove the wall and into the corner past the South African goalkeeper. South Africa had some chances in the first half but couldn’t convert and the free kick was the difference as it was 1-0 for Ireland at halftime.
The second half was fairly even as South Africa looked for the equalizer. Liam Lawrence continued to be dangerous in the attack for the Republic of Ireland as they had a few chances to extend their lead but couldn’t capitalize. Neither team was able to score in the second half. Both teams made several substitutions in the second half but it wouldn’t make a difference as the match would end at 1-0 for the Irish. It was a match between too evenly matched teams where the home side had the difference on one free kick.
| SCORING SUMMARY | |
| Ireland | South Africa |
| Liam Lawrence (37) | |
Globalpost
NewsNow
South africa lack balance in their team, that is why they find it hard to win matches they really should be winning. the defence looks like they can be pushed around by anyone, the midfield are decent enough but the strikers get scared to kick the ball into the opposing net, they need to find some kahoonahs, i mean they’re playing for the national team, they should be the best we have, otherwise get the european boys in, we have enough quality spread over europe to assemble a decent team. that can score