Landsdowne Road was no place for the faint hearted, as the Republic of Ireland took on Switzerland in their vital World Cup 2006 qualifier. The Swiss only needed a point, whereas Brian Kerr’s Ireland team had to win.

Lashing rain made the pitch like an ice rink, with many players having to change their studs in order that they could keep their grip on the greasy surface. If there was ever a game where Robbie Keane needed his shooting boots, this was it.

Before the match, there was talk of Ireland adopting a cautious approach in the early stages, blarney, this was a rip roaring, barn storming performance from the off, with Morrison and Reid returning to the fold after suspension leading the way.

Switzerland knew what to expect, but were more than confident in their ability to deal with all that could be slung at them, they weren’t so confident when Ian Harte narrowly missed scoring within the first two minutes.

Ireland continued to batter the Swiss defence, however, on the half hour, they were extremely lucky to not concede when striker Alex Frey headed ed over, when it would have been easier to score. As news came through that France were 2-0 up against Cyprus, the mood was palpable, victory becoming a little more important for the Swiss, who’s superb fans had spent the early part of the day imbibing plenty of the dark stuff along with the Irish.

The second half started much as the first, with Ireland applying enormous pressure, but huff and puff as they did, they were unable to break down a resolute Swiss defence, and indeed they had to be on their toes to avoid being hit on the breakaway by the highly technical Swiss.

In the end, all Ireland’s efforts were not enough, and they were left to rue the two goals that they conceded against Israel when they were cruising at 2-0 up, before going on to draw 2-2.

It’s a pity Brian Kerr, a good man, and a good manager will probably lose his job because of his country’s lack of qualification, if only his players had played the way they did tonight, all through the campaign, things could have been so much different, we ask, to whom do they look? Roy Keane?

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