With a dull draw against New Zealand, Stephen Kenny and James McClean conclude their careers as Ireland players.
Wearing an all-black uniform to close out one of the most depressing calendar years in the Irish national team’s recent history was a fitting way to cap off an unforgettable 2023.
On a night that marked the end of one man’s international career—James McClean—while the axe was about to fall on manager Stephen Kenny, whose exit was certain to be confirmed in a few days—Ireland was unable to even close out the year with a victory—a 1-1 draw in Dublin against a brave and well-trained New Zealand team that used their limited resources to inflict even more misery on the 26,517 Irish supporters in the Dublin 4 stadium.
Idah’s welcome goal, Mikey Johnston’s brilliant play, Mark Sykes’ strong full debut, and Andy Moran’s first senior cap were as close to positives as Ireland could hope for. However, the Kiwis finished stronger and would have won if Ryan Manning hadn’t made a last-minute block. In the end, Ireland deserved to lose this one.
Similar to how Kenny begged earlier this week for his losses to powerful teams like the Netherlands, France, and Portugal to be understood—the majority of those losses came by a one-goal margin—context is also required here, as New Zealand, ranked 103rd in the world, was able to use Dublin.
Though it’s unclear exactly what kind of coach would have watched Ireland play New Zealand on a Tuesday night if they weren’t paid to do so, Kenny’s replacement is yet to be named, but if he was there, he will have seen both the warning signs this team has and a glimpse of what Ireland can offer.
There is a long, long road ahead with so many players on this Ireland team (nine changes from the squad that lost in Amsterdam on Saturday) fighting for playing time at the club level.
Since his return from injury two months ago, Mikey Johnston, one of those Irishmen denied playing time at the club level, has only played five minutes for Celtic. Johnston was one of the most remarkable.
The New Zealand back four were warned that they were going to be put to the test by the excellent combination of McClean and Johnston on the left. After Johnston danced into the box and was upended by Michael Boxall after six minutes, he made a lovely move on the touchline with a backheel, then he bounded forward and whipped in a cross that Jamie McGrath missed with a header after eighteen minutes.
Ireland finally got the reward for their almost constant pressure after 28 minutes. Sykes was quick to see Pijnaker was hesitant, so he stole the ball from the Sligo player and played it to Idah, who finished calmly.
Despite facing resistance and a goal that should have broken their spirits, the Kiwis persevered and managed to rejoin the game. After 38 minutes, Sarpreet Singh, who plays for his keep in the German second division, attempted a shot from the edge of the box, but Kelleher, earning his first cap since March, made a superb save. Singh was back there shortly before the break, putting forth some effort. The question here is how Empoli’s Libby Cacace managed to force his way past a lethargic Irish defense and set himself up.
Ireland made just one change at halftime, and it was Mark Travers, the keeper, who was far busier than any offensive player to win the match.
On 49 minutes, a mistake by Duffy gave Matt Garbett a chance. Although Ireland had more chances through Jayson Molumby and Duffy, the away wide player was the one who was determined to score. Singh’s persistent threat paid off on minute 59 when Dutch midfielder Garbett finished his ball in.
Max Mata, a former Sligo player, was substituted for captain Wood by Singh, who then forced a save from Travers. Mata had two chances to make up for Pijnaker’s earlier error, with Travers stymieing him on the 78th minute.
The home midfield was frequently overrun by a plethora of Irish substitutes, and Josh Cullen’s misplaced pass that would have only cost him.
