ZCZC
BSP-08
FBL-EURO-2020-IRL-SUI
McCarthy eyes Euro 2020 for Ireland after Swiss draw
DUBLIN, Sept 6, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Mick McCarthy has his sights set on Euro
2020 after David McGoldrick rescued the Republic of Ireland’s unbeaten
qualifying record with a late equaliser in Thursday’s 1-1 draw against
Switzerland.
McCarthy’s side were five minutes away from their first defeat of the
campaign after Fabian Schar put the Swiss ahead at the Aviva Stadium in
Dublin.
But McGoldrick ensured Ireland made it five games unbeaten when he headed
in the late equaliser that kept his team on top of Group D.
“I am delighted. Switzerland are a very good side. They showed that at
times. They kept us penned in. I’m happy we kept going,” McCarthy said.
“We showed durability and the stoic nature Irish teams have shown during my
time as a player and manager. We deserved it in the end.”
Ireland are three points in front of second-placed Denmark and six ahead of
third placed Switzerland, who however have two games in hand.
“I’m thrilled for David McGoldrick. The way we can eke out a result when it
looks like it’s gone is impressive.
“The noise when the goal went in pleased me more than anything. It was
brilliant.
“We are better off now. It’s another game down and we’ve taken points off
the best two teams in this group. We’ve remained unbeaten.”
It was Ireland who created the first real opening when Callum Robinson
flicked the ball into the path of Jeff Hendrick and he fed James McClean,
whose shot was blocked by Kevin Mbabu.
Shane Duffy had to be alert to repel Haris Seferovic’s well-struck drive
before Enda Stevens earned a booking that rules the defender out of the next
qualifier against Georgia.
Switzerland’s Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka fired a long-range free-kick
that deflected narrowly over.
McCarthy’s men were living dangerously as half-time approached, having to
rely on full-stretch interceptions on more than one occasion.
Switzerland, who were without playmaker Xherdan Shaqiri, were on the attack
early in the second half when Schar advanced unchecked and lashed a rising
drive over the bar.
Breel Embolo had a clear sight of goal inside the six-yard box from Remo
Freuler’s pass, but he lost his footing just as he was preparing to shoot.
However Switzerland’s pressure was finally rewarded in the 74th minute.
Schar advanced from the back and played an incisive one-two with Embolo
before sliding a cool finish past Darren Randolph into the bottom corner.
Ireland responded impressively, with Whelan smashing a long-range drive
against the bar, before they drew level when McGoldrick rose highest to head
in McClean’s deflected cross from close-range.
BSS/AFP/GMR/0923 hrs