A Team in Transition Part 2

Last updated : 28 June 2004 By Barry Landy

The new dawn of the Republic Of Ireland soccer team was beginning as the Canadians came to Lansdowne. Manager Brian Kerr gave many fringe players such as Graham Kavanagh, Nicky Colgan, Steven Reid and Rory Delap appearances. Ireland finished as 3-0 victors on the night which also featured a substitute cameo from debutant John Thompson, of Nottingham Forest and his clubmate Andy Reid, who started the match, was awarded the man of the match accolade. Reid, who was proclaimed as the finest Irish winger since Damien Duff by pundits after the match, wowed the crowd and opposition alike with his passing ability and willingness to work. Although the next competitive fixture was exactly 3 months away, Irish fans exited the stadium knowing that they had witnessed something special. This was the beginning of a series of results which would elevate Ireland to a position where they would no longer be taken lightly by any team, no matter how star-studded.


On that note, FAI chief executive Fran Rooney revealed to the media that he had ambitious plans to bring Samba stars Brazil to Dublin. Within two weeks, Ireland’s newcomers Graham Kavanagh, who was hoping for an injury free game, and Andy Reid were lining out against accomplished world stars such as Cafu, Ronaldo and Ronaldinho. Unsurprisingly the Irish fans were out in force for the encounter not expecting that their team would have much of a say against the number one ranked soccer team in the world. Lead by captain Kenny Cunningham and Newcastle’s Andy O’Brien, who undoubtedly played his finest game in an Irish shirt, Ireland defended stoutly against Ronaldo & Co. and could have stolen a win they had no right to, with Robbie Keane spurning our closet chances.


After hosting Brazil, Ireland once again welcomed one of the world’s footballing super powers in the form of the Czech Republic to Lansdowne Road. Despite having Pavel Nedved and Tomas Rosicky among others in the team it was Ireland who got off to the best start. Ian Harte, back in the team, was hoping to impress both Brian Kerr and club manager Eddie Gray and did no harm to his cause by giving Ireland the lead with a trademark free kick. This inspired the Irish to run out 2-1 winners and deservedly so.

Kerr’s boys travelled to Poland a month later and in a terrible game they snatched a 0-0 draw. This result put on damper on our previous results but nevertheless Liam Miller and Alan Lee both made their full debuts, Jon Douglas of Blackburn Rovers and Jason Byrne of Shelbourne made their international bows.

Results – Ireland 3-0 Canada

Ireland 0-0 Brazil

Ireland 2-1 Czech Republic

Poland 0-0 Ireland

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