REPUBLIC OF IRELAND 0 AUSTRALIA 3
Thomand Park opened its doors to International football last night in what was a vital preparation to the Republic of Irelands World Cup qualifiers in September. The only other time the Republic had played Australia they won 2-1 in Lansdowne Road.
This match started with a flourish and within 45 minutes Austrailia were 2-0 up courtesy of a Tim Cahill brace. The Everton midfielder showed his power and timing to net his first having played a one two with McDonald to shoot into the left hand corner. Cahill again showed his goalscoring instinct in netting his second from a parried shot, and putting the game beyond the soft Irish centra defence andl midfield.
Robbie Keane showed nice skill and touches and went close to opening up the Australian defence in the second half but was twarted by Schwarzer. Substitutes Hunt and Andrews(who struck the post) gave Ireland more tackling and urgency both missed chances. Sheffield United fullback Carney drove a 35 yard screamer, and Substitute keeper Westwood had no chance in the Irish goal.