|
2001/02 - Friendly -
Republic of Ireland 2 (Duff 21, Morrison 77) Croatia 2 (Vugrinec 80, Suker 90 pen)
Mick McCarthy's side threw away a two goal lead in Dublin with Davor Suker converting a 93rd minute penalty for Croatia.
The late penalty was awarded for handball after confusion at a corner kick and Suker calmly placed his shot.
The home team had taken the lead with a wonderful effort from Blackburn star Damien Duff (pictured, above left).
He hit his first international goal with a swerving drive which rose into the top corner in the 21st minute.
But the game changed at half time as the play was swamped in substitutions. Ireland finally made nine with eight coming from Croatia.
Ireland extended their lead when Jason McAteer crossed for Kevin Kilbane to shoot low in an effert which was charged down into the path of susbstitute Clinton Morrison to pass the ball in.
The game seemed won with that goal in the 77th minute but Davor Vugrinic dragged his team back into this friendly by rising to power in a far post header with ten minutes to go to set up Suker's final flurry.
Ireland (4-4-2): Given (Kelly 45 mins); Kelly (O'Shea 84), Dunne (O'Brien 84), Staunton, Harte (McPhail 60); Reid (Finnan 43), Keane (McAteer 46), Carsley, Kennedy (Kilbane 66); Duff (Connolly 52), Keane (Morrison 53).
Attendance: 27,000
1999/2000 - Euro 2000 Qualifying Group 8 -
Croatia 1 (Suker 90) Republic of Ireland 0
A typical 'Suker' punch goal as the then AC Milan striker Davor Suker struck four minutes into the injury time added by Dias Manuel Vega of Spain, saw Ireland's Euro 2000 qualification hopes hit in Zagreb.
|
Five minutes added - without a single stoppage for injuries in the second half? Look at poor Breeners (right), following the finish.
Manager Mick McCarthy refused to say too much about the referee’s performance but the Irish were far from pleased with his contribution.
He said: "The referee told me he had added on three minutes for time wasting and two minutes for the substitutions. When I saw the official put up five I thought it was a substitution - that they were taking off their number five."
Attendance: 26,000
1998/1999 - Friendly -
Republic of Ireland 2 (Irwin 4, Roy Keane 15) Croatia 0
1995/96 - Friendly -
Republic of Ireland 2 Croatia 2