The Republic of Ireland had a golden start with Stephen Hunt winning a free kick over on the left side. He floated the ball in for John O'Shea to flick on for Richard Dunne to power a header into the net. The goal is recorded aound 42 second and is the fastest goal in our history. The game should have been Ireland to take a grip on but instead it turned in favour of Bulgaria and they took midfield possession.
Glenn Whelan and Keith Andrews did not want to use the ball in midfield and gave away the ball far too often. The game plan was to defend and defend we did. Bulgarias best player Petrov hit a glorious effort that Given turned around the post. The game was played in our half for a lot of the match.
In the second half Bulgaria kept up the pressure without really making too many chances. In the 73rd minute Pertov broke into the box on the right side and shot. The ball deflected to Kilbane who put it past a stranded Given. It was a terrible goal but Bulgaria deserved it. The Irish made 2 more chances with McGeady and Keane missing good openings, but on general play from Ireland were only good enough for a point.