Callum Robinson gave Irish fans a night to remember on Monday as the Boys In Green got their ElectroCity FIFA 20 European Championship off to the best possible start with a 3-0 over Poland.
Mark Ryan’s side were in top form from start to finish, Robinson threatening the Polish goal early, a left footed strike in the box hitting the side netting with 10 minutes on the clock.
A superb piece of individual skill from John Egan allowed local man Seani Maguire to get free in the middle of the box (16) only to fire low to the ‘keeper’s feet.
For Irish fans it still brought a moment joy, Maguire pulled to the ground under a late challenge from Kedziora – no doubt a penalty.
While he made the penalty, Robbie Brady made sure of the goal (16), converting with ease from the spot.
Preston’s Alan Browne started Ireland’s next big passage from deep in the Irish half, a long through ball finding Callum Robinson in the middle of the Polish half.
Holding play up to bring Maguire back into the fold, Maguire nicked past Bednarek and Kedziora to square for Robinson on the edge of the six yard box for his first and Ireland’s second (29).
Napoli’s Arkadiusz Milik produced Poland’s best chance of the first half (42), his left foot strike beating Westwood but clipping the right post and rebounding for Shane Duffy to clear.
Robinson turned provider for Maguire (71) to get the short through ball in behind Poland’s high defensive line, Maguire making sure of the one-on-one for Ireland’s third, stabbing low and left past Wojciech Szczęsny.
Szczęsny was beaten all ends up with a long strike from Callum Robinson (78) and could have been Ireland’s fourth but for the quick thinking of Maciej Rybus for what could be the clearance of the tournament.
A solid night for Ireland, back to the drawing board for Poland.
Final score 3-0.