"Something that you feel will find its own form"

Ireland 1 (Cox, 86) – Czech Republic 1 (Baros, 50)

Simon Cox and James McClean will emerge as the headline names from an underwhelming 1-1 draw against the Czechs, but it was another assured performance from Jonathan Walters that should really grab the limelight. The Stoke City man appeared from the bench with 20 minutes remaining and his strength, intelligence and movement immediately transformed the Irish attack. His first touch of the game set up Paul Green to work the goalkeeper, his next created an opening for Andrews and for the remainder his work rate and positioning was such as to make the often directionless long ball tactic look like a viable means of picking the lock. Cox will take the plaudits, but it was the presence of Walters as the focal point of Ireland’s attack which provided the foothold in the final third from which the goal came. Continue reading →