Republic of Ireland 1-0 Colombia
Robbie Keane and Dean Kiely made sure Giovanni Trapattoni's unbeaten reign as Ireland manager continued as they saw off a tough Colombia side at Craven Cottage. After the 1-1 draw with Serbia on Saturday the Italian manager masterminded his first victory.
But he will have West Brom keeper Kiely to thank for keeping his side in the game with a string of fine saves.
With just three minutes on the clock Ireland took the lead for the first time in the Trapattoni era. Skipper Keane picked the ball up on the edge of the Colombia box after good work by Liam Miller and he guided his shot, with the help of a massive deflection from Elvis Gonzalez, past Robinson Zapata for his 33rd international goal.
After the goal the South Americans began to dominate and create the better chances. Edixon Perea caused panic amongst the Irish defence when he fired a low ball across the area which zipped off the wet surface and was eventually turned to safety by Damien Delaney.
Kiely was forced to make his first meaningful save midway through the half when Jean Carlos Escobar broke free and fired his shot in from the edge of the area but the West Brom keeper did well to save.
On the half hour Colombia had their best chance of the game when Ruben Bustos cross was met by a powerful Escobar header at the far post, but Kiely scrambled across his goal to save well.
Kiely was required again on the stroke of half time when he made a brilliant double save to deny first Falcao Garcia and then Perea.
Garcia shot from the edge of the box which had the Ireland stopper at full stretch, and the ball fell straight to Pera but Kiely was sharp enough to react and save well to keep Trapattoni's men the lead at the break.
The second half continued in the same fashion with Colombia on the front foot, but without being able to find a way past Kiely. Perea went close with a powerful shot on the hour mark but once again Kiely was equal to it.
Ireland tried to add to the score but failed to get past a solid South American defence, but the win ends a run of seven games without a win
and put a smile back on Irish faces.
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