Play 4 A Team

Tue, 6th Jan 2009

All Time World Cup!

USSR 2 - IRELAND 1
Belanov 32, Aldridge 56, Protasov 81

STOCKHOLM

Ireland came flying out of the blocks, clearly feeling that the meticulous Soviets could be shaken if hurried and hustled. Roy Keane got booked picked up an early booking for ‘introducing himself’ to Streltsov with a crunching tackle from behind. A few minutes later Leeds United’s Johnny Giles went in similarly hard on Chislenko, but got enough of the ball for the ref to allow play to continue. While the Soviets were still calling for a free kick, Giles’ quick-thinking spotted Aldridge bursting forward. A typically pin-point pass from Giles sent the scouse striker clear, but Yashin was equal to the shot.

After that, Shesternev and Kuznetsov got to grips with Aldridge and strike partner Robbie Keane. Then just after the half-hour, it was Chislenko’s turn to win the ball from Giles. A short pass to Netto, a long pass wide to Blokhin, and a precise cross, and Mexico ’86 top scorer Igor Belanov was on hand to put the USSR ahead. A clinical move and a clinical finish.

One thing the Irish would never do though is let their heads drop. The versatile Ronnie Whelan popped up on the right and chipped the ball over Yashin towards the far top corner, only for the keeper to miraculously spring backwards to touch it over. Paul McGrath, one of the very finest defenders of his day, played much of his international football in midfield but here reverted to his favourite position, and seemed to be everywhere, making perfectly timed tackles on Streltsov, Blokhin and Belanov. His defensive partner mark Lawrenson had never looked quite as commanding without his Liverpool partner Alan Hansen alongside him, and the Soviets began to press him, sensing more potential success than they were getting against McGrath.

Lawrenson held firm though, and early in the second half strode forward into midfield, playing a one-two with Roy Keane before pinging a long pass up to the front men. Substitute Niall Quinn beat Shesternev in the air and flicked on for Liam Brady. The second Irishman to face a one-on-one with Yashin was also denied by a great save, but this time arch-poacher Aldridge was on hand to slot home the rebound.

Lobanovsky belatedly brought on Vasili Rats to get stuck in in midfield, and for the rest of the match there was much midfield scrapping without great quality from either set of attackers. The injury prone Belanov was floored once too often by Keane and had to be replaced by contemporary Protasov. Conscious that their next games were against Italy and Spain, both sides began to push harder for a winner. A tremendous free kick from Brady and a diving header from substitute Ray Houghton were both repelled by Yashin however, and with less than ten minutes to go Irish bravery was punished. Blokhin broke upfield and fed Eduard Streltsov. The maverick star, likened to George Best for his skills and for his clashes with authority, dribbled past Irwin and then fooled Lawrenson with a drag-back. Pushing further into the box, he had only the keeper to beat, but squared to Oleg Protasov to tap in past the stranded Bonner. Roy Keane was absolutely furious with the defence and let them know in forthright style. The damage was done however, and the Soviets were able to see the game out with precision passing to keep possession.