Ireland end World Cup qualifying campaign unbeaten

The Republic of Ireland concluded their World Cup qualifying campaign unbeaten after an insipid scoreless draw against Montenego here Wednesday.

There was an end-of-term feel to the game from the outset despite Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni making six changes to the team that drew 2-2 with Italy last Saturday.

The result was inconsquential in the greater scheme of things, Ireland already having assured themselves of a place in next month’s play-offs as Group 8 runners-up behind the Italians.

The Montenegrins played with five across the midfield, frustrating the efforts of Liam Miller and Martin Rowlands to carve out chances from the middle of the park.

While controlling possession, the Irish rarely threatened from anything other than dead-ball situations.

Their best first-half chance fell to Richard Dunne who was denied by the crossbar after a perfectly flighted free-kick from Stephen Hunt in the 42nd minute.

Damien Duff, who looked rusty after recovering from injury, wasted Ireland’s best effort from open play after a superb through ball by Miller down the inside right channel. The Fulham winger latched on to the ball and drove into the box but his touches forced him unnecessarily wide and he eventually shot timidly into the side-netting.

Ireland goalkeeper, Shay Given, who along with Kevin Kilbane earned his 100th cap, had little to do other than deal easily with a deflected shot by Nikola Drincic from distance.

But he should have been left helpless in the 29th minute when Montenegro skipper Branko Boskovic completely mistimed a header in front of goal.

Martin Rowland’s first competitive start for the Irish came to an abrupt end just minutes after collecting a booking for a foul on Simon Vukcevic. The QPR playmaker appeared to catch his studs in the turf and after two minutes of treatment was stretchered off. Manchester United’s John O’Shea took his place.

The second half offered even less for the crowd to cheer as the Montenegrins got more possession but were wasteful in the final third.

Meanwhile, Stephen Hunt, battling for a place in the first XI for next month’s play-offs, gamely tried to raise Ireland’s game but to little avail.

The closest either team came to scoring came midway through the half when Simon Vukcevic displayed skill in the Irish box and fired off a shot which struck Paul McShane’s arm. But the referee waved away the justifiable penalty claims.

The final 15 minutes turned into a cameo of the whole game as the Montenegrins tried a couple of shots from distance which went at least 10 yards wide.

And Ireland’s night was summed up just two minutes from the end by Robbie Keane’s lack of urgency with a half chance when the ball got trapped between his legs and he failed to get in a shot on goal.

Ireland’s habit of scoring late goals did not materialise on this occasion but, like the match, it didn’t really matter.