Bolivia hold youthful Irish in Boston
(REUTERS) 26 May 2007
An experimental Republic of Ireland side were held to a 1-1 draw by Bolivia in a friendly on Saturday. Republic coach Steve Staunton, whose team drew 1-1 with Ecuador in New York on Wednesday, fielded five debutants from his travelling squad, which was missing several experienced regulars.
After Anthony Stokes and Shane Long went close with early efforts, the Irish took the lead in the 12th minute. Newcastle United's Alan O'Brien found Long inside the penalty area with a cross from the left, and the Reading striker headed home.
The lead was short lived though, with Bolivia drawing level just two minutes later when right back Miguel Hoyos fired past Nicky Colgan from inside the area.
O'Brien, Peter Murphy, Joseph O'Cearuill, Joe Gamble and Stokes all won their first Republic of Ireland caps.
(REUTERS) 26 May 2007
An experimental Republic of Ireland side were held to a 1-1 draw by Bolivia in a friendly on Saturday. Republic coach Steve Staunton, whose team drew 1-1 with Ecuador in New York on Wednesday, fielded five debutants from his travelling squad, which was missing several experienced regulars.
After Anthony Stokes and Shane Long went close with early efforts, the Irish took the lead in the 12th minute. Newcastle United's Alan O'Brien found Long inside the penalty area with a cross from the left, and the Reading striker headed home.
The lead was short lived though, with Bolivia drawing level just two minutes later when right back Miguel Hoyos fired past Nicky Colgan from inside the area.
O'Brien, Peter Murphy, Joseph O'Cearuill, Joe Gamble and Stokes all won their first Republic of Ireland caps.