Ireland Draws Italy, Crayola Victorious

The Irish National Team continued its excellent play in World Cup qualifiers today with a draw of Italy, who played 88 of the 90 minutes without striker Giampaolo Pazzini, who was hit with a red card after a rather foolish challenge against Irish defender John O’Shea. Forced to play a man down, Italia pushed one across the mesh in the 11th minute when Ireland failed to defend its flanks.
While Italy held the advantage for the first half, their tiredness began to show (perhaps too much wine and pasta during intermission – I kid, I kid) and the Republic had an array of free kicks and corners in the Italian side of the pitch. Finally, in the 82nd minute, Robbie Keane pushed the ball in on an in close opportunity. This was Keane’s return to international play, and it couldn’t have been more timely for the Irish. In the 84th minute, a loose ball was floating around at the Italian 6 yard line, but no Irishmen were able to finish the job.
The draw keeps Ireland in 2nd place in their qualifying group, 2 points behind group leader Italy. Their next match takes place against Bulgaria on June 6th.