Republic of Ireland 0-0 Northern Ireland: Friendly ends in goalless draw in Dublin
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Your support makes all the difference.Darren Randolph produced a series of fine saves to deny Northern Ireland victory as the Republic of Ireland had to make do with a 0-0 friendly draw in Dublin.
The Republic, who went into the game having won just once in their previous nine outings and desperate to gain some momentum ahead of Monday night's Nations League trip to Denmark, were second-best in a clash between neighbours which demonstrated their respective difficulties.
But they needed Randolph to make fine saves from Gavin Whyte and substitute Jordan Jones either side of the break to ensure they emerged with something to show for their efforts as the visitors, who had tasted victory only twice in 11 matches before kick-off, created the better openings.
Indeed, the home side's only chances of note predictably came courtesy of Robbie Brady set-pieces on the Burnley midfielder's return to the international stage following a year out through injury, and the final whistle was greeted by a chorus of boos.
The reception afforded to the two national anthems was less than respectful, but in a cagey start to the game it was the visitors who almost broke the deadlock after Shane Duffy had misjudged Steven Davis' 14th-minute ball forward.
Duffy's error allowed Liam Boyce to hook the ball into the path of Stuart Dallas to in turn feed Whyte, who looked certain to mark his first senior start for his country with a goal until Randolph raced from his line to make a vital block.
Seamus Coleman and Boyce were left bloodied by a clash of heads seconds later as Northern Ireland continued to press, but Duffy should have atoned for his earlier error when he met Brady's 21st-minute free-kick, but got his timing wrong to allow keeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell to tip his downward header over.
Dallas might have done better after cutting out Glenn Whelan's crossfield ball and curling a shot harmlessly wide, but with he, Davis and Whyte dominating in midfield, the visitors looked the more likely scorers.
Whelan's 85th and probably final Ireland appearance came to a planned end nine minutes before the break as he was replaced to warm applause by Conor Hourihane seconds before James McClean, booed at every touch by the travelling fans, lashed an ambitious volley high over.
However, Randolph was called upon once again four minutes before the break when, after Darragh Lenihan's ball had been intercepted, Davis picked out Dallas' run and saw him force a solid save from the Middlesbrough keeper, who was relieved to see Michael Smith's stoppage time piledriver fly just over his crossbar.
The Republic returned determined to wrest control from the visitors and enjoyed a measure of success as they managed to ease themselves further up the pitch, and they went close when Callum Robinson steered McClean's 59th-minute shot wide after Coleman had crossed from the right.
Boyce looped a header over from Smith's 65th-minute cross as Northern Ireland responded and then saw the ball hacked away as it broke into his path after Randolph had parried Smith's volleyed delivery three minutes later.
The keeper came to the Republic's rescue once again with 18 minutes remaining when, after substitute Jones had pounced on another mistake by Lenihan, he denied the midfielder with his foot.
6 mins: Sancho is a little bit fast, isn't he?
His burst of pace with the ball matched that of Callum Wilson alongside him without it.
Ominous signs for USA's backline.
8 mins: CHANCE! England 0-0 USA
Guzan will be mightily relieved. His poor clearance falls at the feet of Lingard who finds debutant Callum Wilson waiting on his own in the six-yard box.
Maybe the forward just had too long to think because he missed contact with the crossed ball and skewed his effort wide of goal.
Fantastic chance to open the scoring.
10 mins: NO PENALTY! England 0-0 USA
It certainly looked a stonewaller as Lingard slipped in Wilson through on goal, the Bournemouth forward rounded Guzan and in typical goalkeeper fashion, the no.1 appeared to clean Wilson out.
On second and third viewing it does look a bit more like Wilson left his left leg in there but I wouldn't have been surprised to see a penalty given.
Guzan not impressed with Wilson mind you.
28 mins: ROI 0-0 NIR
Meanwhile, at the Aviva, Northern Ireland continue to probe and a Steven Davis freekick is deflected for a corner.
13 mins: CHANCE! England 0-0 USA
It's been a really bright start from the Three Lions and this time it's Jesse Lingard who threatens to open the scoring bearing down on the right hand side of the American box.
His teammates aren't really in good positions to pass to so he goes for goal himself from a tight angle and Guzan stands big to palm it away.
19 mins: England 0-0 USA
England still continuing to do most of the pressing and have had most of the possession but the American side look decent down their right-hand side, too.
Chilwell just crossed a 25-yard free-kick in which was well dealt with by the American defence.
A pleasing start to proceedings.
20 mins: Chance! England 0-0 USA
Brilliant again from that man Jaden Sancho right up until his decision making.
Good work down England's left see's the Dortmund winger bearing down on goal but he opts to try and find a man in the middle, instead finding the boot of a defender.
Could have looked to test the keeper.
23 mins: BEST CHANCE OF GAME FOR USA! England 0-0 USA
It really is fantastic attacking play from Christian Pulisic who takes on the whole of England's back four on his own it seems but is stopped by the wall that is Jordan Pickford.
He picks up possession and tries to feed a teammate but can't manage it.
Wouldn't you just know it?
America go forward and create the best chance of the game and then England decide to up it one more gear and take the lead courtesy of the United winger.
And what a goal it was.
Dele Alli, on the left wing, feeds Lingard who is on the left-edge of the box.
He sets the ball out of his feet and curls a beauty beyond the outstretched reach of Guzan.
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