For a game where there was less than nothing at stake, there was a lot to play for at the Aviva.
Ireland beat Switzerland, but that didn’t really matter. What mattered was that a player broke out from the crowd and this time it was Shane Duffy.
Martin O’Neill had stressed all week that there were places available in his squad for those who impressed. Of course, this meant that those who didn’t impress could also miss out on a spot they had once considered to be theirs.
O’Neill may well like it that way. He may have spent the pre-match press conference making bad jokes, but his jokes simply hide his ruthlessness.
When it comes to it, O’Neill won’t hesitate to make big decisions which makes these nothing games more important for the players than they seem.
Ireland’s manager has never seen the European Championships as part of some loyalty scheme. The players who helped Ireland qualify will make up a large part of the squad but that’s because they’re better than the rest.
The rest will, however, be given a chance. Duffy could belong in that category. He made his debut for Ireland nearly two years ago in a forgotten friendly against Costa Rica. The World Cup was five days away, Ireland weren’t a part of it and Martin O’Neill was getting to know his players. Not many people were paying attention
It took him a long time to win his second cap, but when your first has come four years after a training ground accident that required emergency surgery on a lacerated liver, then maybe things like waiting for a cap don’t matter so much.
Shane Duffy roaring the orders in defence like a veteran. We can hear that because the atmosphere is pants #IREvSWI
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) March 25, 2016
But it mattered Friday night for Duffy. Those who might have been making an early exit for the bar might have hesitated when they heard Duffy bellowing out instructions on the pitch. The instructions weren’t meant for them, but Duffy has a presence which might have made them think twice.
Alan Judge was making his debut and worked hard, but Duffy was the player who made the biggest impact in a game that wanted to pass without trace.
For some, it seemed as if there was nothing to do but drink. Being Good Friday and all, this was a strange occasion. The streets around the Aviva were quiet before the game because, out there, there was nothing to do but not drink.
People were queuing to get in when the gates opened, and when the teams came out on to the pitch, the stands were still empty but the concourses behind them appeared full.
The early goal changed the atmosphere and provided a reminder that pre-tournament friendlies are not just about individuals, the expectation around a team can rise as well – although that’s not necessarily a good thing.
Switzerland’s defence seemed determined to do nothing to raise expectations for their side, and Ireland were dangerous whenever they attacked in the first half.
Ireland took the lead early on and Duffy was back to intercept a few minutes later when Switzerland broke swiftly.
If he was taking his opportunity, another man’s chances sadly diminished. When Kevin Doyle chased down a ball and tangled with Timm Klose, it didn’t seem like the kind of moment when Doyle’s hopes of appearing at the European Championships could end. But as he ran on, he was clearly in distress and signalling to be substituted before he had even fallen to the ground.
Doyle had started here in pursuit of a place in France. The early reports said he had a deep gash on his leg, but he was taken to hospital to see if there had been any further damage. If there was, it would be a cruel way for one of Irish football’s good guys to miss out.
If Duffy was looking assured, alongside him Clark was making a case once again that he should be starting in the summer. Clark has quietly achieved authority at international level while enduring whatever it is Aston Villa players must endure right now.
He was outstanding in the play-off games against Bosnia and he was composed again last night, forming an effective partnership with Duffy which was encouraging for the summer and beyond.
And that was about it. The second half became an exercise in dampening expectation so at least Ireland won’t be saddled with too many unrealistic hopes on the back of this game.
There was a moment of Shane Long acceleration that illustrated how exciting he can be, but excitement wasn’t a central part of the game.
Wes Hoolahan’s introduction brought a bit of class as always, but many will watch Wes through their fingers between now and June, fearing an injury which could rob Ireland of his ability.
Hoolahan usually catches the eye but this time it was Duffy. He was the official man of the match, but that wasn’t important either. Duffy roared out directions to his defence and midfield until the final seconds. He was doing his job, but it also let everyone know that there are other, more important, prizes on offer.
