Thanks, Robbie.
It wasn’t a rip-roaring encounter, it probably wasn’t the most ideal preparation for a trip to Belgrade but it was a good night to bid farewell to a legend and he went out with a bang.
A delightful volley from Mr Keane ended his international career on the perfect note as Ireland swatted aside Oman in Dublin 4-0.
The team started like this.
After a nervy 90 seconds to open the game, the match was played in the Arabian’s half of the field as green jerseys lined up to take aim.
Here’s how the players fared in the last game before the World Cup qualifying campaign begins.
Keiren Westwood 6
Had to scramble across his line to tip one away from a corner early on.
That was it.
Cyrus Christie 7
Terrorised the left hand side of Oman’s defence and delivered a beauty of a ball for Jon Walters when the big man volleyed off the post. Didn’t have anything to do defensively but did great work in attack.
Marc Wilson 7
Couple of mincing challenges and good headers clear. Played a great ball over the top with his right foot to set Keane clear in the first half. If he plays regularly for Bournemouth, he’ll be right back in contention.
Ciaran Clark 7
Didn’t have much to do but when he did it, he did it with full Ciaran Clark commitment. Didn’t do anything wrong either which is always a welcome bonus.
Robbie Brady 9
In 34 minutes, he scored a beauty of a free kick, had a key goal contribution starting the move for Keane’s last ever Ireland goal, and he set up Jon Walters’ goal with a superb whipping cross. It’s a crying shame that he’s still in the Championship.
ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED?!@ConanDoherty sitting smug after that cracker from Bradyhttps://t.co/EnynWpTMMm
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) August 31, 2016
Harry Arter 7
Started slowly and should’ve been handed a yellow for the most yellow-card challenge you’ll ever see on Ireland’s byline but he grew into the game and got stronger as it wore on. Played a delicious ball through that set up Walters’ second, Ireland’s fourth.
Glenn Whelan 8
Very, very solid and realised early on that Ireland were playing Oman so he tried to influence the game offensively rather than mind the fort. Played a few purposeful passes forward, one of which was a curling outside of the boot effort over his shoulder onto Christie’s run.
Stephen Quinn 6
Energetic and willing but couldn’t affect the game as much as he’d have liked and only got the first half to try.
Robbie Keane 8
His runs and movement were like he could do it for another few years yet. Even at 36, he doesn’t think twice about this type of opposition and for 56 minutes, his last in an Ireland shirt, he had the Oman defenders terrified.
Threatened a few times early on but had the ‘keeper nick the ball away from him agonisingly then an attempted lob landed on top of the net.
Saved a cracker for his 68th and last international goal when he chipped over the defender’s head and volleyed home. Nadir Awadh Basir Bait Mabrook will never forget Robbie Keane.
Robbie Keane
146 caps
68 goalsLevel with Gerd Muller's international record pic.twitter.com/8MtD7n1VKh
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) August 31, 2016
Shane Long 6
It was Keane and Walters seeing all the action as Long’s runs weren’t picked out. Hopefully saving it for Monday night.
Jon Walters 9
Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant.
Was far too nice in the first period when he left a sure goal in the six-yard box for Robbie Keane and nothing came of it but he made up for it with a bullet header and a composed finish around the ‘keeper and in with his left.
Won so many ball for Ireland and arsed his way up the field before picking out team mates. Didn’t waste a pass all evening and Oman simply couldn’t handle him.
Subs
Darren Randolph 6
Had to get down on top of a break in the box and roared really well for his defence to leave a cross. And that was his lot too.
Stephen Ward 6
Came on at half time and had nothing to do defensively. Got forward but nothing really of note.
Wes Hoolahan 7
Came on in the 56th minute for Robbie Keane and got a huge reception as the place came to its feet to greet Wes.
Aviva comes to a standstill for Wes Hoolahan's introduction pic.twitter.com/YkCZvjyKql
— Conán Doherty (@ConanDoherty) August 31, 2016
Tidy, adventurous, attacking as ever. Give us six more years Wes.
Jeff Hendrick 6
Had a shot turned away by the ‘keeper and bustled his way forward at any half chance. Ireland were much less organised in the second period though.
James McClean 6
Threw himself about everywhere. Obviously.
Callum O’Dowda 6
Worked hard, played in the middle three and always looked to do something but the game had completely petered out in the last 20.
The new GAA Hour football podcast is here. Listen to Colm Parkinson, Senan Connell, and Barry Cahill dissect a classic between Dublin and Kerry. Subscribe here on iTunes.
