
Share
18th August 2016
12:41pm BST

'THESE ARE THE CHAMPIONS... 'We got in, eventually, as a torpid match took hold. There was some satisfaction in arriving 33 minutes into a game and seeing that both teams had combined for 0 shots on target.
Dundalk virtually played a 5-4-1. Stephen O'Donnell covered a lot of ground but spent large chunks of the game in the shadow of Dundalk's centre backs. Legia Warsaw, cheered vociferously by their white-clad supporters, were happy with the pedestrian pace. They showed they were capable of flooding forward at pace when a chance arose. No-one was surprised when the game ended 0-0.
Half-time and a chance for 30,417 to take selfies, watch some actual goals - courtesy of highlights from Celtic's qualifiers - and get some moderately hot food in.
One wheel came off when Nemanja Nikolic's spot-kick goal was the punishment for Andy Boyle's handball. Daryl Horgan was the only Dundalk player that wanted to take on his man while Dave McMillan had one centre back in his pocket and the other down his neck. There may still be pieces of him out on the 'Dublin Arena' pitch today.
Many of the neutrals had enough and, with each misplaced pass or ball that went back and not forward, they headed for the exits. It was raining again but that was no surprise.
At the death, Dundalk were punished for playing hesitantly. Playing for a 1-0 loss that would just about keep them alive.
Their lack of endeavour - going against their natural selves - was horribly punished as Legia saved one devastating counter for last. Aleksandar Prijovic's dinked finish was enough.
Thousands turned and left. Some applauded on the way out - thanks lads, good luck in Poland, we're off. Heading back into Dublin town, the external noise was the thrum of the rain. In my head, that sonorous theme was there.
The theme that let's you know your team is playing one of the best, even if they are just your team for just one night.
On the latest episode of the GAA Hour Hurling Show Wooly and the lads reflect on a monumental weekend of action. Listen below or subscribe here on iTunes
Explore more on these topics: