IT WAS a dream start for Stephen Kenny in Debrecen on Tuesday night.
Ireland started the game brilliantly, with Robbie Brady almost scoring a cracker after some beautiful football.
From the resulting short corner, James McClean got on the end of a nice ball played across the box, and his deflected shot went in on his 80th appearance for the boys in green.
An excellent start from Ireland sees James McClean give Stephen Kenny's side a 1-0 lead with this well-worked goal
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Live now @RTE2 and @RTEplayer #RTESoccer #QATIRL pic.twitter.com/WiFUXHlpbX— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) March 30, 2021
McClean looked delighted to get his first goal since his brilliant winner against Wales back in 2017.
It just means so much to him. 👊#WEAREONE | #COYBIG | #QATIRL pic.twitter.com/3XztEmyJOE
— FAIreland ⚽️🇮🇪 (@FAIreland) March 30, 2021
Qatar thought they had a penalty minutes later after a rash challenge from young goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu, but it was correctly judged to be outside the box by the linesman.
Some of the more senior players in the squad were called into the starting 11 for the game, with Robbie Brady being one of them.
Brady went off injured in the 20th minute, and young Dublin lad Troy Parrott came on and impressed with some very classy touches.
Qatar threatened during the half, but Ireland did look quite solid at the back, with Shane Duffy impressing in particular.
Here's hoping Ireland can keep it up for the next 45.
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