international

Über Para, Ibra Hattrick, Cardiff was Atrocious…and Austria lost

A youthful Ireland enjoyed the lion’s share of possession against Wales in Cardiff, creating more scoring opportunities, but could only manage an uninspiring 0-0 draw. Meanwhile, World Cup group rivals, and imminent visitors to Dublin, Sweden beat Norway 4-2 with Ibrahimovic grabbing a hattrick while Austria were beaten at home by Greece. Germany played out a 3-3 thriller with Paraguay.

Video: New Class Make the ‘Grade

A new-look Irish side played out a scoreless draw against Serbia in Belgrade. While scoring chances were few and far between, Giovanni Trapattoni sprung another surprise by opting to abandon his 4-4-2 system in favour of 4-5-1, again answering some of the the criticism that dogged him following the Euros.