The game at a glance
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Key man
Our main creative force was Damien Duff who was at the heart of pretty much everything positive produced until his substitution by Shane Long after 66 minutes. Duff worked his socks off but when he was put through for two one-on-ones he botched the attempts. A better provider than goal getter.
Magic Moment
From a Polish point of view their three goals were truly magic moments, especially for the thousands of Irish-based members of the Polish community. But we had to wait until the final stages for some much needed joy with Stephen Hunt's penalty and then Keith Andrews' last-gasp goal.
Turning Point
Bad enough to concede one early goal in the first half, but to let the Poles hit the net for the second with less than two minutes gone in the second half was criminal. Can't complain about the quality of the shot by substitute Guerreiro.
Referee watch
Kristinn Jakobsson from Iceland was cool, calm and collected as you might expect from a native of a Nordic country. The match was played in a generally good spirit, albeit more competitive than many friendlies. Boos when he didn't give Shane Long a peno but right decision.
Manager Watch
Giovanni Trapattoni and Leo Beenhaaker, two white-haired wily veterans who have forgotten more than most know about the game. Both of them were animated and pacing their manager's area constantly shouting instructions.
Crowd Watch
Eh, Croke Park or Krakow? It felt like an away match for the Irish as the huge contingent of Polish fans made themselves heard.
Match Stats
Yellow Cards: Ireland 0 Poland 0
Red Cards: Ireland 0 Poland 0
Shots on Target: Ireland 1
Poland 1 (goal)
Shots off Target: Ireland 4
Poland 4
Corners: Ireland 9 Poland 10
Offsides: Ireland 3 Poland 0
Frees: Ireland 10 (1 pen)
Poland 8
LIAM KELLY
