Stephen Kenny points to positives of Norway game to take into Euro 24 qualifying campaign

Stephen Kenny stressed the importance of hitting the ground running when the Euro 2024 campaign kicks off, however, if his side start with a performance akin to the 2-1 defeat to Norway, qualification for Germany may prove an uphill task.

A below-par performance from Ireland at the Aviva Stadium, most notably in the first half where Kenny's side failed to register a single attempt on target, resulted in a defeat to a Norwegian side who came to Dublin without star striker Erling Haaland.

Ireland enjoyed plenty of possession in the opening period, but lacked imagination as they invariably ended up attempting to attack down the left flank, with little success from Callum O'Dowda’s hopeful balls into the box, nor from several set-piece opportunities inside the first '45.

Norway, in complete contrast, proved very solid in defence, before moving forward with real pace and intention, causing Ireland several problems in and around the penalty area.

A deserved lead for the visitors in the 41st minute; the breakthrough coming from a set-piece rather than from one of their impressive forays forward, and it was a disappointing way for Ireland to head into the break, losing 1-0.

An energetic Ireland appeared for the second half and Kenny’s side worked tirelessly, putting pressure on the Norway rearguard with Callum Robinson finally showing some good link-up play in the final third that helped create some chances on goal.

Ireland’s equaliser, to the manager’s credit, arrived courtesy of the tactics to attack the flanks, as O’Dowda raced down the left and sent a testing ball into the box. The headed clearance fell to Alan Browne 30 yards from goal and it was a sublime strike on the half-volley that flew past Norwegian stopper, Orjan Nyland.

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