Republic of Ireland v New Zealand: GOAL Callum McCowatt gives the visitors the lead against the run of play in the 30th minute. pic.twitter.com/m5XPHXzLtN — RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) November 14, 2019
Republic of Ireland v New Zealand: GOAL Derrick Williams makes it 1-1 with his powerful header in the final minute of the first half. #IRENZL pic.twitter.com/JpUbNnT51U — RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) November 14, 2019 It took McCarthy's men just seven minutes to take the lead after the restart. McCowatt was caught dithering on the ball just outside his own box, with Parrott doing well to dispossess the New Zealand goalscorer. The 17-year-old teed up Maguire on the edge of the box, and the former Cork City striker bent a wonderful strike into the top corner to make it 2-1. It was Maguire's first international goal, accompanied by an assist for Parrott on his senior debut.
GOAL! 2-1 Ireland! What a finish from Sean Maguire. That's his first international goal!An assist for Troy Parrott on his debut! https://t.co/JZ0BYMWthW — The Season Ticket (@_SeasonTicket) November 14, 2019 Callum O'Dowda replaced Williams soon afterwards as Ireland continued to dominate proceedings in Dublin. Parrott almost snatched a debut goal in the 58th minute after Byrne capitalized on some poor New Zealand defending. Byrne collected a poor clearance and played the ball to Maguire, who slipped Parrott through on goal with a deft through ball. Marinovic came off his line quickly and produced a good save to stop Parrott's low left-footed effort. Byrne and Parrott were replaced by Robinson and Alan Judge five minutes later as McCarthy offered the incoming duo a chance to impress. Conor Hourihane was introduced a few minutes later, coming on for the impressive Browne, who showed plenty of good touches in midfield. Robinson had a chance to extend Ireland's lead in the 72nd minute when he was played in down the left channel by former Preston teammate Maguire, but his effort was diverted behind for a corner by Marinovic. Maguire was replaced before the resulting corner, with Luton Town striker James Collins replacing the 25-year-old. Robinson grabbed his first international goal soon afterwards, heading home O'Connor's sublime cross from the right wing from eight yards.
Here's that goal from Robinson! https://t.co/5G5vOEV2A6 — The Season Ticket (@_SeasonTicket) November 14, 2019 His goal meant that teenage duo Parrott and O'Connor ended their senior debuts with an assist apiece following their promotion from Stephen Kenny's U21 side. Robinson nearly doubled his tally in the 79th minute, forcing Marinovic to tip his long-distance effort over the crossbar for a corner. Collins had a big chance to score Ireland's fourth with six minutes remaining after Robinson wrestled control of the ball in the Kiwis half and sent the striker through, but Marinovic made yet another good save to deny the striker. Elliot Collier forced O'Hara into a good save late on as the visitors searched for a consolation goal. Ireland saw the game out comfortably to register a deserved win in Dublin. There were plenty of positives for the Boys in Green, with Williams, Maguire and Robinson all recording their first international goals, and Parrott and O'Connor chipping in with assists. McCarthy will field a much-changed side against the Danes on Monday, but the likes of Maguire and Robinson may have done enough to convince the Ireland manager that they deserve to be involved. All eyes turn to Denmark.