Gutsy Given banks Swiss point

Switzerland 1 Ireland 1

In consequence it was a precious World Cup point gained in intimidating circumstances in the Jakob Park, Basel.

Ireland's evolving young team defied a truculent Switzerland to establish a solid base from which they can build a credible challenge for a place in the finals in Germany in 2006.

This was such a more difficult test than that presented by Cyprus in Dublin, a searching examination of their more earthy qualities. It demanded far more than the moments of cerebral football that demoralised the Cypriots and it required and drew an inspiring and magnificent performance from Shay Given.

While Ireland's win over Cyprus was achieved with an element of swagger on the back of the tantalising free-wheeling football of Andy Reid and Damien Duff, this was a tough and remorseless contest, a test of Ireland's manliness and their stomach for the battle.

Switzerland were well-balanced and resourceful. They achieved a pleasing mix in their football in midfield that earned them a level of superiority on the run of play.

They processed their attacking football with imagination through the substantial talents of Hakan Yakin and the 33-year-old centre-forward, Alexandre Rey, whose worldly wise ways often fooled the referee and caused Ireland many problems.

They troubled Ireland on the left flank where Andy Reid was dominated by a tough and powerful opponent in Magnin of Werder Bremen and where Stephen Carr was at full stretch to contain Barnetta of Hannover.

Ireland were more secure on the opposite flank where Steve Finnan had an excellent game and Kevin Kilbane exerted a big influence. But Damien Duff was more subdued than usual as he was double-teamed remorselessly by a fractious opponent in Cabanas and the aggressive Bernt Haas.

It was a battle then in which emotions were drawn tight as a piano wire. The emphasis was upon avoiding mistakes, the use of the ball early in the game was careful and measured, the pace of the game fitful.

Ireland clearly needed someone to take charge, to impose himself on the game and dictate the pattern.

Sadly Roy Keane was unable to do so, his influence limited by his lack of match practice.

Switzerland soon dominated, despite a goal within eight minutes that was calculated to lift the mood and spark a more positive, more forceful attitude from Ireland.

Clinton Morrison's header from ten yards was angled perfectly into the corner after good work by Kilbane and an excellent cross from Duff.

But Ireland were unable to capitalise upon the advantage the goal gave them because they failed to maintain control of the ball for any significant spell.

Switzerland used their physical superiority effectively.

Their back four were harsh and committed in the challenge and Ireland came under increasing pressure throughout the second half.

Critical to Switzerland's success in gaining territorial supremacy was the impressive level of commitment they showed, their high work ethic.

They pulled their wingers into the middle whenever they won possession and the majority of numbers they enjoyed in this area enabled them dictate the trend and build a momentum.

Twice Shay Given denied them when they looked certain to equalise until they eventually struck in the 17th minute.

Kilbane was caught in possession by Barnetta and his astute pass sent Hakan Yakin surging past Kenny Cunningham before he pulled a left-foot shot across Given and inside the far upright.

Ireland did extremely well to deny them a winning goal in the second half. They absorbed a lot of pressure, their back four, hard-working and combative in face of opponents who were persistent and pugnacious.

Manager Brian Kerr helped add further fuel to the level of Ireland's defiance with a couple of pragmatic substitutions that contributed to an evening's work from which Ireland emerged with credit.

Graham Kavanagh added a welcome degree of aggression to Ireland's defending with a couple of effective challenges on the troublesome Cabanas and Hakan Yakin. Gary Doherty countered the growing aerial threat of the Swiss as the grew more insistent in their efforts to force a winner.

It was harsh, it was tough, it was challenging. In the final analysis it was a vital point gained and an important statement of resolve from a spirited Ireland. They emerged with credit with the brilliant Given setting an outstanding example with a performance to compare with his best in an international shirt.

SWITZERLAND (4-4-2): Zuberbuhler; Haas, Murat Yakin, Muller, Magnin; Cabanas, Vogel, Hakan Yakin, Barnetta; Rey, Vonlanthen (Lonfat 73).

IRELAND (4-4-2): Given; Carr, O'Brien, Cunningham, Finnan; Reid (Kavanagh 73), Roy Keane, Kilbane, Duff; Morrison (Doherty 84), Robbie Keane.

Referee: K. Vassaras (Greece).