England, Ireland play stalemate

DUBLIN: England’s winless run against neighbours the Republic of Ireland was extended to six matches on Sunday following a torpid 0-0 draw in a friendly game at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium.
It was the first time England had played in Dublin since rioting far-right hooligans caused a friendly in February 1995 to be abandoned after only 27 minutes, but while the reunion thankfully passed off without incident off the pitch, there was precious little to stir the blood on it.
It was nonetheless a memorable occasion for England forward Jamie Vardy and Ireland midfielder Harry Arter, both of whom made their international debuts.
Both teams will now switch their attentions to 2016 European Championship qualifiers next weekend, when Ireland host Scotland in a key Group D fixture and England look to extend their 100 percent record in Group E away to Slovenia.
The Football Association had written to England’s 3,000 travelling fans warning them not to repeat chants about Irish paramilitary group the IRA that had been aired at recent away games against Scotland and Italy.
But it was with wit, rather than viciousness, that England’s fans goaded their hosts, chanting “Sepp Blatter, he paid for your ground!” in reference to this week’s revelation that FIFA paid the Football Association of Ireland five million euros ($5.5 million) after Thierry Henry’s handball took France to the 2010 World Cup at Ireland’s expense.
A small number of home fans whistled during ‘God Save the Queen’, but it was Liverpool contract rebel Raheem Sterling, English football’s new Public Enemy Number One, who bore the brunt of their ire.
Generally, though, the atmosphere was as flat as a pancake, reflecting a drab game with a distinct end-of-term feel.
England’s probings, generally instigated by midfield anchor Jack Wilshere, came to nought, and it was Ireland who created what few chances there were in the first half.