Republic of Ireland 1 Norway 2

On the eve of the 1 year anniversary of Ireland being cheated out of the world cup by France and FIFA, Ireland ended the year with a loss against Norway in a game you would rather have seen paint dry than watch. Games like this pose a fine question, how far would we have got in the world cup.

Shane Longs 2nd international goal via the penalty spot, on the fifth minute of play looked to be the start of what should have been an easy game for the Republic.

Indeed Ireland with their first half chances after that goal from the likes of Glen Whelan and a fine chance for the returning Damien Duff, Ireland should have gone into the break with the lead but instead they wasted their fine efforts in the first 20 minutes after Stephen Kelly on the 34th minute, handled the ball 20 yards out and Morten Gamst Pedersen scored from the resulting free kick.

After the break not even Aiden McGeady and Stephen Hunt coming off the bench could help Giovanni Trapattoni’s side get back into the game after more wasted chances from Doyle and even man of the match Shane Long.

On the 86th minute Norway grabbed what was a well deserved winner when Ruben Jenssen fired past Shay Given in the goal.

From then on the crowd which wouldn’t have passed 25,000 started emptying the ground as Ireland just gave up.

Not the way Giovanni Trapattoni would like to have ended the year.

The Score again Republic of Ireland 1 Norway 2

Daniel "Pitchside" Pitcher Twitter: @DanFM104Sport About: Dan "Pitchside" Pitcher provides insight and commentary as the chief soccer and rugby correspondent for Sportspeak.