Obafemi leaves fans enchanted
Republic of Ireland Scotland 0
MICHAEL OBAFEMI stole the show with two pieces of world-class magic as he made himself an instant hero.
On the Swansea striker’s full Ireland debut, he showed sublime vision and execution to tee up strike partner Troy Parrott.
He then sent the Aviva Stadium wild with a contender for the best goal scored here since it was redeveloped in 2010.
His swivel on the halfturn and piledriver from distance flew past Craig Gordon six minutes after the break to make it 3-0 and secure Ireland’s first points of this Nations League campaign.
“I’m happy to announce myself in front of the fans,” he said.
“It was a big game for us. I wouldn’t say pressure. We know we let ourselves down before and we’re looking forward to Tuesday now against Ukraine.”
Ireland had scored just two goals in their first 12 Nations League games over three campaigns.
But they scored twice inside half an hour against the hapless Scots, who were booed off by their own travelling fans.
Ireland started well but when Shane Duffy attempted a straight pass out of the penalty box to Josh Cullen in the 13th minute, it was cut out and presented to John
Mcginn on the edge of the area.
However his tame sidefooter went straight into the hands of Caoimhin Kelleher.
Ireland struck the opening goal from a 20th-minute corner. Scott Mckenna was beaten at the back post by Duffy, who headed across goal for Alan Browne to bundle over the line.
Eight minutes later Obafemi and Parrott then created the second goal in superb fashion.
The latter won a header and directed it to his strike partner who produced a Cruyff turn to beat Callum Mcgregor and set up the onrushing Parrott to head home.
Scotland skipper Andy Robertson said: “It was nowhere near good enough – we have let the manager down. The fans booing us off were correct. We all lost our individual battles.”