Ireland has scored a late penalty goal to secure a 16-all draw against Lebanon and have booked the 8th place in the 2008 Rugby League World Cup
It was a close game throughout with a lot of ill discipline from the Lebanese costing them in the end. At one point they were down to 12 players after a sin binning for a head high tackle but they were lucky not to have lost more players during the match.
The quality of the game got better in the second half and with so much on the line for both nations the last 10 minutes was real pressure football.
The loss means Lebanon go through to the Repechage playoff with Samoa being the favorites to progress from there.
With so much progress being made in Lebanon in recent years including the recent announcement of a major sponsorship of the club competition in Lebanon by the Bank Of Lebanon, it would be a shame if they miss out on a place in the World Cup.
Still, I guess that’s what you want from the International game. When a good side like Lebanon has to fight for their place in the World Cup, you know you’re just about spot on as far as the number of teams in the World Cup goes.
As for Ireland, they played well but need to get their last tackle options sorted. If they can do that they will go well this time next year.
