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10th October 2017
09:54am BST
In the final half an hour, the ball appeared to be magnetically attracted to Duffy's forehead. Not only did he get a head on crosses, diagonals and punts, he loafed them back with interest. Each attempt to breach Ireland's defence was a personal affront to the man.
He is a genuine leader for Ireland at the back. He marshalled and cajoled his defence and them midfielders than provided a tighter and tighter screen as the game wore on.
In the final 10 minutes even, when he attempted to climb Sam Vokes to head clear, he backed away as the free-kick was being readied. It was his foul but he still bellowed at his teammates, as if to say, 'Get yourselves set. We're clearing this.'
When the final whistle went, Ireland's defence had not been breached for the fifth time in 10 qualifiers. Duffy's stats for the match were, quite simply, astounding and deserve to be recognised.
https://twitter.com/patmccarry/status/917497364595773440
Added to those stats, there was a block on a goalbound effort that took the sting out and left Randolph to easily mop it up.
Duffy was imperious throughout and dominated the skies for most of a memorable night.
His only blip [one lost header from nine contested] could have cost Ireland but Randolph repaid the countless favours with a stunning save.
[caption id="attachment_139077" align="aligncenter" width="631"]
Credit: Sky Sports[/caption]
Post-match, Duffy spoke of the job being not even half done and he was right.
October 17 will reveal Ireland's playoff opponents and, whoever they are, this side coasts against no-one. Every match is hard fought and every victory is hard earned.
In Duffy, Ireland have the perfect defender for what should be two fierce playoff legs.Explore more on these topics:
