But in Northern Ireland politics is seen as a zero-sum game: if one side gains, it stands to reason that the other must have lost.
The one-off challenge match provided an ideal curtain-raiser for the Champions Trophy, with Australia showing their determination to prove they are still the game's top one-day side.
But Carter, considered by many to be the finest fly-half in the modern game, had a mixed afternoon as England tore into the number one-ranked side in the world before running out of steam in the second half.
Gomes showed the more positive side of his game with a stunning one-handed diving save to keep out Clint Dempsey's long-range, left-foot drive.
Despite the defeat, Smith said it had been a "terrific summer" for South Africa, who are the game's top-ranked one-day side.
He hoped to stay in the team in both forms of the game but was never chosen for the one-day side again, although he remained in charge of the Test side and made a century against the West Indies in his first innings for 18 months in May 2007, and also made hundreds in home series against India and New Zealand.
New Zealand skipper Stephen Fleming offered a brutally honest assessment after his side managed 156-8 in their 50 overs in one game and then bowled out Sri Lanka for 147.
But Dortmund refused to be denied and with the game drifting into the 91st minute, Reus lashed home from close range to level the game at 2-2 and leave his side needing one more goal.
Bernard made it a one-point game with 20 minutes remaining, however three minutes later Geraghty restored his side's lead with a sweetly struck effort.
But it was a disastrous afternoon for Ancelotti, whose side had only dropped points in one previous home game this season, a 3-3 draw with Everton.
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