Republic of Ireland v. Wales - Friday, 24th March 2017 - World Cup 2018 Qualifier

**osarusan** · 24/03/2017, 7:36 PM

It's a woeful game of football so far.

**mark12345** · 24/03/2017, 7:38 PM

Originally Posted by joe_denilson

Always makes me laugh this. How is it Whelans fault if McCarthy doesn't play well. Pure rubbish.

No clue what your talking about. You've got me all wrong.
It's not Whelan's fault if he's picked. But the point is he shouldn't be picked.
As DeLorean pointed out, McCarthy doesn't play well alongside Whelan. I agree with that - they walk in others footsteps and McCarthy's game is usually stifled with Whelan beside him.
This has been said a number of times on here. Anyway as I said, I hope Whelan proves me wrong - he's doing ok for the moment but I hope you'll agree the Irish team badly needs a spark and McGeady could provide that, I believe.

**SkStu** · 24/03/2017, 7:39 PM

I don't agree (with JoeDenilson previous page). Boring game maybe but I think this has been a fairly composed and mature performance so far, maybe one of our most. We've basically nullified their main threat. Lacking a little incision but our passing has been better than decent at times and we have a great shape defensively. That being said, I think Wales have been a larger disappointment and may adjust a few things at half time that we will need to be ready for - maybe a different role for Bale? I think this Irish game plan is crying out for some McGeady to attack Wales where they are poorest so hopefully we'll get to see him around the 60' mark with the intent of winning the game, not chasing a draw.

**shakermaker1982** · 24/03/2017, 7:41 PM

Terrible game.

Is Glenn Whelan obsessed with getting high percentage passing stats? Why when he has the ball does he always have to slow things up and then pick the safe option by going back or sideways?! Back yourself- you might make a mistake but you might also catch the opposition out.

Wales moaning about the physicality but it's all pretty tame stuff so far.

We need a bit of quality. Maybe from a set piece....just need to ensure we don't let O'Shea or McClean take free kicks or corners!!

**mark12345** · 24/03/2017, 7:44 PM

Originally Posted by SkStu

Given that Meyler is starting now, looks like we can already place the blame on Whelan.

Meyler's not much better to be honest. I expected more from him.

**TheOneWhoKnocks** · 24/03/2017, 7:45 PM

Originally Posted by shakermaker1982

Terrible game.

Is Glenn Whelan obsessed with getting high percentage passing stats? Why when he has the ball does he always have to slow things up and then pick the safe option by going back or sideways?! Back yourself- you might make a mistake but you might also catch the opposition out.

Wales moaning about the physicality but it's all pretty tame stuff so far.

We need a bit of quality. Maybe from a set piece....just need to ensure we don't let O'Shea or McClean take free kicks or corners!!

Yet look at the backlash against Hoolahan for losing the ball a couple of times against Austria when trying to be positive, despite assisting the goal and setting up several other goalscoring chances.

**Closed Account** · 24/03/2017, 7:48 PM

Apologies,wasn't havnt a go at you. Aiming it at McCarthy. No personality, its painfully obvious than when Whelan is there he goes missing. He should relish the freedom.