The 2nd place qualifying table

[Crosby87]

I wonder what fans of those countries involved are thinking about us, I mean some people say France would be the best option, they probably agree for themselves that WE are the best option for them...

I wonder if there are fans on foreign shores saying: "Lets talk about dis second place ting. Me no want any part of Robbie Keane or Duff or Liam Miller. Duff used to play with the Newcastles. That world class team and tasty beer.
This chap Steven Reid could be back and health. He many cagey international. And manager is old Italian very set in ways. He have quick talking point and like very much this Paul McShane who is very cagey International also. Kevin Kilbane no quick anymore but maybe Stephen Kelly take place. Kelly very pretty boy. Plus Andy Reid lose 2 stone and Hunt have very wild hair. Me no want Ireland Greenies to play us. They also travel the fans which is annoying."

[Duggie]

if slovenia end up 2nd there prob the weakest.

[Dun Laoire]

I wonder what fans of those countries involved are thinking about us, I mean some people say France would be the best option, they probably agree for themselves that WE are the best option for them...

I wonder if there are fans on foreign shores saying: "Lets talk about dis second place ting. Me no want any part of Robbie Keane or Duff or Liam Miller. Duff used to play with the Newcastles. That world class team and tasty beer.
This chap Steven Reid could be back and health. He many cagey international. And manager is old Italian very set in ways. He have quick talking point and like very much this Paul McShane who is very cagey International also. Kevin Kilbane no quick anymore but maybe Stephen Kelly take place. Kelly very pretty boy. Plus Andy Reid lose 2 stone and Hunt have very wild hair. Me no want Ireland Greenies to play us. They also travel the fans which is annoying."

Funny :D but it would be interesting to see if any of the second placed teams would fear us, from a fans perspective that is.

[SUB of the day]

Couple of reasons, first of all we would stand a fair chance of qualifying.Unlike Germany for instance, there would be no guessing game for host city.Ryanair provide cheap and easy access from Ireland.Their fans are up there with the Dutch for noise and colour,security here or in Sweden wouldn't be an issue, similiar beer culture to ourselves.......fingers crossed IRLAND REPUBLIC V LA SWEDE!!

[youngirish]

My assessment of likely opponents if we make the play-offs which now looks likely after last nights result.

Group 1:
Denmark or Sweden likely to be first place. Portugal look likely to claim second if they win their last 2 home games against Hungary and Malta. Portugal will almost certainly beat us, off form or not, over 2 legs.

Group 2:
Switzerland should get first. Latvia or Greece should take second. I'd fancy our chances gainst Latvia. Greece I would think might just have a slight edge over us but still one of the easier teams and we certainly would have a chance of progressing though I think we'd be slight underdogs.

Group 3:
Still open. Slovakia should win the group. Slovenia or Czech Republic in the play-offs. I'd fancy us (just) against the Slovenes while the Czechs would most likely beat us over 2 legs even if their form as with Portugal hasn't been great.

Group 4:
Russia or Germany second. Germany definitely would beat us over 2 legs. We would have a slightly better chance against the Russians but I would still back them to have too much ability for our hoofball game and we'd be huge underdogs to progress.

Group 5:
Looks like Bosnia here. Talented team from the Balkans. I think they would edge it slightly but it would be a very close contest and again one of the easier play-offs.

Group 6:
Croatia or Ukraine. Both should beat us even if Croatia have been poor lately.

Group 7:
France would comfortably beat us. Possibly the most difficult team in the play-offs if Germany qualify automatically.

Group 9:
Norway. I'd fancy us just to edge the game.

So to sum up.

Easiest Opponents:
Latvia, Norway, Slovenia

Winnable:
Greece, Bosnia

Still in There but Just:
Croatia, Ukraine

Don't book any flights:
Russians, Czechs

Roll on Brazil 2014:
Portugal, Germany, France

[Duggie]

jeez youngirish by your reckoning we havent much hope :rolleyes: if italy were in another group we would be saying we wouldnt want them in a play off. games dont always pan out the way we think.

[youngirish]

jeez youngirish by your reckoning we havent much hope :rolleyes: if italy were in another group we would be saying we wouldnt want them in a play off. games dont always pan out the way we think.

True but while the big teams often stutter in one-off games throughout the qualification process they nearly always will come out on top when it matters such as in a 2 leg play-off. Still we could shock one of the bigger boys but the way we're playing I seriously doubt we would have enough over 2 legs to beat one of the better European teams.

[Cymro]

On the basis of last night in Cardiff, Ireland should have little to fear against the Russians. The 3-1 scoreline flattered them massively, and I'm not saying that out of bitterness at all. A draw would have been a fair result, in all honesty. They were very clinical though.

[youngirish]

They were very clinical though.
The difference between very good teams and decent ones.

[Montenegrin]

I wonder what fans of those countries involved are thinking about us, I mean some people say France would be the best option, they probably agree for themselves that WE are the best option for them...

I wonder if there are fans on foreign shores saying: "Lets talk about dis second place ting. Me no want any part of Robbie Keane or Duff or Liam Miller. Duff used to play with the Newcastles. That world class team and tasty beer.
This chap Steven Reid could be back and health. He many cagey international. And manager is old Italian very set in ways. He have quick talking point and like very much this Paul McShane who is very cagey International also. Kevin Kilbane no quick anymore but maybe Stephen Kelly take place. Kelly very pretty boy. Plus Andy Reid lose 2 stone and Hunt have very wild hair. Me no want Ireland Greenies to play us. They also travel the fans which is annoying."



:D
Well,I can tell you for Bosnians and Croats.They consider you as one of the better choices,as they think that you play British style(long balls,poor technical abilities...) and they are pretty sure that they would beat you.They too consider France,Germany/Russia,Portugal/Sweden... as toughest opponents.

[geysir]

I have some pre draw confidence, just as long as Noely doesn't come on and say we are sure fired certainties for South Africa.

[geysir]

:D
Well,I can tell you for Bosnians and Croats.They consider you as one of the better choices,as they think that you play British style(long balls,poor technical abilities...) and they are pretty sure that they would beat you.They too consider France,Germany/Russia,Portugal/Sweden... as toughest opponents.
Do they watch the Ireland games?
not that watching the games under Trap would seriously challenge a prejudice:)

[cavan_fan]

:D
Well,I can tell you for Bosnians and Croats.They consider you as one of the better choices,as they think that you play British style(long balls,poor technical abilities...) and they are pretty sure that they would beat you.They too consider France,Germany/Russia,Portugal/Sweden... as toughest opponents.

Yea the Croatians ability against English based players is a real worry!
As to how we would be seen, if we were looking in we'd say here's a team who are unbeaten in a tough group and whose players all play at a tough standard I see someone referred to hiddinks Russia. I think we'd be trapatonnis Ireland and that would worry them.

Still see the problem being gettig a win. Would like to be away first.

[Murfinator]

Sweden more likely to get playoffs in my opinion. I think a draw and a win would guarantee them 2nd place with the tiebreaker rules regardless of what Portugal do.

[Murfinator]

And whatever about fans I think no manager will want to be drawing us in the play-offs. We're unbeaten competitively after all.

[kennedmc]

:D
British style(long balls,poor technical abilities...) and they are pretty sure that they would beat you..

That's only natural especially the way we are playing at the moment just about every team would want to get us in the play-offs.

Youngirish summed it up very accurately in his post.

Also cavan fan there is a bit of a difference between England and us at the moment. The only Irish player that would make their starting X1 is Given.

[Dun Laoire]

Yea the Croatians ability against English based players is a real worry!
As to how we would be seen, if we were looking in we'd say here's a team who are unbeaten in a tough group and whose players all play at a tough standard I see someone referred to hiddinks Russia. I think we'd be trapatonnis Ireland and that would worry them.

Still see the problem being gettig a win. Would like to be away first.

I hope the gods are on our side and at least give us the away game first. Could be the difference. This is of course, we do get second place!

[jackaroo]

Any dates set for the play offs.

[TerryPhelan]

Sorry if this has already been asked, but does anyone know yet how the playoffs will be fixed as regards who gets drawn against who? I had presumed that it would be on merit, i.e. the top side gets the bottom side, second gets second-bottom etc. but heard recently that it might be at random. Not sure which would favour us more, but if anyone has heard one way or another I'd be grateful to hear.

[Stuttgart88]

I think FIFA meet in private and decide who they think they'd like to qualify. Then they pretend that there's a draw.

Whoever said above that the FAI should contact FIFA now in getting them to clarify their process is bang on the money in my opinion.

[geysir]

Sweden more likely to get playoffs in my opinion. I think a draw and a win would guarantee them 2nd place with the tiebreaker rules regardless of what Portugal do.
The first tiebreaker rule is goal difference.
Presuming you mean Sweden draw with Denmark, that leaves a turkey shoot with Portugal V Malta and Sweden V Albania on the last day.
Sweden have had good fortune in their last 2 games with last minute winners incl. an og against Malta.

I had presumed Sweden would have scored a hatful against Malta. Realistically they need to beat Denmark to get through. Portugal are edging it now

[Stuttgart88]

Sweden have had good fortune in their last 2 games with last minute winners incl. an og against Malta.

I noticed that. Ibrahimovic got the goal in 93 mins at the w/e. Is he the Swede's Robbie Keane?

Still, 6 points on the road is a handy haul against tricky opposition. Their away record is quite impressive over the years I think.

[Irish_Praha]

I can't say that I have been keeping up-to-date on Greece and their recent style of play. However, if they are still playing a similar system to when they won the Euros it would be some boring play-off against this Irish team.
Maybe two 0-0 draws.

[geysir]

Our midfield staring at their midfield,

[eirebhoy]

Group 1 is interesting. A win for Sweden against Denmark means if they both win their last game in the group (both at home) then Portugal will finish 3rd. A draw between Denmark and Sweden could bring it down to goal difference which Portugal would be favourites for since they have Malta at home.

[EastTerracer]

Any dates set for the play offs.

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/europe/secondplace.html
The play-offs will be played over two legs on 14 and 18 November 2009. The draw for these matches will be conducted on Monday 19 October 2009 in the Home of FIFA in Zurich.

[SUB of the day]

PORTUGAL, GREECE,CZECH REPUBLIC,RUSSIA, BOSNIA-HERZ,CROATIA, FRANCE.Having studied the remaining fixtures, these are the seven teams I expect to join us in the "draw".No easy games, but no world beaters either.If we can draw away to Italy and Bulgaria, I'm sure we could achieve similiar results in Athens Lisbon or Paris etc.Having the 2nd leg in Croker may give us an edge in such circumstances.

[geysir]

Ukraine need a win at home to England.
They blew a good chance last night.

[Stuttgart88]

I think YI's analysis was well presented and well considered but I think he was paying a bit too much historical respect to some of the teams. Who knows? I think we've some good players, some gaping holes but a wily old fox of a manager who will make it hard for anyone to beat us. All I wanted 18 months ago was for Ireland to be competitive again and to take our chances from there, I think I've got my wish.

[paul_oshea]

Our midfield staring at their midfield,

LOL and whoever blinks first looses out.

Best of 9 of course.

[geysir]

My wish was to be competitive, qualify and take our chances from there.
I have not got my wish yet.

[Colbert Report]

My wish was just to be in with a shout to qualify at this stage of the campaign. We're very likely to reach the playoffs at this point. I'm happy considering the injuries we've had to Reid and Finnan and the Stephen Ireland situation.

[geysir]

It's a job almost done and while it will be interesting to see how the team play knowing they only need one point from 2 games, what determines my appraisal has moved on to see how we meet the challenge of the play offs.

[gspain]

It's a job almost done and while it will be interesting to see how the team play knowing they only need one point from 2 games, what determines my appraisal has moved on to see how we meet the challenge of the play offs.

We need 2 points to make the playoffs assuming Bulgaria win both their matches.

[geysir]

Point taken.

[shakermaker1982]

McDonnell in today's Independent seems to think it will be an open draw 'provided FIFA stay true to their plans'. Please let that be the case!

[Wolfie]

McDonnell in today's Independent seems to think it will be an open draw 'provided FIFA stay true to their plans'. Please let that be the case!

Certainly the least contentious approach.

If we get that far - we're going to draw France regardless.

[Duggie]

Certainly the least contentious approach.

If we get that far - we're going to draw France regardless.

for some reason i think were going to get portugal. hope im wrong.
dont want france either tho. anyone but these 2 for me.

[paul_oshea]

France would be a great trip. we wouldn't get the same as before but id say we would get 10k

[gspain]

France would be a great trip. we wouldn't get the same as before but id say we would get 10k

Bet they won 't sell their tickets over the phone/internet and post to Ireland this time. :D

Despite the ease of access France will be one I hope we avoid if we end up in the playoffs.

[elroy]

for some reason i think were going to get portugal. hope im wrong.
dont want france either tho. anyone but these 2 for me.

Portugal are likely to finish on 19 points (2 wins from 2). Its not inconceivable that they could yet win the group. I think in order for Portugal not to get second, we need Sweden to beat Denmark and for both to win their other game. That would mean they both finish above Portugal.

[mypost]

I wonder if there are fans on foreign shores saying: "Lets talk about dis second place ting. Me no want any part of Robbie Keane or Duff or Liam Miller. Duff used to play with the Newcastles. That world class team and tasty beer.
This chap Steven Reid could be back and health. He many cagey international. And manager is old Italian very set in ways. He have quick talking point and like very much this Paul McShane who is very cagey International also. Kevin Kilbane no quick anymore but maybe Stephen Kelly take place. Kelly very pretty boy. Plus Andy Reid lose 2 stone and Hunt have very wild hair. Me no want Ireland Greenies to play us. They also travel the fans which is annoying."

Sounds like a Trappattoni press conference.

[newrynyuk]

for some reason i think were going to get portugal. hope im wrong.
dont want france either tho. anyone but these 2 for me.


Russia?

[geysir]

Sounds like a Trappattoni press conference.

Had to smile when he referred to Key yoke after the SA game.

Group 3 has a good probability to be the tightest for a 2nd place spot.
Czech Rep and Slovenia have same goal diff.

It would be a major shock if Slovakia lost at home to Slovenia.
Slovakia all but top that group, but they could do with a point in the home game against Slovenia. If Slovakia win, that pretty much sends the pendulum way back to the Czechs to finish 2nd
A point gives Slovenia a chance of securing 2nd place by scoring more goals in one game away against SM than the Czechs can manage in 2 home wins against Poland and NI.
We know that there is a strong possibility that Poland will be beaten by the Czechs, but by how much? leaving a last game against a NI team that will circle the wagons.

with the bookies
Slovenia are 4/5
Czech Rep are 1/1

[gspain]

Had to smile when he referred to Key yoke after the SA game.

Group 3 has a good probability to be the tightest for a 2nd place spot.
Czech Rep and Slovenia have same goal diff.

It would be a major shock if Slovakia lost at home to Slovenia.
Slovakia all but top that group, but they could do with a point in the home game against Slovenia. If Slovakia win, that pretty much sends the pendulum way back to the Czechs to finish 2nd
A point gives Slovenia a chance of securing 2nd place by scoring more goals in one game away against SM than the Czechs can manage in 2 home wins against Poland and NI.
We know that there is a strong possibility that Poland will be beaten by the Czechs, but by how much? leaving a last game against a NI team that will circle the wagons.

Slovenia are 4/5
Czech Rep are 1/1

Slovakia need at least a point at home to Slovenia otherwise they will have to win in Poland assuming Slovenia beat San Marino by 3+. A point at home next gives them the group but if they lose Slovenia will most likely win it.

I think the Czechs will win both home games which just might be enough for a playoff. Still tough to call.

[Scram]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Duggie
for some reason i think were going to get portugal. hope im wrong.
dont want france either tho. anyone but these 2 for me.


Russia?

Agree that Russia would be the worst possible.

[Irish_Praha]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Duggie
for some reason i think were going to get portugal. hope im wrong.
dont want france either tho. anyone but these 2 for me.



Agree that Russia would be the worst possible.

Yeah Russia would be the worst. They are playing well and are the type of team we would struggle against. Compared to most other possible teams it would also be a pain in the balls for the fans to get to the away leg.

[Claret Murph]

Would hate if it was Russia , I know for sure that I would not travel to that one .

[newrynyuk]

Would hate if it was Russia , I know for sure that I would not travel to that one .

Too right! Isn't Moscow is now the most expensive city in the world? And as for getting a visa to go to Russia...

Mind you, if Russia win their group and we are drawn against Germany instead, we are equally Ballacksed. Easier to travel to admittedly.

[Stuttgart88]

Had to smile when he referred to Key yoke after the SA game.



I heard that. Thought he did a better job than the English commentators though.