Armenia V Republic of Ireland - Friday, 3rd September 2010 - Euro 2012 Qualifier

[Closed Account]

Given: Great, he let a couple spill, but it was good goalkeeping. Other keepers try to catch them first time and drop them.
O'Shea: Great professional, was in the correct position for 90 minutes.
Dunne: He's struggling with injury, thats why he's not confident enough to attack and get back from a corner. Still got a 9/10.
St Ledger: Solid performance, unlucky not to score.
Kilbane: Will play against better opponents and will get skinned. But he's a consummate professional. Got beaten once for pace, and didn't let it happen again. Until a viable option steps up, I've no problem rowing behind Kilbane.
Lawrence: Played very cleverly, has an arrogance that suits international football.
Whelan: He's asked to play a certain way and does it to perfection. When he following Dunny defending in the corner and sorted the situation out epitomised it for me.
Green: The only black spot on today, could of been catastrophic in another enviroment. We got away with it, and hopefully Green will learn from it. Over enthusiasm is a quality in the Championship, its a weakness in International football.
McGeady: ...... I dunno, one flash in the first half. Does he offer much more? A player gets the ball, maybe 60 times a game on the wing. He should play the percentages and not look down at his laces and try to beat a man every time.

[EastTerracer]

Great start to the campaign - 3 points away from home in Eastern Europe is always a good result. Delighted for Fahey as well.

Roll on Andorra!

btw For those still watching on ESPN3 the Faroes v Serbia is on live now as well as the 2nd half of the Russia game.

[ifk101]

Delighted with the win and especially so that Keith Fahey got the goal. A lot to improve on but job done. Roll on Andorra.

[Brendan 82]

The left back issue must be addressed. We got away with it tonight but we have been warned

[geysir]

3 points makes it 10/10 for me. Enjoyment is seriously diminished by dropping points.
Doyle looked so cool out there, he wouldn't even lose sweat running around in a sauna. Lawrence again played though exhaustion, that Marc Wilson must be some player.
I was happy enough with McGeady, he will do well in Russia.
We are performing better as a team now than we did against Montenegro away.

[tricky_colour]

Yes Armenia will take points off someone at home glad it wont be us!!
Its a great start that should be 6 points for us, lets hope for the other games to be draws.

[Noelys Guitar]

I would agree with most of that. I am sorry to say but Kilbane should not be in the team ever again. His decision making and being caught out of position affected the whole left side of our team. St Ledger had to do two jobs his own and Kilbanes. Dunne along with O'Shea proved immense again. Doyle was my MOM.

[Stuttgart88]

Whatever I said about the players probably being sharp enough, they weren't. A few of them looked off the pace and relying on determination to see them through.

I watch so many of these qualifiers and very few of the so called favoured teams ever really impress in these places. Bag the points and leave. Job done.

A nice warm up next week (I hope!) and by October we'll all be in better shape.

[rebelmusic]

So harsh on Kilbane. Harsh on Green and McGeady too.

Dont think so with Kilbane and Green. Im a huge McGeady fan but he did one thing decent today and that was it. Think in a weird way andorra would be great for him. He needs to score for Ireland and get a MotM for his confidence.

Agree with above aswell. Slovakia/Russia could really slip up here so a great result for us!

[Murfinator]

My ratings


Given - 8 - Felt he didn't have anything top drawer to save, they seemed to pelt shots directly at him all night but he took care of them perfectly, couldn't do any more.

O'Shea - 9 - Very impressed by him, great shepherding at one point to save a goal, great distribution through, quality overlap play and unbeatable defensively. He's got steadily better as a player last few years.
Dunne - 7 - Solid and reliable, covered Kilbane well a few times bar one crazy backwards header that could have cost us everything.
St Ledger - 7 - Very dynamic, covered well when was put under a good deal of pressure.
Kilbane - 4 - Didn't look up to the pace, gave away possession time and time again in attack. Positives are he's strong in the air and generally does his job when off the ball.

Lawrence - 9 - How is this guy not in a top tier league? He's got craft, guile, an excellent delivery, great workrate and provided great defensive cover. Him and O'Shea ran rampant for times down the right.
Whelan - 7 - Got in their faces, broke up play and got forward when he could.
Green - 4 - Made a couple of great tackles but was undone by sloppy passing and delayed a little in possession at times, totally commited but a bit headless at times. Accident waiting to happen perhaps
McGeady - 3 - Looked clumsy in possession as usual, made one good run and then reminded us all how woeful his end product is. Won't worry Duff for his spot.

Doyle - 9 - Deadly in the link up but highlighted a problem when Keane isn't firing, he didn't look like he was interested in scoring at any point and just setting up for other people, feel like he needs to be looking to put the ball in the back of the net himself as well as setting up others.
Keane - 6 - Very good positioning, scuffed his chances when he got into the one on one situations.


Fahey - 7 - Scored well but definitely isn't a natural wide man and perhaps not tenacious enough for a centre spot in Trap's midfield.
Keogh - 5 - Ran around well and wasted time nicely.

[tricky_colour]

3 points makes it 10/10 for me. Enjoyment is seriously diminished by dropping points.
Doyle looked so cool out there, he wouldn't even lose sweat running around in a sauna. Lawrence again played though exhaustion, that Marc Wilson must be some player.
I was happy enough with McGeady, he will do well in Russia.
We are performing better as a team now than we did against Montenegro away.

Yea it's a bit of a surprise Lawrence going to the championship he is too good for there.

[noddy102]

McGeady has just made a move to a foreign country and has only recovered from injury. If Duff was fit, McGeady probably wouldn't even have featured. He created some problems in the first half.

Kilbane did very little wrong tonight, so giving him a 3 or 4 is very stupid. The man is a hero.

Green just played his first competitive game - he did his job and worked hard.

Enough from you naysayers.

[Stuttgart88]

Given, Dunne, Doyle and O'Shea stood out for me. St. Ledger did really well too I reckon.

Green made a few near catastrophic errors. Any good he did in the game was vastly outweighed by these errors. Andrews is better.

Left back was a gaping hole to be attacked.

Well done Fahey & Keogh.

[Lionel Ritchie]

all things considered -very pleased with that:)

[rebelmusic]

Kilbane did very little wrong tonight, so giving him a 3 or 4 is very stupid. The man is a hero.



Think you're feeling too much Kilbane love. There was a multitude of attacks that if they had scored, analysis would have showed it was his fault. Did not cover his flank at all and was terrible going forward. He cleared well when the requirement was to boot it anywhere, but thats not a positive i'd give to most defenders. He is undoubtedly an Irish hero and I love the man, but he should call it quits while he's still regarded as so

[noddy102]

Think you're feeling too much Kilbane love. There was a multitude of attacks that if they had scored, analysis would have showed it was his fault. Did not cover his flank at all and was terrible going forward. He cleared well when the requirement was to boot it anywhere, but thats not a positive i'd give to most defenders. He is undoubtedly an Irish hero and I love the man, but he should call it quits while he's still regarded as so

It's Trapattoni's decision to play him. Why should Kilbane quit if Trapattoni wants him to play? As long as Trapattoni has faith in him, I have faith in him.

[Stuttgart88]

From RTE...

Armenia 0-1 Republic of Ireland

Friday, 3 September 2010 17:53
A second-half goal from Keith Andrews was enough to give the Republic of Ireland a winning start in their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign.

More to follow.......
:laugh:

They still haven't got it quite right:

A second-half goal from Keith Faey was enough to give the Republic of Ireland a winning start to their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign.

[Sullivinho]

I am sorry to say but Kilbane should not be in the team ever again. His decision making and being caught out of position affected the whole left side of our team.

Had a head start at one stage and was well beaten to the ball. Sad watching tbh. I'd fear for him and us against Russia and Slovakia. A penny for your thoughts now Trap..

[Murfinator]

He did fine defensively, it was when he tried to move up the field and contribute to the attack when he fell apart and became a liability for giving them counter attacking space at times.

Although I've been saying these things for the past 4 years and nobody has bothered to drop him, reality may be there just isn't anyone better.

[Real ale Madrid]

Kilbane did very little wrong tonight, so giving him a 3 or 4 is very stupid. The man is a hero.

Enough from you naysayers.

True Kilbane is a hero. But badly exposed all night tonight. He is now past it. If we persist with him it will cost us.

[geysir]

KK is an easy target for us and we were an easier target with him on the left but I thought he could have played worse so I was pleased that he didn't.

[MeathDrog]

Kilbane did very little wrong tonight, so giving him a 3 or 4 is very stupid. The man is a hero.

I'm all for opinions but that is just plain wrong.

[Predator]

Throughout the match we were the better team and Armenia had to resort to fouling and counter-attack football (granted, they looked dangerous). I was disappointed with the referee. It was infuriating watching their number 5 climb all over Doyle for the duration of the game. I'd have liked to see more goals and it truly is disheartening when you look at the number of chances we created. Nevertheless, it's a good result.

I was most pleased with Lawrence, Dunne (despite his strange decision to head over) and Doyle.
Kilbane's experience showed. He handled the pace of their right-winger quite well considering his own lack of pace and is strong in the air.
I would have liked to see Gibson come on later in the game. Imagine if he had that chance that presented itself to Whelan?

[rebelmusic]

He did fine defensively, it was when he tried to move up the field and contribute to the attack when he fell apart and became a liability for giving them counter attacking space at times.

Although I've been saying these things for the past 4 years and nobody has bothered to drop him, reality may be there just isn't anyone better.

If you were to watch the game again, you'd see just how many times the armenian winger/full back cut inside him and got the cross off. A decent team would have pummeled us through him. We need a new left back, we've needed one for a while now and there is better options

[noddy102]

I'm all for opinions but that is just plain wrong.

We have 5 players in the squad that played at the WC 2002.

The longer we can keep all five involved, and get results, the better for the development of the rest of the team.

I am not blind to Kilbane's faults and frailties, but we've nothing better at left back right now and Trapattoni trusts Kilbane.

Explain me how anything I've said about Kilbane is wrong.

[rebelmusic]

I would genuinely believe Kelly is a better option, who's playing for a prem club doing reasonably well this season. Kilbane isnt getting his game for Hull

I 100% agree Kilbane should stay in the squad and pass on his wisdom. But he cant be depended on anymore, and in fairness, he's done his bit for his country, above and beyond the call of duty. He really shouldnt start against Andorra which for all intents and purposes might aswell be a friendly.

[Murfinator]

We have 5 players in the squad that played at the WC 2002.

The longer we can keep all five involved, and get results, the better for the development of the rest of the team.

I am not blind to Kilbane's faults and frailties, but we've nothing better at left back right now and Trapattoni trusts Kilbane.

Explain me how anything I've said about Kilbane is wrong.

I'd agree with all of that but I wouldn't agree his performance was "good enough", best we have available perhaps but he's still our weak link.

[noddy102]

I would genuinely believe Kelly is a better option, who's playing for a prem club doing reasonably well this season. Kilbane isnt getting his game for Hull

I 100% agree Kilbane should stay in the squad and pass on his wisdom. But he cant be depended on anymore, and in fairness, he's done his bit for his country, above and beyond the call of duty. He really shouldnt start against Andorra which for all intents and purposes might aswell be a friendly.

I'd like to see Kelly play for his country, but first of all he's a right back and doesn't have a left foot.

Secondly he's liable to rash decisions.

Thirdly he's had some awful performances for Ireland in the past.

Finally, I'm not sure he's going to play regularly for Fulham - he's a stop gap left back for them with Konchesky gone.

[Stuttgart88]

I would have liked to see Gibson come on later in the game. Imagine if he had that chance that presented itself to Whelan?In fairness Whelan is a pretty mean ball striker himself. Gibson isn't perfect - he missed a great chance from 18 yards to put United out of sight against Munich. I'd like to have seen a confident Gibson come on and demand the ball though.

[geysir]

Lovely strike off the cuff from Fahey, but he really should have been wrapping up the game with Ireland's second goal. Great play beforehand Lawrence-Keane-Doyle.

On Green, this game will brought him on, some horrific mistakes for sure. There is no way he is better than Andrews, but Andrews is not at his best and Green will be used again.

[Straightstory]

Great start. Lawrence and Doyle very good. Better than I expected.

[Predator]

In fairness Whelan is a pretty mean ball striker himself. Gibson isn't perfect - he missed a great chance from 18 yards to put United out of sight against Munich. I'd like to have seen a confident Gibson come on and demand the ball though.Yeah, you're right. I had my Derry hat on!

[thischarmingman]

According to Sky Sports, Fay-hay has done the job for Ireland tonight :)

[Noelys Guitar]

Watching the Andorra v Russia game. 2-0 after 62 mins. Terrible decision to give Russia a peno. Blatant dive.

[tommy_c12000]

Given 7 = Very solid. Good game
O'Shea 7 = Did nothing wrong and made some vital interceptions
Dunne 7 = His bizarre backward header aside, a colossus at the heart of the defence
St Ledger 7 = Again formed a solid partnership with Dunne. Needs move up at
club level though, fingers crossed he'll get a chance in January
Kilbane 4 = The Armenians targetted the Irish left side with Kilbane kindly giving the
winger the freedom of Yerevan. Absolute liability at this level. Terrible
game.
Lawrence 8 = Really good game. Worked his socks off. Pity he had to drop down to
championship level.
McGeady 7 = Looked really dangerous every time he got the bal. Ireland simply
didn't get him on the ball enough. Taken off early by Trap even though
the tiring Armenian defence would have been ripped to shreds by him if
he had stayed on.
Whelan 7 = Really good first half, faded slightly in 2nd but still made some vital
interceptions.
Green 3 = Feel sorry for the guy. He is hopelessly out of his depth. Almost cost
Ireland 2 goals. Nowhere near good enough. Trap stop this madness now.
Doyle 9 = Superb performance. My man of the match.
Keane 5 = Missed gilt edged chances. His lack of match practice was evident for all
to see.

Subs: Fahy (7), Keogh (6)

Author's verdict = Trap once again proves to be a lucky manager. Good first half from Ireland but did not take their chances. Could have gone either way in the 2nd half. Ireland were very lucky to escape with a win. McGeady should not have been taken off. Green was hopelessly out of his depth but stubborn Trap is likely to continue to pick this "diamond" that he has unearthed. James McCarthy, Stephen Ward and Kevin Foley have started all three of their 3 Premier League games this season (Carr = retired) (Dunne and Duff being the only other two). To not have them in the squad is folly. But it's a results game so Ireland are off to the best possible start with 3 more certain to come (according to Bill) on wed so can't ask for any more than that. If I was going to express my honest opinion, it would be that Trap continues to bluff his way in the job, doesn't have a clue of the players and needs to be ousted with Martin O'Neill instigated in his place. An unpopular opinion I know but we're all entitled to our own

[tommy_c12000]

He did fine defensively, it was when he tried to move up the field and contribute to the attack when he fell apart and became a liability for giving them counter attacking space at times.

Although I've been saying these things for the past 4 years and nobody has bothered to drop him, reality may be there just isn't anyone better.

He did fine defensively???!!! Come on man ur having a windie surely

[Sullivinho]

Watching the Andorra v Russia game. 2-0 after 62 mins. Terrible decision to give Russia a peno. Blatant dive.

Do Andorra still defend en masse? I imagine they must do to keep the score down to 2. I remember there being 10 of 'em behind the ball for long spells when we last played them.

[rebelmusic]

I'd reasonably be more confident of us scoring from crosses than Russia tho. Stick Dunney up there and we should be fine. If the Russia score stays low we should really be looking to capitalise on goal difference as unlikely as that sounds

[tommy_c12000]

I'd like to see Kelly play for his country, but first of all he's a right back and doesn't have a left foot.

Secondly he's liable to rash decisions.

Thirdly he's had some awful performances for Ireland in the past.

Finally, I'm not sure he's going to play regularly for Fulham - he's a stop gap left back for them with Konchesky gone.

Kelly, Foley, Ward all regular starters in premier league. Kelly and Foley can play right back with O' Shea switching to left. Or we can go with Ward at left back and leave O' Shea at right full if ur happier with that. Plenty of better options in my opinion

[shaneker]

Watching the Andorra v Russia game. 2-0 after 62 mins. Terrible decision to give Russia a peno. Blatant dive.

You're not wrong, shocking decision. Hopefully that's the Russian's luck used up now.

[noddy102]

Kelly, Foley, Ward all regular starters in premier league. Kelly and Foley can play right back with O' Shea switching to left. Or we can go with Ward at left back and leave O' Shea at right full if ur happier with that. Plenty of better options in my opinion

Ward is only getting back into the team again, having been injured more or less all last season - hasn't even got near the Irish squad yet either.
Kelly has never been a regular at Fulham.
Foley will be regular starter this season - I'd like to see him in the team myself too.

[Crosby87]

Same starting lineup for Andorra? Is Duff going to play?

[Noelys Guitar]

It is a really horrible game. Andorra have indeed parked the coach. Russia have been givng the ball away a lot in frustration. Should never have been given the peno for the second goal. Andorra creating very little with 10 men behind the ball. Hope it stays at 2-0 as Russia might well regret the way they are playing here. Wasting time and settling for the 2-0. Very strange.

[tommy_c12000]

Ward is only getting back into the team again, having been injured more or less all last season - hasn't even got near the Irish squad yet either.
Kelly has never been a regular at Fulham.
Foley will be regular starter this season - I'd like to see him in the team myself too.

Kelly has started 2 out of 3 premier league games this season and with Konchesky gone he is likely to continue starting games.
All I'm saying is that there are better options than KK

[Predator]

I'd reasonably be more confident of us scoring from crosses than Russia tho. Stick Dunney up there and we should be fine. If the Russia score stays low we should really be looking to capitalise on goal difference as unlikely as that soundsI feel that goal difference will be crucial in this group. We should be looking to capitalise on Russia's result and it's not as unlikely as it sounds. We missed loads of chances today and were denied a penalty. Hopefully Robbie can find his scoring boots again!

[rebelmusic]

Ah you know what i mean. The highest we've score in one game since Trap took over is 3, and that in a friendly. Bout time an irish team ran riot and pocketed 5 or 6 though. That 6 record needs to be broke!

[boovidge]

slovakia macedonia live now. good stream on betfair.

[DannyInvincible]

I'd reasonably be more confident of us scoring from crosses than Russia tho. Stick Dunney up there and we should be fine. If the Russia score stays low we should really be looking to capitalise on goal difference as unlikely as that sounds

How does the goal difference actually work now? Are the teams distinguished by head-to-head results in the event of a tie on points or did they revert back to the traditional method?

[MeathDrog]

Lads don't get too bogged down by goaol difference yet. Remember Andorra were the home team here. Russia will probably beat them 4 or 5-0 in Moscow.

[DannyInvincible]

Same starting lineup for Andorra?

I certainly wouldn't have Green in there. Nothing against the guy and he's got a good attitude, but he made some terrible errors that would have been punished had our opponents been more ruthless. Taking his eye off the ball whilst waiting for it to arrive to his feet and passing to the opponent just isn't acceptable at any level. Maybe time for Trap to give someone else a go instead of Kilbane as well considering the nature of the opposition. Otherwise, I'd be content. If Duff is fit, I'm sure he'll be accommodated though. I'd expect McGeady to lose out. Thought Lawrence and Doyle were brilliant this evening in particular.

Just watching Slovakia-Macedonia on IraqGoals. Still 0-0 after nearly 35 minutes gone.