Italy V Republic of Ireland - Tuesday, 7th June 2011 - Friendly - Liege

[Mr A]

Very good performance in the first half. Great pace to the game considering the stage of the year.

[the bear]

only 9 more to go so....

he must be on form

[IsMiseSean]

Long is fairly annoying Chiellini, its getting quiet amusing...

[Philly]

Apart from McShanes one moment of madness, it's been a very good defensive performance from us. Forde has been great too. Midfield are sitting very deep and leaving Long and Keogh fairly on their own though, and if we keep sitting so deep Italy will eventually get a goal.

Great shot from Andrews, unreal!

[centre mid]

McShane has defended fairly ok, distribution from his had been poor though. Andrews playing quite well and superb strike for the goal. Italy have lions share of posession but not created anything apart from long shots so far. Trap faily happy I'd say. Ref giving too many free kicks.

[DannyInvincible]

Not to tempt fate, but would this be our first away win against higher ranked opposition in God knows how long? Or are we the designated home team, ha?

[the bear]

pirlo and rossi both off at ht

[elroy]

We're putting in a few tasty challenges.

We've only ever beaten italy once, could this be the second??

Wouldn't do any harm for the rankings

[tricky_colour]

love the chalange by coleman.

proper tackle, take the ball out and the man just in case.

[the bear]

could it put us in with the 2nd seeds for the upcoming draw

[elroy]

Sledge doesn't look sharp at all. Good call not to go with him on sat.

[paul_oshea]

foley very poor. i feel sorry for him.

[tricky_colour]

could it put us in with the 2nd seeds for the upcoming drawdoubt it, are friendlies worth much
?

anyhow I think it said were were like 97% sure to be 3rd.

I think we would need other teams to do badly

[BonnieShels]

Cox coming on.

[elroy]

Looks like cox is coming on

And our friend from dublin gilardino

[theworm2345]

Cox being readied

[the bear]

right winger for italy cassani looks a good player

[paul_oshea]

Cox being readied

That made me smile...

[DannyInvincible]

could it put us in with the 2nd seeds for the upcoming draw

Nah, has been discussed in the rankings thread and I think we're over 99% certain to be in pot 3 as other very unlikely results would also have to go our way. Open to correction though. The seeding will be based on the rankings at the end of July.

[paul_oshea]

keogh just always looks so out of his depth on the skill front. that pass was terrible.

[theworm2345]

Whelan on as well

Whelan --> Foley
Cox --> Long

[paul_oshea]

That one also made me laugh worm...

[centre mid]

I know its a friendly and all, but has Forde had a save to make, I'm sure hes been tested more down the Carlisle than here.

[boovidge]

our players don't like having the ball much do they?

[paul_oshea]

they aint able to.

[elroy]

He made one very good save in first half, low down to take the ball from the feet of the italian attacker.

[pineapple stu]

I know its a friendly and all, but has Forde had a save to make, I'm sure hes been tested more down the Carlisle than here.
Made one very good save at feet late in the first half. Quiet enough since then alrt; we're defending very well.

Just waiting for the Italians to get a through ball, and for Forde to hesitate fatally. :p

[Closed Account]

Treacy coming on for Keogh judging by Alan Kellys voice there. (18 for 9)

[elroy]

O'dea and ward have been good 2n

[The Legend]

McShane for Juventus should be the chant!

[tricky_colour]

if this was rugby Italy would be well ahead.

[theworm2345]

Kelly on for O'Dea

[the bear]

faroes won 2 nil v estonia. go on brian kerr

[tricky_colour]

we have done pretty well italy have found it hard to create much, there always seems to someone to snuff out their attacks

[tricky_colour]

goal comingh up!!

[elroy]

great block for hunty, gotta love the guy's effort and work rate

[DannyInvincible]

Free-kick in a very dangerous position for Italy. And over the bar. Phew...

[tricky_colour]

nope another 3 points to wigan

[tricky_colour]

I don't think much of the Italian manager!! :party:

[DannyInvincible]

Yessss, 2-0! Cox.

[theworm2345]

Cox!!! Full props to Hunty...our first attack of the second half?

[BonnieShels]

It's just not good for the ticker.

[DannyInvincible]

And cracks himself off the post in the process. Great work from Hunt.

[centre mid]

Well done Ward

[Closed Account]

goal scored

[tricky_colour]

Goal!!!

you guys ruined it for me, my stream is about 2 minutes behind, we were still in our goal area when I saw the "Cox!!" on here!!

[the bear]

ha ha hunt kicked him up in hole when he was lieing injured in the net, what a celebration, hunt man of match

[boovidge]

get in! Forza Irlanda!

[BonnieShels]

Wtf!!! I forgot I'm a minute behind ye as I rewound for o deas injury.

[DannyInvincible]

This has been a very impressive defensive display. Great to see us taking our chances when we got them. Rounds off a great week and a half or so.