Estonia V Ireland - Friday, 11th November 2011 - Euro 2012 Play Off 1st Leg

[Stuttgart88]

Ward is suspended for the first game.

A colleague is a West Ham season ticket holder and says Joey O'Brien is playing really well & is very popular. Just for info...

[lionelhutz]

Oh yeah, forgot he was suspended. That was such a stupid booking to get in Andorra.

That creates a huge problem at full back. I assume he'll start Kelly at left full and if O'Shea doesn't make it, McShane will start right full (Oh dear lord). Lets just pray O'Shea is ok. I'd love to see Coleman start RB but we all know this won't happen.

[Wolfie]

Which of the following # applies to you?

1. The closer we get to match time the less confident I get.

2. The closer we get to match time the more confident I get.

3. I have been confident since the draw.

4. I have been worried since the draw.

5. I am completely in the middle (50/50 chance) as if we move on or not. Convinced it could go either way.

6. None of the above.

For some reason I am a #1. I am very curious to see what you all think.




That creates a huge problem at full back. I assume he'll start Kelly at left full and if O'Shea doesn't make it, McShane will start right full (Oh dear lord). Lets just pray O'Shea is ok. I'd love to see Coleman start RB but we all know this won't happen.

Put me down for #1 so.

[Yard of Pace]

Has McShane been playing any football lately?

[SwanVsDalton]

If O'Shea's out, realistically it's O'Dea/Kelly, Kelly/McShane or Kelly/Coleman.

I think Trap should call KK back up and play him, he's the safe choice for the situation and lets Kelly goes back to his natural side. Coleman/O'Dea (at full back) are both unknown quantities for an away leg in Tallinn. I think they'd both probably do the job but I'd rather go safe if we have an experienced LB who can come in.

In summation ABMS (anybody but McShane). He did a decent job a few months ago, but still wouldn't be my choice.

[Closed Account]

Ward is suspended for the first game.

Ward is not suspended for the first game, he served his suspension against Armenia.

[SwanVsDalton]

Ward is not suspended for the first game, he served his suspension against Armenia.

All bets are off. Ward and Kelly. No more injuries. Thanks Jebus.

[Closed Account 2]

I'd have Walters starting too, if we get a PK I would want him taking it. He's scored 3 this season, v Liverpool, Besiktas and Newcastle, four if you count the shoot-out vs Spurs in the cup.

[Charlie Darwin]

Do the FAI know Ward's not suspended?

[geysir]

All bets are off. Ward and Kelly. No more injuries. Thanks Jebus.
The reassuring sound of the deck chairs being reshuffled back to where they were.

[paul_oshea]

My sentiments exactly geysir.

[elroy]

You would think that Estonia do a little bit of homework, they will adopt a tactic and formation similar to what Russia did when they destroyed us, in both games. I suppose the big question for them is could they adopt such tactics without leaving themselves open. It is probably more likely they will play a defensive strategy with an initial aim not to concede in the 1st leg. Against half decent sides, we have not always been so good at breaking them down when the onus to attack is placed on us.

[SwanVsDalton]

The reassuring sound of the deck chairs being reshuffled back to where they were.

At least with Dunne in the team, we're going through the iceberg.

[French Toasht]

Think about this from an Estonian point of view. What score do they realistically need from the first leg to progress to the Euros? The simple answer is a victory. There's a lot of talk about them keeping it tight and that they would be happy with a 0-0 and no conceded away goals. I think if it ends 0-0, the tie has massively swung in our favour. They are going to have to go for it in the first leg and inevitably this is going to leave gaps to be exploited. If we can capitalise on those chances, then we stand a great chance having all the spade work done by the time the Dublin leg comes around.

[tetsujin1979]

You would think that Estonia do a little bit of homework, they will adopt a tactic and formation similar to what Russia did when they destroyed us, in both games. I suppose the big question for them is could they adopt such tactics without leaving themselves open. It is probably more likely they will play a defensive strategy with an initial aim not to concede in the 1st leg. Against half decent sides, we have not always been so good at breaking them down when the onus to attack is placed on us.Why would Estonia change a formation that has served them well throughout the qualifiers?
Same question can be applied to us though.

[Crosby87]

Elroy you think the Stonies have enough talent to have the ball the whole game like Russia did?
Not good if so.

[tetsujin1979]

FAI review of the players used in the qualifying series: http://www.fai.ie/international/senior-men/102191.html

[SwanVsDalton]

Long's not looking good (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/15572442.stm). No surprise there.

[pineapple stu]

FAI review of the players used in the qualifying series: http://www.fai.ie/international/senior-men/102191.html
Simon Keogh? Presume that should be Andy Keogh? Good aul FAI.

[jbyrne]

and after scoring over 50 international goals robbie keane must be wondering what he needs to do to get his name spelt correct

[Murfinator]

He's used 26 players total, considering he'd need to name 23 for Euro 2012 should we qualify its probably fair to say there won't be room for outsiders barring injury. (Including the likes of Coleman and Best aswell as the uncapped)

[elroy]

Elroy you think the Stonies have enough talent to have the ball the whole game like Russia did?
Not good if so.

Nah not saying that, though more so I really can't say much about their team. But if you were an outsider looking in at us, you would note that we are not a particularly gifted group of players but we are organised and have an excellent defensive record. The team/tactics that greatly exposed us in recent times is that adopted by Russia.

Having said all this, I would like to see Estonia play like that as they are unlikely to have the players to be effective it.

I def don't want a nil nil from the first leg, really think we should aim to get a goal over there.

[Serb]

Simon Keogh? Presume that should be Andy Keogh? Good aul FAI.

They also spelt Robbie Keane's name wrong in the list of appearances at the end of the article.

[geysir]

My sentiments exactly geysir.
That goes without saying Paul, Ward in or out would not make a dint in your sense of impending doom :)
but i'm sanguine about these play offs, within the limits of having a reasonable team available on the pitch.
I'm not unduly concerned about both Kelly and Ward playing together in the back 4, but would be concerned about McShane playing, mainly because he hasn't been getting game time since his return from injury.
We have an experienced team who believe they can beat Estonia. Pressure does things to teams, we saw that with Armenia in Dublin. Consider their goalie's panic compared with Shay's cool experience when he had to come out and smother the advance of their player.
Also for the first time, we have the away leg first and I'm inclined to think this will work in our favour.

[tetsujin1979]

From the FAI's twitter feed: https://twitter.com/FAIreland/statuses/132110405337223168

You heard it here first-Leon Best has been called up to the Irish squad to face Estonia next week #IrlEst

[SwanVsDalton]

'You heard it here first'? FAI twitter feed starting to get a bit Woodward and Bernstein on it.

[Sullivinho]

'You heard it here first'? FAI twitter feed starting to get a bit Woodward and Bernstein on it.

It was supposed to be texted directly to Leon but someone mucked up the punctuation and tweeted it instead. FAI incompetence or easily made mistake? The message as it should have read:

"You heard it here first Leon Best. has been. called up to the Irish squad to face Estonia next week!"

Harsh, but possibly motivational also.

[geysir]

In his first press conference, Trap will no doubt remark upon and claim the credit for Leon's improved work rate.

[BonnieShels]

Foot.ie ten years ago had this discussion about us playing Estonia (http://foot.ie/threads/34-Estonia-V-Ireland-Win-Lose-or-Draw)... Looking back in time is mightily scary especially Gaz's comment on page 2.

[paul_oshea]

What happened Stauntons ability to articulate himself coherently from that time period. Reading some very well constructed stuff on that link. "Sometimes you'd get a bit pedestrian about it all, but after not being involved at Liverpool for so long I tend to be grateful for every game now. I think I've learned to play every single one as if it's my last

I was reading and thinking about Best's appearances for Ireland, in the past I think he didn't work nearly as hard as the other forwards when he got his chances, but those chances were nearly a year ago at this stage. I think its more proof of Trap not keeping up to date with players, and just going on what he saw - whether it was yesterday or last year.

Geysir Pressure works both ways - and we know how the Irish love the pressure of being over-cats :D

[geysir]

Geysir Pressure works both ways - and we know how the Irish love the pressure of being over-cats :D

Pressure works both ways and my example proved we can wear it better these days, even when we are …. over-cats??

[paul_oshea]

cats and dogs, over and under, apples and oranges.

Ya, I hope you are right.

[Noelys Guitar]

With Best now called up I wonder will Trap start him? The in form striker and very happy to see him called up. You would think Keane and Cox would start with Walters next in line after his brilliant cameo against Armenia. But Trapattoni rarely works like that. He will look at the Estonian defense and if he feels Best is better than Cox or Walters against that defense then Best will start. Especially if Best does well in training.

[Stuttgart88]

Irish Times casting a bit of ambiguity on Best / Long situation.

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2011/1104/1224307039123.html

Seems like the medical team will assess Long before finalising Best.

O'Shea expects to be fit for second leg.

[jbyrne]

all this discussion is irrelevant lads. match took place a few weeks ago according to the FAI...

"Thursday, 03 November 2011 10:10 |
The Estonia Football Association have issued a document containing general information to all travelling fans for the EURO 2012 play-off which takes place on Friday, October 11 at . Le Coq Arena, Tallinn. The Football Association of Ireland advises all fans to download the below attachment for useful information on transport and security before travelling to Estonia."

anyone hear how it went?

[oriel]

Lads, is there a thread anywhere on possible tickets going spare for this, usually get mine from DFC but they couldnt offer me any this time.

Would appreciate any info anyone has, even if none available on here, anyone got ideas for best pubs to pick them up in, Beggars Bush? Lansdowne Bar etc ?

[pineapple stu]

Home game I assume? Think it could just be sold out. No movement on the ticket exchange thread.

[DannyInvincible]

Lads, is there a thread anywhere on possible tickets going spare for this, usually get mine from DFC but they couldnt offer me any this time.

Would appreciate any info anyone has, even if none available on here, anyone got ideas for best pubs to pick them up in, Beggars Bush? Lansdowne Bar etc ?

Add a request for a ticket here: http://foot.ie/threads/158089-Estonia-(H)-ticket-exchange-thread

I'd say a few hundred will go on "general sale" again as the last time I looked on Ticketmaster, which was the night before the deadline for first-option buyers, there were a lot of seats still not taken up around the corners of the ground. In saying that, the FAI opened a waiting list for claiming leftovers on their website which closed about two weeks ago. Apparently, there were a few thousand names - close to 4,000 if memory serves me right - put down so these remaining tickets may well go to those individuals.


Home game I assume? Think it could just be sold out. No movement on the ticket exchange thread.

You can take me off the list, by the way. We're all sorted. :good:

[Closed Account]

Squad Watch (http://a.snugboro.com/ireland)


Shay Given Nor 5th 15:00 Started 90min
Keiren Westwood MaU 5th 15:00 Started 90min
David Forde Blp 5th 15:00 Started 90min


Richard Dunne Nor 5th 15:00 Started 90min
Paul McShane WeH 5th 15:00 Unused Sub
John O'Shea MaU 5th 15:00 Injured
Stephen Ward Wig 6th 13:30
Sean St Ledger Lee 6th 15:00
Darren O'Dea Lei 6th 15:00
Stephen Kelly Tot 6th 16:00


Seamus Coleman New 5th 12:45 Started 90min
Aiden McGeady Din 5th 14:30 Started 90min Goal
Keith Andrews Don 5th 15:00 Started 90min
Liam Lawrence NoF 5th 15:00 Injured
Darron Gibson Sun 5th 15:00 Injured
Stephen Hunt Wig 6th 13:30
James McCarthy Wol 6th 13:30
Glenn Whelan Bol 6th 15:00
Keith Fahey Rea 6th 15:00
Andy Keogh Lei 6th 15:00
Damien Duff Tot 6th 16:00


Leon Best Eve 5th 12:45 Started 73min
Simon Cox Ars 5th 15:00 Started 71min
Shane Long Ars 5th 15:00 Injured
Kevin Doyle Wig 6th 13:30
JonathanWalters Bol 6th 15:00
Robbie Keane RSL 7th 02:00

[Metrostars]

Apparently Joel Lindpere of NY Red Bulls was called up by Estonia. He had previously turned down recent call ups as he wanted to concentrate in playing in NY. He is a solid player, pops up for a few goals here and there, probably NY's best player over the last two seasons. Plays either center or left midfield.

[Noelys Guitar]

Best a major doubt http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2011/1105/bestl_ireland_euro2012.html

[Fixer82]

Leaves room now for Stokes or our old pal Connolly to get called up. Poor oul Caleb Folan is the forgotten man....

[TrapAPony]

I'd rather we call up Pilkington.

[Closed Account]

I'd rather we call up Pilkington.
Lawrence was out injured today, Pilkington would be a more natural replacement for him, but I fully expect Trap to call up Keith Treacy instead.

[geysir]

Best a major doubt http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2011/1105/bestl_ireland_euro2012.html
Plus the old worn out excuse 'wife in labour' again.

[SwanVsDalton]

Would Pilkington accept a call-up? Argument can be made we should ask, but I'm really not convinced he would. Wouldn't be surprised if he was eyeing up an England place off the back of his continued rise.

Also in terms of asking - I think it's pretty mortifying when nations ask players to come only for them to say no (Hi NI). I'd hope Pilkington wouldn't get a call unless we're sure he'd actually accept it. So someone should ask him if they haven't already.

[French Toasht]

Pilkington would accept a call up I feel. I hate saying it, but he is not the requisite standard for England, despite his recent rise to prominence.

[geysir]

Lawrence was out injured today, Pilkington would be a more natural replacement for him, but I fully expect Trap to call up Keith Treacy instead.

Even without Lawrence, we still have a minibus load of midfielders in the squad.

[theworm2345]

Even without Lawrence, we still have a minibus load of midfielders in the squad.
Our midfield may not be great, but theres no need to compare them to mentally handicapped people.

[tommy_c12000]

Our midfield may not be great, but theres no need to compare them to mentally handicapped people.

That one is lost on me . . .