What are your expections and hopes?

[ArdeeBhoy]

Agreed. 4 points is my prediction.
And that's based on wild-eyed optimism.

[geysir]

Wild eyed optimism? that's dangerous territory for you AB.

[Closed Account]

God I'm nearly sick with nerves now.
Not flying out to Poland until Monday so going to watch the Croatia game in the pub.

My hopes are the same as everyone, that we perform to our ability, put in at least two good performances out of 3. No regrets afterwards basically.

My expectations..... I find it very hard to be rational when thinking about Ireland. With a group of players with very little Champions League experience, and very little tournament experience, you'd expect us to come up short. Either burn too bright too quickly or too late. We'll get chances, but its of paramount importance that we take them. If we can get more than 3 goals in the 3 games, we've a good chance of going through as I don't think we'll concede that many. (Unless we lose an early goal and the heads drop, i.e Russia)

[legendz]

Despite his concerns over England, Shearer feels the Republic of Ireland could spring a surprise despite being drawn in a difficult group.Giovanni Trapattoni’s side face Italy, Croatia and holders Spain in Group C, but the former Newcastle talisman believes the Republic of Ireland squad can reach the knockout stages.
He said: “I’ve got a sneaky feeling they might get out of that group. The Italians are in disarray, they’ve had three straight defeats so if there was ever a chance of Ireland getting a result then maybe this is it.
“I think the important thing is you don’t get beat in your first game. If you get a result it sets you up for the next one and confidence will be there for the other games. If you can avoid defeat there who knows.
“They’ll be hard to beat.
They don’t score many goals but they don’t concede many either and they’re on a decent run. If there was a team to get out of a hard group I would say Ireland have a shot.”

I hope he is right! Better prediction than that crooked Crooks.