Euro 2016 Qualifying

[geysir]

That sort of paranoia would fit in better over on OWC.
For the last time, all reports of paranoia over at the OWC, are greatly exaggerated.

[back of the net]

For the last time, all reports of paranoia over at the OWC, are greatly exaggerated.


I would hit the "Thanks" icon ........but "They" might be watching....

[paul_oshea]

I'm not paranoid and I wasnt suggesting it was against me but there is a little clique of continuous back slapping that I find amusing.

You admit that posters thanks in some form of agreement...and an example of this thread was botnets post and those who thanked you can be sure dont go to away games or rarely go. You fail to get my point on many occasions which I also find very amusing :P

[geysir]

These days, Irish fans can just turn on their computer, book a flight, refrain from a night out in a desperate hunt for a woman and the cost is covered. And they think they are 'real fans'.
In my day, you'd get on the the Dart (a luxury futuristic phenomenon then) to Dun laoghaire, night boat to Holyhead, train to London, overnight stay in some kip, meet up with London Irish relations and travel the 2nd leg with them, train/boat/train to Belgium, Netherlands or France. Took about 7 days for one game and cost about 4 weeks dole money.
The drunken rabble that call themselves true fans these days, haven't got a clue ;)

[paul_oshea]

Ha thats a fair point. Last year we did a week long trip not far off that for one of the away games.

Georgia two lads thinking of train from london to Istanbul via Sofia and possibly. Burgas/varna and flight out from there. There was even talk of a boat to batumi but would add 7 days to the trip ;)

Hunt sounds about right but more like stalk what the nerds on here would do if they saw a woman :D. I remember a very funny incident from Estonia about that.

Geysir the rain back then wasnt half like the rain ye get now either....:P

[DannyInvincible]

A Póg Mo Goal write-up on Gibraltar: http://pogmogoal.com/republic-of-ireland/euro-2016-welcome-to-the-rock/17842/


They’re the newest nation in UEFA and in a first qualifying campaign have drawn the might of the Germans, along with the Irish, Scots, Poles and Georgians. Daniel Griffin from footballgibraltar gives us the reaction to what stands between the Rock and a Euro place.

Obviously Gibraltar were guaranteed a tough draw regardless of who they were pitted with; such is the fate of every Pot 6 nation. However, I’m not sure, bar maybe having England, that Gibraltar could have asked for a more exciting draw. The opportunity to face a European giant in Germany will be a special occasion, regardless of the end result, whilst the games against Georgia offers our best opportunity to grab points in this campaign. Scotland and Poland are both difficult nations, but at home, Gibraltar could cause a few problems against both teams.

allen bulaFrom a personal standpoint, Republic of Ireland was the best draw from Pot 2. Obviously there were weaker teams in the pot, but the opportunity of an away tie versus Martin O’Neill’s team in Dublin will undoubtedly appeal to most Gibraltar fans. Whilst I’d expect the likes of Robbie Keane and Aiden McGeady to be too strong for us at the Aviva Stadium, the return game in Faro could be an interesting match-up.

For this campaign, Gibraltar will play their home games at the Estadio do Algarve in Portugal. This is due to Gibraltar’s primary stadium, the Victoria Stadium, not being up to scratch for qualifying games. Whilst a new arena is being built at Europa Point in Gibraltar, the national team will have to play their ‘home’ games some four hours away by coach.

For Irish fans looking to travel to the game, Faro Airport is a twenty minute drive away from the ground. Both Ryanair and Aer Lingus both fly direct from Dublin. There is a vast variety of hotels in Faro, what with it being a holiday destination, and fans should look forward to a good few days abroad.

Football in Gibraltar is mainly amateur, with an eight team Premier Division and a 12 team Second Division being the main form of senior football on the Rock. Before acceptance into UEFA, the national team was fully comprised of players based locally or in southern Spain, but since becoming a member of the European football body, the Gibraltar FA have allowed naturalised players to be eligible for the national team. Whilst Danny Higginbotham will be retired by the time the qualifiers start, players such as Preston’s Scott Wiseman, Wycombe’s Reece Styche and Wrexham’s Dave Artell all provide professional experience in the team.

However, former Portsmouth midfielder Liam Walker, now at Israeli team Bnei Yehuda, is Gibraltar’s key player, and best chance of threatening the Irish defence. Farsley striker Adam Priestley will also test the back-line with his pace and finishing ability, with the striker boasting a decent record in the English regional leagues.

Prediction for the qualifiers? Realistically, Gibraltar are very unlikely to qualify from their group. However, there are chances for points to be earned, and I’d say finishing 5th would be a good achievement in our first campaign.

Visit footballgibraltar.wordpress.com and follow on Twitter: @footballgib (https://twitter.com/FootballGib)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrOGyUutfTo#t=29


I'm not paranoid and I wasnt suggesting it was against me but there is a little clique of continuous back slapping that I find amusing.

You admit that posters thanks in some form of agreement...and an example of this thread was botnets post and those who thanked you can be sure dont go to away games or rarely go. You fail to get my point on many occasions which I also find very amusing :P

There's a "thanks" button, as is common on discussion forums. The board has a set of posters, some more regular than others. Sometimes, one of these posters may make a point with which others happen to agree or find entertaining. These others may offer virtual thanks in the simple and exceptionally casual method of clicking a mouse button. And that's about it.

I do get your point though. You like to position yourself as the transcendent and superior free-thinking outsider who absolutely knows best because he lives life in the real world; his brave wealth of experience, practical pursuits and know-how, or perhaps even simply his different breed, rendering him immune from the conformist pattern of thinking to which the rest of us cowardly forum lemmings habitually fall victim. There's Paul, and then there's us. I think that's a neat summary of what's going on here. If you think otherwise, I'm afraid you may be reading into things too much. :p

[ArdeeBhoy]

It has to be said on reading that article, Gibraltar sound more and more of a 'joke' team.
If they were a real country, would regard them differently. But even The Vatican and Greenland must be more credible?

And to keep up the theme above, any of their 'fans' coming to the new Lansdowne will surely be certain 'fleg-wavers' from elsewhere on the island...

[Charlie Darwin]

It has to be said on reading that article, Gibraltar sound more and more of a 'joke' team.
If they were a real country, would regard them differently. But even The Vatican and Greenland must be more credible?

And to keep up the theme above, any of their 'fans' coming to the new Lansdowne will surely be certain 'fleg-wavers' from elsewhere on the island...
Ooooooh I called it!

http://foot.ie/threads/183181-Euro-2016-Qualifying?p=1738005&viewfull=1#post1738005

[ArdeeBhoy]

Yeah, we know. But it's been on the cards for the last decade.
Here's to Bavaria and Catalonia...

[Crosby87]

I can't wait to go to Poland for that away. I hear they have all sorts of interesting stuff; solar powered flash lights, Submarines with screen doors, wine flavored beer. This is going to be great.

[SkStu]

I'm not paranoid and I wasnt suggesting it was against me but there is a little clique of continuous back slapping that I find amusing.

You admit that posters thanks in some form of agreement...and an example of this thread was botnets post and those who thanked you can be sure dont go to away games or rarely go. You fail to get my point on many occasions which I also find very amusing :P

I did a bit of an audit of Back of the Nets posts since he remarked on your "real fans do that sort of thing" comment. From what I can see, he only received 3 thanks in 12 posts, all 3 coming in one post - a reply he made to ArdeeBhoy.

You can't make intentionally inflammatory or antagonistic remarks about what constitutes a real fan and expect that not to be challenged. You go to away games. Well done. But now what? You think it entitles you to some additional credibility on a message board? You have the ways, means and opportunities to do attend away games where many fans, true fans too, don't. For a variety of reasons.

I used to go to almost every home game and many away games when I lived in ireland. As many away games as I could afford. I couldn't go to WC2002 because I was saving to go to university, a decision that has repaid itself many times over in the bigger scheme of things. What does all of that make me? To you I'm probably less of a fan as you can't put a face to my handle but, to me, I too am a REAL fan that has prioritized life appropriately for my circumstances.

I respect your opinions on many things related to analyzing games, players and managers ;) but I can't stand the condescending arrogance and self-aggrandisement that you demonstrate when it comes to this type of stuff.

[Stuttgart88]

I was looking for the smug backslapping ganging-up button but could only find a "Thanks" one.

[ArdeeBhoy]

I respect your opinions on many things related to analyzing games, players and managers ;) but I can't stand the condescending arrogance and self-aggrandisement that you demonstrate when it comes to this type of stuff.

Knowing PR in person (we have mutual pals, BOTN!), actually don't think he's guilty of the latter at all, even on here, where he's generally just talking to the 15-20 or so people who tend to contribute in this part of the forum, let alone go to Ireland games...

Not so sure about the 'analyzing' bit though...
;)

[ArdeeBhoy]

I can't wait to go to Poland for that away. I hear they have all sorts of interesting stuff; solar powered flash lights, Submarines with screen doors, wine flavored beer. This is going to be great.

Unless it's changed since 2012, would say No. Can vouch for their hospitals though!

[Gather round]

For the last time, all reports of paranoia over at the OWC, are greatly exaggerated

Well said, here's the UN's latest table

1 North Korea
2 Ardee
3 Syria
4 Geysir
5 OWC

[ArdeeBhoy]

Surely 0=Unionist fools, especially the ones who haven't lived there for decades.
;)

And maybe you should NB.post #483...

[Real ale Madrid]

.....

2051

[bennocelt]

https://scontent-b-fra.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/t1/1622190_722347211131354_1539815569_n.jpg

[Crosby87]

Do you chaps ever see former players who are fans at away matches? Even fringe players? Is Ger Crossley ever by the pool, something like that, just mixed in with you fabulous people?

[Crosby87]

I used to go to almost every home game and many away games when I lived in ireland. As many away games as I could afford.


But Stu why dont you move the missus back to Eire and get her citizenship, reversing your previous direction, then you could be back to the amiable, well known fan you were in the late 90s. And I have an idea I would stake you on, as a silent partner, 50-50... These Micks gobble down greasy chips like it's going out of style. But they don't know what Poutine is. They would love it. You open a Poutine stand outside of Crackbird, you would be rich enough to flee the outback and start sitting in suites in places like Georgia, Cyprus and South Gibralter. It can't fail.

[brendy_éire]

How much of the €430 was on Georgia flights specifically BE? What route if you don't mind sharing?

€300.
BFS-AMS-SAW-TBS-RIX-LGW-DUB. That's with Easyjet to AMS, Pegasus to TBS, Air Baltic to LGW, Ryanair to DUB.

More info here:
http://foot.ie/threads/187630-Georgia-(A)

[Drumcondra 69er]

Latest blog with some thoughts on the draw for those interested.....

http://afalsefirstxi.blogspot.ie/2014/02/friends-reunited.html

[Gather round]

Latest blog with some thoughts on the draw for those interested.....

http://afalsefirstxi.blogspot.ie/2014/02/friends-reunited.html

Had we ended up in a group such as...Greece, Ireland, Romania, Finland, Northern Ireland, Faroe Islands...we could safely start booking our slots for the finals in France

Admirable if maybe slightly overdone confidence there D9-three teams in that hypothetical group (not to mention Hungary) had a better record than you in WC 2014 qualifying :)

[Drumcondra 69er]

Admirable if maybe slightly overdone confidence there D9-three teams in that hypothetical group (not to mention Hungary) had a better record than you in WC 2014 qualifying :)

Ha ha! In our worst campaign since the early 70's to be fair. Hungary wouldn't be in the group if we werw drawn in it. I'd have been very confident of a top 2 finish in thst hypothetical group. Would have preferred the England or Wales group all the same.

[Charlie Darwin]

Admirable if maybe slightly overdone confidence there D9-three teams in that hypothetical group (not to mention Hungary) had a better record than you in WC 2014 qualifying :)
Now THAT'S wumming :)

[SkStu]

Not so sure about the 'analyzing' bit though...
;)

I know. Stupid North American iPad auto"correct"...when I catch it, I change it (when I'm not being lazy).

I'll let you in a secret though - I now put gas in my car and don't like tomayto on my burgers!

[ArdeeBhoy]

Admirable if maybe slightly overdone confidence there D9-three teams in that hypothetical group (not to mention Hungary) had a better record than you in WC 2014 qualifying

Let's just say, even under Trap, we'd do better than the North. Oh, we did anyway...
And unless those teams played the same opponents (or us theirs), no-one knows their relative record...

[ArdeeBhoy]

Do you chaps ever see former players who are fans at away matches? Even fringe players? Is Ger Crossley ever by the pool, something like that, just mixed in with you fabulous people?

The closest, bar people who claim to be ex-LOI players (usually only their pals can verify) and pundits, are Shay G's auld fella, a regular, and Dermot Gallagher, more occasional, ex-EPL referee!
And it's definitely them.

[ArdeeBhoy]

A Scottish
http://www.scotzine.com/2014/02/temuri-ketsbaias-georgia-more-welcoming-hosts-than-qualification-threats/
and 'Soviet'
http://futbolgrad.com/euro-2016-draw-caucasus-trio-eye-exploiting-expansion/
perspective.

[geysir]

I interpret the apprehension about this qual draw, is less about our opponents, but more about we don't where we are yet with our team. So there are various fantasies festering in that vacant space, building up a dysfunctional Poland to potential world class because of a few star players, Scotland's phoenix like glory resurgence and Georgia's fanatic home crowd frothing for out blood, a 5th seed with a killer blow.
Sweden 9/10 times would prove stronger over 2 games than either Poland or Scotland.
All the signs were that we were a team in serious (morale) decline under Trap for 18 months, yet we were expected to beat Sweden at home and draw away. We were heavily critical of the performance and tactics that allowed Austria to snatch a late equaliser and give Sweden their win on a plate.

When it will come to the game on the day against Poland and Scotland, we will be expected to better them both and should we not prevail, the management team will come under severe criticism, there will be not the least concession to the apprehension expressed here about the quality of our opponents, the tough draw, as an excuse for failure.

[Charlie Darwin]

I don't think anyone is building up Poland to be world class (although I think some people look at the Dortmund players and don't realise the rest of the squad is ten rungs below) but they are the kind of team we seem to struggle against. Average enough sides who have one world class player who can tear us apart in a second, ie Sweden with Ibrahimovic, Austria with Alaba.

[Drumcondra 69er]

I interpret the apprehension about this qual draw, is less about our opponents, but more about we don't where we are yet with our team. So there are various fantasies festering in that vacant space, building up a dysfunctional Poland to potential world class because of a few star players, Scotland's phoenix like glory resurgence and Georgia's fanatic home crowd frothing for out blood, a 5th seed with a killer blow.
Sweden 9/10 times would prove stronger over 2 games than either Poland or Scotland.
All the signs were that we were a team in serious (morale) decline under Trap for 18 months, yet we were expected to beat Sweden at home and draw away. We were heavily critical of the performance and tactics that allowed Austria to snatch a late equaliser and give Sweden their win on a plate.

When it will come to the game on the day against Poland and Scotland, we will be expected to better them both and should we not prevail, the management team will come under severe criticism, there will be not the least concession to the apprehension expressed here about the quality of our opponents, the tough draw, as an excuse for failure.

It's not apprehension as such, just pointing out that there are other factors involved in these games in comparison to other groups or teams. Most groups you could predict finishing in the top 3 as being nailed on. You can't in this group.

[geysir]

It's not apprehension as such, just pointing out that there are other factors involved in these games in comparison to other groups or teams. Most groups you could predict finishing in the top 3 as being nailed on. You can't in this group.
You call it pointing out that there are other factors, I call it apprehension :)
We can't call it, because we don't yet have a sense of how we will be organised to play. If O'Neill struggles, (indecisive) and ballses it up, then we will certainly struggle on the pitch. If he doesn't balls it up, we will qualify.
There are factors in most every team we could play in the first 5 pots. We don't know when an apposing team will have their day, it's consistency over the group campaign that usually wins out. We have a normal qual draw, weaker or very similar than most we have been through and there are 2 and a half places at stake in the group.

[Crosby87]

The Germans are trended downward sportswise, say many pundits in the know. They got the second most medals in Vancouver but only the 6th most in Sochi, with a disappointing haul. So we have that going for us.
Also we can easily trick the Polish by spinning them around a few times right before kickoff, they will start shooting at their own net.

[Stuttgart88]

I think I agree with Geysir. We know what the others are like and appreciate that they can maybe be better than they have delivered of late, but we think we have been so weirdly managed that we actually don't know what we are capable of. I personally think we're better than we have shown in the last campaign, but at the same time, almost paradoxically, I'd probably buy Trap's away record right now.

[DeLorean]

O'Neill hoping for Celtic Park (http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/martin-oneill-begs-sfa-play-3208337)


I'm not really sure what to make of all this. Think he should just say he's not bothered where the game is played and leave it at that. If he is hoping for Celtic Park, surely he's better off not telling the Scots that. Maybe he's secretly longing for Ibrox and playing reverse psychology? Total long shot but perhaps he sees it as a less intimidating stadium for an away team, given Celtic's incredible home record against top European teams. Presume the game will be at Celtic Park regardless anyway of what he says anyway and maybe he knows this to be the case.

[ArdeeBhoy]

Hmm, that could mean anything!

IF the SFA were looking out for Ireland fans, they'd make it CP but guess that will be a secondary concern, though it would give the chance of showcasing the East End which has just been tarted up for the CG's.

[samhaydenjr]

Following on from Martin O'Neill's recent comments about the lack of young talent coming through, I thought I'd ask the question: which of the current or recent U21 squads do people think could play a part in the upcoming Euro 2016 campaign? I'm going to narrow the list of potentials down to eight: Shane Duffy, Tommie Hoban, Mark O'Brien, Matt Doherty, Jack Grealish, Sean Murray, Callum Reilly and Samir Carruthers. I've chosen this group on the basis of either having significant experience at Championship level or being reasonably likely to be playing at Championship level (or above) next season. And remember, the business end of the qualifiers is still over a season away so there is time for all these players to become further established before this. So who should we be thinking about blooding into the senior squad in upcoming friendlies, either this summer or next?

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

Following on from Martin O'Neill's recent comments about the lack of young talent coming through, I thought I'd ask the question: which of the current or recent U21 squads do people think could play a part in the upcoming Euro 2016 campaign? I'm going to narrow the list of potentials down to eight: Shane Duffy, Tommie Hoban, Mark O'Brien, Matt Doherty, Jack Grealish, Sean Murray, Callum Reilly and Samir Carruthers. I've chosen this group on the basis of either having significant experience at Championship level or being reasonably likely to be playing at Championship level (or above) next season. And remember, the business end of the qualifiers is still over a season away so there is time for all these players to become further established before this. So who should we be thinking about blooding into the senior squad in upcoming friendlies, either this summer or next?

It looks like O'Brien is going to join the pantheon of Irish players who will never fulfill his full potential because of fitness issues. Hoban has to prove himself all over again after being out for a year. Doherty has lost his place in the Wolves team after getting injured in Autumn but that's not because of any faults with him; he was flying before that. Carruthers has been hit and miss at MK Dons so the jury is still out for now; he definitely has the potential to go all the way. Reilly has played intermittently for Birmingham.

I'd say Duffy is almost ready. Murray and Grealish aren't that far behind. With Keane, Hoolahan and Reid aging, the World Cup Qualifying campaign would definitely be a target for them but a lot depends on next season. Grealish needs to play more consistently and at a higher level to be considered; and Murray needs a proper run in the Watford team, though he's been getting a decent run this season.

[Stuttgart88]

I think O'Neill is right. Few, if any, of the U21s are on the verge of immediate promotion. I think his words were interpreted a little unfairly though. He wasn't saying there is nothing coming through, just that nobody is on the verge of displacing a more established incumbent.

But, as sam says above, the business end is over a year away and I'd agree that those named seem the most obvious ones to be likely to make the step up. We have discussed Gunning recently (not a current U21) and he might be knocking on the door. Maybe Kenny McEvoy will make a leap forward between now and then.

I'd like to see a keeper emerge. Randolph is OK but not playing at a level of performance yet that makes me relax about the GK position. I like Forde but I'd like to see him pressed hard by Westwood or another keeper. The Scots have two keepers playing very well at EPL level. We have a couiple playing OK at Championship level and a third doing rehab after regular injuries.

And anyway, didn't Randolph threaten to play for the US? I'm surprised TOWK hasn't vented his spleen at him :)

A left-footed Seamus Coleman would be nice.

And dare I say it, maybe Stephen Ireland has a role to play.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

I think O'Neill is right. Few, if any, of the U21s are on the verge of immediate promotion. I think his words were interpreted a little unfairly though. He wasn't saying there is nothing coming through, just that nobody is on the verge of displacing a more established incumbent.

But, as sam says above, the business end is over a year away and I'd agree that those named seem the most obvious ones to be likely to make the step up. We have discussed Gunning recently (not a current U21) and he might be knocking on the door. Maybe Kenny McEvoy will make a leap forward between now and then.

I'd like to see a keeper emerge. Randolph is OK but not playing at a level of performance yet that makes me relax about the GK position. I like Forde but I'd like to see him pressed hard by Westwood or another keeper. The Scots have two keepers playing very well at EPL level. We have a couiple playing OK at Championship level and a third doing rehab after regular injuries.

And anyway, didn't Randolph threaten to play for the US? I'm surprised TOWK hasn't vented his spleen at him :)

A left-footed Seamus Coleman would be nice.

And dare I say it, maybe Stephen Ireland has a role to play.

Randolph never threatened to play for the USA!

[pineapple stu]

Just googled "Darren Randolph threaten play USA" and got a message saying "Our systems have detected unusual traffic from your computer network. This page checks to see if it's really you sending the requests, and not a robot".

"Darren Randolph USA" is ok though.

Probably got a file now.

[geysir]

Randolph never threatened to play for the USA!

Stutts' no doubt is referring to those who would and could interpret Randolph's comments that way.

In 2011 Randolph stated a conditional intent to declare for the USA.
He stated the option was there and that there was chance he could declare for the USA.

To a Scottish newspaper
“There is still a chance I could play for America and it is an option. It is not something I would rule out.
“This is the advantage of having both passports. It is definitely an option and it is not something I have just put to the back of my mind.”
America have qualified for the last six World Cups and Randolph admitted that would be a major influence if they had an interest in him representing them.
He said: “Everyone wants to go to the World Cup and America get there all the time.
“I supported the USA at the last World Cup and I wouldn’t complain if I had to travel to America.
“I don’t know if Ireland know I have an American passport — but there is no way I am waiting to see if America will call me back again.”

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

My mistake.

A little like Robbie Keane's conditional intent to retire then, eh?

Puff your chest out all you want, geysir, but there is a difference between making a simple mistake and aggressively hounding people because of the way they interpret quotes.

[geysir]

My mistake.

A little like Robbie Keane's conditional intent to retire then, eh?

Puff your chest out all you want, geysir, but there is a difference between making a simple mistake and aggressively hounding people because of the way they interpret quotes.
Playing the victim now, a victim of aggressive hounding.

[John83]

Just googled "Darren Randolph threaten play USA" and got a message saying "Our systems have detected unusual traffic from your computer network. This page checks to see if it's really you sending the requests, and not a robot".

"Darren Randolph USA" is ok though.

Probably got a file now.
Download and run at a minimum an anti-virus and and anti-spyware program.
http://www.techsupportalert.com/pc/security-tools.html

[pineapple stu]

I have one.

I actually assumed the issue was googling how to threaten the US?

[CraftyToePoke]

I actually assumed the issue was googling how to threaten the US?.

Oh it was :) and will have been noted down too. Try getting yourself a visa now if you have any doubts

[John83]

I have one.

I actually assumed the issue was googling how to threaten the US?
It may not be detecting something on your computer. The message suggests to me that some programme on your computer is accessing google a lot.

[pineapple stu]

That'd be me.

But only when I google search "threaten USA" do I get a problem. Every other google search is fine.

(And this one is fine too now actually. I'm going to assume someone has put the term on a whitelist :) )

I'm happy there's no virus on the computer; performance is grand and the anti-virus has stopped a fair few things (particularly when I was looking for freeware video editing stuff, or got streaming sites which wanted me to download iLivid)

But mainly I wanted to point out the (I hope!) funny