Republic of Ireland V Oman 3rd September 2014 & Georgia 7th September 2014

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

I really think it's a missed opportunity that Stokes hasn't appeared more for Ireland. So many friendlies he's been sat on the bench while we are complaining about a lack of genuine goalscoring options... and giving people like Walters, Cox, Murphy and Sammon game time.

He played on the wing against Germany and Kazakhstan and he was really quite impressive.

[the doc]

There you have it folks, St Ledger is finished. 3 teams are currently ranked higher than us in our qualification group so yeah you're right (about St Ledger). We're capable of finishing in the top 3 but to do so we can't afford to drop points against Georgia or Gibraltar. The total points accumulated against these teams are likely to separate us, Poland and Scotland come the end of the qualification series.

You really don't understand football do you?
Rankings don't always give a true reflection on the team you are playing.

But hey you are probably just happy to have a go at me for any reason.

[Olé Olé]

Am I right in saying that Stokes' court appearance over his 'scuffle' with Elvis Pressley was due to impinge on a qualifier? Maybe it's this one.

He's featured in friendlies under O'Neill. I think he's a very good option anywhere in the forward line, be it part of a 2 or 3-man one. Excellent set piece delivery too.

[Charlie Darwin]

I believe his court case coincides with the Gibraltar game. It seems he was just the odd man out this week as O'Neill only wanted to bring 23. Westwood and McClean being injured made it an easier cut to make.

[OwlsFan]

There was nothing hard about the questions Tony asked Trap.....O'Donoghue was an embarrasment with his interview technique towards him. His questions were stupid and were asked so Tony could be controversial....nothing more.

O'Neill was definitely tetchy towards him and who could blame him.....T.O.D is a joke of an interviewer who shouldnt be let near a microphone

I thought he gave Trap an awful time and to be consistent I hope he also asks the current management team questions like "Are you going to resign etc". He obviously in an earlier interview had asked MO'N about the previous 4/5 games without a win (fair enough surely?) and MO'N rounded on him asking him was he happy now that we had won!

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

I'm not optimistic about the Georgia game. With any other team a draw against Georgia would not be the end of the world, but a win is more integral for us because of our awful record against teams like Germany and Poland. If we do drop points, I'm afraid it will leave us with a mountain to climb. It's unfortunate, but based on past competitive results, Poland and Scotland have more reason to believe that they will take points off each other, us and Germany than we do in the same scenario.

[Charlie Darwin]

Germany I get, but Poland? Our record against inconsistent teams with a star or two isn't too bad. Take the last Trapattoni campaign out and we're alright.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/european-championships/business-begins-tonight-in-tbilisi-after-long-wait-30567144.html

Dion Fanning's team prediction is the exact same as the one I had. Richard Keogh a liability at center back. Glenn Whelan and Jon Walters, passengers from the Trapattoni era who continue to start despite poor performances throughout the last campaign. No room for Wes Hoolahan. Same formation and personnel as we had in the last campaign, except now we don't have the composure and authority of a Dunne or St Ledger in the back line. No bravery, same old complacency.

Not optimistic at all.

[Charlie Darwin]

That's not the team I would predict. Keogh is a maybe but Ward has been a mainstay at full back. Walters over Brady would be too conservative for me.

[Closed Account]

I'm not optimistic about the Georgia game. With any other team a draw against Georgia would not be the end of the world, but a win is more integral for us because of our awful record against teams like Germany and Poland. If we do drop points, I'm afraid it will leave us with a mountain to climb. It's unfortunate, but based on past competitive results, Poland and Scotland have more reason to believe that they will take points off each other, us and Germany than we do in the same scenario.
Similiarly, I'm not too optimistic either. We seem to be a step behind in terms of open play with continental europe. It's mostly evident in our underage sides. Our players(and other nations in the british isles) aren't as comfortable on the ball as we should be. Ketsbiaia has said that his side play better football than ours. Of course he would say that, but I find it very hard to defend our side because we have no discernable style.

More and more we are becoming a 'championship' side. I've no problem with that in the short term. But it's difficult to fully support. If we get a result tomorrow, and a draw would be a result, it'll be a blood and guts draw. We won't be dictating the game by any stretch.

I would of been someone classed as a 'Trap apologist'. I didn't want to be, but his main gripe was that we didn't have the players to play it out from the back and were best defending from the front. Hence players like McGeady got applauded for there defensive efforts. Not much has changed and if O'Neill/Keane aren't pragmactic enough to go the same route, we'll fail.

I'd love if we won tomorrow, football is a simple game and any combination of factors can overcome your opponent. But over a full campaign, things need to change. A long kickout should be last resort, relying on Shane Long to win headers should be back of the mind, set plays are a strength but should be backed up by periods of possession.

I'm gonna stick a tenner on Georgia to win because with my luck, it'll guarantee Ireland a result. I hope all you other unlucky *****s do the same.

[ArdeeBhoy]

http://pogmogoal.com/republic-of-ireland/georgian-view-we-play-better-football-than-they-do/19898/

[OwlsFan]

We are better than this and I have full faith in Martin and Roy improving us mentally and giving us the belief and confidence that Trapattoni gradually eroded by constantly telling the players that they are crap and acting like we are Luxembourg whenever anyone deviated from bowing at his feet.



http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/european-championships/business-begins-tonight-in-tbilisi-after-long-wait-30567144.html

Dion Fanning's team prediction is the exact same as the one I had. Richard Keogh a liability at center back. Glenn Whelan and Jon Walters, passengers from the Trapattoni era who continue to start despite poor performances throughout the last campaign. No room for Wes Hoolahan. Same formation and personnel as we had in the last campaign, except now we don't have the composure and authority of a Dunne or St Ledger in the back line. No bravery, same old complacency.

Not optimistic at all.

ARe you Eamon Dunphy in disguise?

[liamoo11]

http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/european-championships/business-begins-tonight-in-tbilisi-after-long-wait-30567144.html

If wes dosent get picked tonight and if walters plays wide and whelan plays and robbie plays will people b dissappointed? To me that is the team trap wood have picked. Technical players like gibson, brady and wes left out. Where is the new approach if that is the side.? I dont tink it will be. I wood think wes will b in and one of gibson or brady. tink ward will start as well

[gastric]

http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/european-championships/business-begins-tonight-in-tbilisi-after-long-wait-30567144.html

If wes dosent get picked tonight and if walters plays wide and whelan plays and robbie plays will people b dissappointed? To me that is the team trap wood have picked. Technical players like gibson, brady and wes left out. Where is the new approach if that is the side.? I dont tink it will be. I wood think wes will b in and one of gibson or brady. tink ward will start as well

I hope both Wes and Gibson play and add creativity to the midfield. I would love a more offensive team, but O'Neill has always erred on the side of caution. A 1-0 win would be a nice start to the campaign and I suspect it will be a dull game to watch. Nothing new then!

[tetsujin1979]

For me, Wes and Gibson in the same midfield would weaken it defensively, unless Hoolahan plays behind Keane, which means dropping Long.
At home, I could see it being used alright, away, not so much.

[DannyInvincible]

http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/european-championships/business-begins-tonight-in-tbilisi-after-long-wait-30567144.html

If wes dosent get picked tonight and if walters plays wide and whelan plays and robbie plays will people b dissappointed? To me that is the team trap wood have picked. Technical players like gibson, brady and wes left out. Where is the new approach if that is the side.? I dont tink it will be. I wood think wes will b in and one of gibson or brady. tink ward will start as well

I'm hoping for a new approach as I thought we got rid of Trap for a reason. By the way, just to make clear as you'd mentioned "tonight", kick-off is at 5PM this evening.

I'd be disappointed if we didn't win this game 1-0 or 2-0. Georgia seem to really struggle to score. Their entire squad have 19 goals between them whilst they lost their last game 1-0 to the UAE. That was a friendly played in Switzerland in June. Their top scorer is a defensive midfielder with 48 caps and four international goals to his name. For what it's worth, the UAE are ranked one place above us in the current FIFA rankings. Georgia themselves are ranked 95th.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

Greece 1-1 Georgia
Georgia 1-0 Croatia
Croatia 2-1 Georgia (Croatia come from being behind for over an hour with two late goals)
Georgia 1-2 Greece (Same as above)
Georgia 0-1 Spain (86th minute Spain winner)
France 3-1 Georgia
Georgia 0-0 France
Spain 2-0 Georgia

That's their results record against big International teams over the last two campaigns. It's going to be tighter than a girl on debs night tonight.

[pineapple stu]

Yeah, wouldn't be at all surprised to see a draw tonight. (Or worse)

Would bite the hand off anyone who offers a 1-0 win. We were a bit fortunate last time to have to play the away game in Mainz, and we had that phantom penalty to thank for victory in Lansdowne Road, when Georgia led for 70 minutes. Not going to be easy at all. They mayn't score many, but they don't concede too many either.

[geysir]

Yeah, wouldn't be at all surprised to see a draw tonight. (Or worse)

Would bite the hand off anyone who offers a 1-0 win. We were a bit fortunate last time to have to play the away game in Mainz, and we had that phantom penalty to thank for victory in Lansdowne Road, when Georgia led for 70 minutes. Not going to be easy at all. They mayn't score many, but they don't concede too many either.
Far from a phantom penalty, that was a stonewall penalty, the defender moved his shoulder to deflect the ball, it was a stupid penalty to concede but a penalty nevertheless and iv'e seen a few similar ones given.
If a ball hits the upper arm then a penalty is not likely but if a defender moves his shoulder (upper arm) towards the ball then it's a penalty.

[Fixer82]

It was never a peno.

[geysir]

It was never a peno.
See what the defender did at 40 seconds, right in front of the ref.
It's a penalty if a defender moves the upper arm/shoulder to control the ball.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HeXS1iraX8

[DannyInvincible]

It was a definite "PK" for me. The defender intentionally moved his shoulder towards the ball and it made contact with his upper arm. The contact was slight, but there was contact.

[Charlie Darwin]

The penalty against Georgia was a bit lucky but it was handball under the rules of football, which I assume are the ones that matter. Arsene Wenger tried to equate it with the Henry handball after that match because he's thoroughly objective and not at all because he's French and Henry is his best mate, but the difference is that the penalty against Georgia was warranted.

[DannyInvincible]

Greece 1-1 Georgia
Georgia 1-0 Croatia
Croatia 2-1 Georgia (Croatia come from being behind for over an hour with two late goals)
Georgia 1-2 Greece (Same as above)
Georgia 0-1 Spain (86th minute Spain winner)
France 3-1 Georgia
Georgia 0-0 France
Spain 2-0 Georgia

That's their results record against big International teams over the last two campaigns. It's going to be tighter than a girl on debs night tonight.

Their biggest loss since October of 2009 (when they lost to Bulgaria 6-2) was 4-0 against us in June last year. Otherwise, it would appear they don't concede too many, but they do frequently lose to mid-to-lower ranked teams as well. They've lost games to Kazakhstan, Denmark, Belarus and Finland by slim margins over the past two years or so. It will be tight, but if we can bag a goal, I'm hopeful we'll be able to see it through.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

Is it even conclusive that it hits his shoulder and not his chest from that video?

Come on. You're telling me you wouldn't feel hard done by if that was our player? 9 times out of 10 they aren't given.

[DannyInvincible]

Is it even conclusive that it hits his shoulder and not his chest from that video?

Come on. You're telling me you wouldn't feel hard done by if that was our player? 9 times out of 10 they aren't given.

I'd be riled by the stupidity of our player. The ref was right in front of it and had clear view. In unison, Doyle, O'Shea and another distant Irish player in view (Dunne?) all immediately and instinctively raise their hands in expectation of a call for a penalty. The ball changed direction and spin ever so slightly as it passed the Georgian player's arm. There was definitely contact and it was intentional. It was a penalty by the letter of the law.

[Charlie Darwin]

Is it even conclusive that it hits his shoulder and not his chest from that video?

Come on. You're telling me you wouldn't feel hard done by if that was our player? 9 times out of 10 they aren't given.
It's very clear: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HeXS1iraX8

You'd feel hard done by but it's a penalty. You can see the referee's view clearly and he sees the defender move his arm and deflect the ball.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/european-championships/stephen-hunt-irish-will-have-to-fight-a-thousand-little-battles-in-tbilisi-just-like-mine-with-berbatov-30567230.html

"Berbatov kept coming over to my side of the pitch for goal kicks. I don't know what he was doing there, but it wasn't what I was expecting and I wanted him to get back up front where he could be languid and elegant and Richard Dunne's problem. So I kicked him. I'd probably call it a sharp tackle if anyone was asking, but all I know is that Dimitar Berbatov stayed upfield after that, which was one little battle won."

"I was good at talking to refs, which might not surprise you. Glenn Whelan is good at it, too. This is Glenn Whelan's job. Glenn never stops talking. Outsiders might look at the team and wonder why Ireland can't find somebody with more of a range than Glenn Whelan, but when you play somewhere like Tbilisi, Glenn's a man you want out there because he talks and he tries to control the pace of the game."

"We always liked to have a walk around wherever we were staying the night before, although it wasn't something Trap was too keen on, so we'd have to sneak out. We were only looking for a coffee shop. People watching we called it, but if I remember anything from a place like Podgorica in Montenegro, it's how easy the women were on the eye."

[Charlie Darwin]

Haha, I didn't even need to click the link to know it who it was talking.

[Charlie Darwin]

Forde starts in goal.

[Closed Account]

Republic of Ireland XI v Georgia:
Forde,
Coleman, O'Shea, Wilson, Ward;
McCarthy, Whelan;
Walters, Quinn, McGeady;
Keane.

Interesting how it was listed.
5 man midfield it seems, Walters and McGeady on the wings. Quinn ahead of Hoolahan?

[Charlie Darwin]

I assume Quinn will tuck in and Walters will push out wide when defending, but in attack Walters will go up top.

[zero]

let's get physical...

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

F*** sake. Walters starting and Long on the bench again. The definition of insanity is repeating the same mistakes over and over and over and over again expecting a different outcome.

He isn't even getting in the Stoke team anymore FFS.

[harry crumb]

Will Shane Long have to wait until he is 30 to get a game for Ireland.

[zero]

i've been critical of long on here due to his erratic finishing but i think he offers much more to the team - to any team - than walters. otherwise no real complaints.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

Walters being in the team and neither Long, Hoolahan or Doyle being in the team is just f***ing insanity. It is negative and it has never worked.

Walters up front with Keane does not work. He can't hold the ball up, he is immobile, he single-handedly breaks down every counter attack, he doesn't score goals, he has a poor touch and he cannot pass the ball. Walters being on the wing is just as ridiculous.

If you can't/won't/too chicken**** to play Long up front, play him or Doyle on the wing.

Jesus Christ all the guy has is workrate (Something Long and Doyle already have in spades).

Kazakhstan away all over again. A mountain to climb as soon as the f***ing teamsheet is announced.

He doesn't even have any match practice bar a Capital One Cup game and he hasn't even been training fully!!!!

Furious about this TBH. Shameful.

[Charlie Darwin]

Walters' goalscoring record isn't much different than Long's, except unlike Long he gets his goals in competitive games. I'd still go for Long but there's not much between the two players.

[Closed Account]

Walters being in the team and neither Long, Hoolahan or Doyle being in the team is just f***ing insanity. It is negative and it has never worked.

Walters up front with Keane does not work. He can't hold the ball up, he is immobile, he single-handedly breaks down every counter attack, he doesn't score goals, he has a poor touch and he cannot pass the ball. Walters being on the wing is just as ridiculous.

If you can't/won't/too chicken**** to play Long up front, play him or Doyle on the wing.

Jesus Christ all the guy has is workrate (Something Long and Doyle already have in spades).

Kazakhstan away all over again. A mountain to climb as soon as the f***ing teamsheet is announced.

He doesn't even have any match practice bar a Capital One Cup game and he hasn't even been training fully!!!!

Furious about this TBH. Shameful.
Breathe......

Seems he's playing RW. Coleman overlapping. Was between himself, Brady and Pilkington for that position. Would have gone for Brady myself. Once Brady is on the bench, I assume Quinn comes in for his set piece delivery then.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

Walters' goalscoring record isn't much different than Long's, except unlike Long he gets his goals in competitive games. I'd still go for Long but there's not much between the two players.

Because Walters starts competitive games and Long doesn't.

Long is a far better player than Walters and his performances for Ireland have been infinitely better. Walters offers nothing in overall play and he doesn't even have regular club football to back him up now.

It's Astana all over again.

I don't see how putting that team out is going to get us a result. No cohesiveness to it whatsoever. It's extremely negative. Same old crap.

[the doc]

We all have differing opinions as to who should be in the team.
But on match day that should be put aside and back the lads.

Gutted I'm not there, first game I've missed away in years.

COYBIG

[zero]

bar quinn, this is probably the team trap would have gone for if he was still there. and who knows, he may even have gone with quinn given andrews/green stock has fallen.

at least there's no simon cox lads.

[Closed Account]

We all have differing opinions as to who should be in the team.
But on match day that should be put aside and back the lads.

Gutted I'm not there, first game I've missed away in years.

COYBIG
I echo this. Gameday. Doesn't matter who's starting for the next 3 hours. Time to get behind them.

I'm a bit more optimistic after seeing that lineup. Yes it's a Trap lineup, but Trap got us results away from home. It looks set up to keep it tight for the first 20-30 mins and with Long, Doyle, Brady to come on in the second half, I think we can nick this. (I'm always more optimistic without a skip of whiskey on me)

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

I look forward to Bunsen Honeydew's excuses when things start going pear shaped.

When is the last time Jon Walters has had anything resembling a good game for Ireland? Austria? And even then he was partly responsible for their equalising goal. When is the last time Shane Long or Kevin Doyle have had a bad game?

I mean I slag Paul Green but even he has had one or two decent games and he was never as entrenched in the team as Walters...

I hope the Keane and Walters that showed up against Portugal aren't playing tonight.....

Wes Hoolahan not in the team when he's been our best player in 75% of the friendly games he's played....... oh boy. *Knocks head against a wall*

[Charlie Darwin]

Because Walters starts competitive games and Long doesn't.

Long is a far better player than Walters and his performances for Ireland have been infinitely better. Walters offers nothing in overall play and he doesn't even have regular club football to back him up now.

It's Astana all over again.

I don't see how putting that team out is going to get us a result. No cohesiveness to it whatsoever. It's extremely negative. Same old crap.
Walters has started 8, Long has started 6, and Long has more sub appearances. Doyle's last bad game was when he steamed around and got himself suspended from a crucial Euro Championship playoff and he's barely played since. Long has had plenty of games where he's been anonymous too.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

Astana again. Walters starts, plays crap, Keane out of the game, we are losing and depend on a Long/Doyle/Hoolahan substitution to change the game.

I heard the same reasons for Walters starting that game and look what happened like....

Bitterly disappointed about this but at least it can't possibly get any worse after seeing the teamsheet.

[Olé Olé]

Interesting side. I think it just reflects the fact that this is an away game. Quinn and Walters offer more tactical flexibility than Hoolahan and Long, perhaps more defensive proficiency. Makes sense to select them, even if I am disappointed Long isn't starting.

Would've preferred a 'proper' winger there instead of Walters but O'Neill obviously values his workrate and that's fair enough in the context of the match.

Presumably, Quinn will straddle a vertical line in front of the base of Whelan and McCarthy, with the option for one of them to push on beside Quinn. Delighted to see Quinn get his competitive start too.

Good to see Wilson in there at centre-half. Not a big Ward fan but would rather have Wilson in the centre than Keogh

[backstothewall]

Disappointed Whelan starting ahead of Gibson.

[zero]

Presumably, Quinn will straddle a vertical line in front of the base of Whelan and McCarthy, with the option for one of them to push on beside Quinn. Delighted to see Quinn get his competitive start too.


yeah this will be interesting. it wouldn't surprise me if quinn plays left midfield, where he can cover ward, with mcgeady on the right and walters a more orthodox front man.

[DannyInvincible]

I think you're giving Walters an unduly hard time, TOWK. It's a conservative selection that harks back to Trap's days, but, then, Trap did get us away results. As Tony in Tbilisi says, at least we do have game-changing options from the bench.