Euro 2016 - now we've qualified

[geysir]

We deserve to be there - end of. Nothing fortunate about it where we ended up and to dissect games looking for fouls that we committed before scoring is an endless circle-jerk of an argument. The "what if's" and "what about's" don't mean anything. Luck evens itself out over a campaign, luck also evens itself out over 90 minutes.
It's not luck, it's just life.

It was tight group in the end, even for Germany who were looking at the possibility of ending up in the play-offs as Georgia went looking for a winner after drawing level. It could have gone another way in the group for us, but the proof of our qualifying worthiness was in the dominant way we took to the play-off against what was reckoned to be a team who had performed better than us over the past 5 years.

[TrapAPony]

Isn't it really great to have something positive to talk about in irish international football again, for possibly the first time since before Euro 2012 kicked off?
Absolutely. Have a feeling we'll do well enough at this tournament..a feeling I never had with Trapattoni

[Cymro]

Kingdom, isn't Wales also a communist state? That bird with the lovely accent REALLY hates the Tories. I suppose you could be a moderate fascist and hate the Tories though.

Who, Charlotte Church? If hating the Tories is the criteria for being a communist, then hand me my bloody Daily Worker and hammer and sickle right now.

[Stuttgart88]

I was thinking the Plaid Cymru leader, Leanne whatever-her-name is! I could listen to her all day.

[DannyInvincible]

Last B game I remember (fondly) I think we beat England 4-1 in Cork?

We've had quite a few since then: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republic_of_Ireland_national_football_B_team#Recen t_Years

http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc12/poguemahone85/Capture_zpsmzrdyxxx.png

[OwlsFan]

Absolutely. Have a feeling we'll do well enough at this tournament..a feeling I never had with Trapattoni

When we drew Spain, Italy and Croatia, I am not surprised you didn't have a good feeling although you did say this :)


We are capable of getting results off of Italy and Croatia. The group looks difficult on paper but it's definitely not impossible to get out of.


As ever much will depend on the draw and our key players (Coleman, McCarthy, Brady and Walters) avoiding injury. We have been most unfortunate over the years with injuries to key players just before tournaments - I remember Lawrenson before Euro 88 (Brady as well I think). On rankings, we are second last so we shouldn't have huge expectations but because we have done relatively well at 4 of the 5 tournaments, there will be high hopes. With 3rd place up for grabs in some of the 6 groups, I will be disappointed though if we don't make the last 16. I would imagine one win might be enough for that.

[DeLorean]

we do deserve to be there, but equally it's fair to point out just how fragile football fortunes can be. Fortunes don't even themselves out over 90 minutes, that's a lazy cliche. Luck is important.

What's even more important is capitalising on the luck you get. Scotland were the beneficiaries of three crucial own goals but it was all for nothing when they couldn't register a shot on target in Tblisi.

Luck can be sighted, and there's no doubt it exists, but ultimately I think the biggest differences between us and them were:


1) We were a lot better at defending. They conceded 1.2 goals per game, we conceded 0.7. That's a significant difference and has very little to do with luck.

2) Individual moments of brilliance: Both our victories over Georgia were decided by a player doing something completely unexpected and out of tune with the rest of the game. Our two goals against Germany were pure magic. That's seven points you can attribute to this. Maloney earned Scotland two with his class finish against us and they got two brilliant goals against Poland at Hampden. We win this round seven points to three!

[Fixer82]

don't forget we hit the crossbar late on in Scotland and that in the same game Scotland should have been down to 10 men for an elbow on one of our defenders (Keogh?)

not convinced walters fouled on that occasion anyway

They should have been down to ten men after 15 minutes when a Scottish defender (Hanly?) was the last man and upended Shane long when he was sprinting away

On the B game front I think I'd prefer as many friendlies as possible to blood in the fringe players like Judge, Arter, Duffy, Hoban, Cunningham, Rooney etc. I remember Richard Keogh scoring in a friendly V Georgia. Who'd have thought then that he'd be possibly our No.1 CB going into the Euros??

[DeLorean]

I think TOWK called it.

[Stuttgart88]

The problem with using senior friendlies to experiment is ranking points though, no?

[DannyInvincible]

I'm guessing we'll have a new home jersey for the Euros as the present one has been in use since May 2014? Hopefully, we'll see the white shorts return, if so. FIFA/UEFA seem to favour single-colour kits, but I notice that Sweden get away with yellow jerseys/blue shorts and NI get away with white shorts too.

[jbyrne]

The problem with using senior friendlies to experiment is ranking points though, no?

MON was on Newstalk on Wednesday and more or less said that using friendlies to try players and tactics overrode the need for ranking points in his book. He specifically mentioned the Portugal friendly last year where although we were hammered he found out a few things about his players that stood to us this campaign. Meyler filling in at RB against Germany was an example given

[DeLorean]

It's a no brainer that finding players and giving them experience is more important than ranking points. The one sure way of sliding back down the rankings is by concentrating too much on the present and not catering for the medium to long term future anyway. Like SkStu mentioned, I think we need to start preparing with the World Cup qualifiers in mind as much as the Euros. Performing well in the Euros is important, but making the WC should be an even bigger priority in terms of cementing our place at the top table again.

[OwlsFan]

It's a no brainer that finding players and giving them experience is more important than ranking points. The one sure way of sliding back down the rankings is by concentrating too much on the present and not catering for the medium to long term future anyway. Like SkStu mentioned, I think we need to start preparing with the World Cup qualifiers in mind as much as the Euros. Performing well in the Euros is important, but making the WC should be an even bigger priority in terms of cementing our place at the top table again.

I wouldn't agree. I regard this tournament as every bit as important as the World Cup. Qualification for the Euros to me is just as exciting as the World Cup. It's only the 3rd one ever we have qualified for and I want us to do as well as possible in it and not be looking forward to the next tournament and experimenting and planning for the future. Tournaments for us are like hens' teeth - we can't afford to be concentrating on the next one. They are to be savoured, relished, appreciated and we can worry about what comes after when it arrives. Play the best side.

[DeLorean]

I think you're splitting hairs with regards what I said really. They're both vitally important, nobody wants a repeat of four years ago. The WC qualifiers begin in September, two months after the Euros end. Preparing properly for one will have the knock on effect of helping out for the other anyway. Trying out players (in moderation obviously) in the build up to the Euros can only serve to benefit both campaigns, I'm not suggesting playing a bunch of kids in the friendly matches and winging it in France! Looking at the bigger picture doesn't necessarily have to jeopardise things in the short-term, but setting foundations and planning is vital.

Trap only ever looked short-term and I think it eventually backfired in his final campaign after the likes of Given, Dunne and Duff retired. We had the players like Coleman, McCarthy, McClean, etc. who should have probably seen more game time in advance of that campaign and been better prepared.

[Stuttgart88]

I think the goals of having the best squad available for the euros and the start of the WC campaign are mutually compatible. It's not as if MON's best XI and then, say next 6 in line, is likely to be much different between July 2016 (I'm being ambitious!) and September 2016. The marginal places are up for grabs either way. Duffy, Pearce, Arter, O'Kane, Judge et al all have something to aim for, even Gibson. I can't really see any areas for debate except for maybe Given, where I'd leave him behind, experience or not, or Kevin Doyle. Keane is nailed on in my mind.

FYI, Steven Reid doesn't pick Gibson in his final 23.

http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/international-soccer/oneill-relights-fire-for-fans-and-players-34211795.html

Steven Reid's 23:

Randolph, Given, Forde;
Coleman, Keogh, Clark, Brady, Ward, O'Shea, Wilson, McShane;
McGeady, McClean, Meyler, Quinn, Hoolahan, Hendrick, Whelan, McCarthy;
Murphy, Keane, Long, Walters,

[TrapAPony]

Westwood & Elliot ahead of Given & Forde and Gibson or Arter ahead of Quinn for me. Christie should be in the 23 too ahead of McShane. We already have O'Shea, Keogh, Clark & Wilson to cover the centre back position so McShane isn't needed.

[Stuttgart88]

Randolph, Forde and Westwood for me. I think Forde has a positive and “fatherly” senior presence that’d help Randolph. Good guy to have in a squad at a tournament.*
Christie should be there I agree. Sorry Paul.
Several midfield spots up for grabs. Right now I’d agree with Gibson over Quinn too, but a lot can change in the next 7 months.
4 strikers probably fair. Tough on Doyle maybe but not a biggy.

* other things being equal, having good guys in the squad when away from home in a hotel for several weeks is really important. Equally important to have no moaners.

[pineapple stu]

Would have thought Given could be the same? He's even been to a World Cup, which I think only Keane has as well from the current team.

But don't think there's room for Given and Forde.

[DeLorean]

It would be bizarre to exclude Christie as he the only proper back-up to Coleman. I presume Gibson would go into exile again if left behind... maybe even retire... at least Trap brought him!

There's a long seven months between now and then, anything close to regular game time at Everton and he'll have to be on the plane.

Elliot could be our only goalkeeper after a season of regular PL football by then too.

[DeLorean]

Btw... what was the story with the Macedonia trip in 2011?

[jbyrne]

It would be bizarre to exclude Christie as he the only proper back-up to Coleman. I presume Gibson would go into exile again if left behind... maybe even retire... at least Trap brought him!

There's a long seven months between now and then, anything close to regular game time at Everton and he'll have to be on the plane.


Christie will go instead of mcshane id say. would rather one of the potential midfield prospects such as arter went than Gibson really

[Kingdom]

http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/international-soccer/oneill-relights-fire-for-fans-and-players-34211795.html

Steven Reid's 23:

Randolph, Given, Forde;
Coleman, Keogh, Clark, Brady, Ward, O'Shea, Wilson, McShane;
McGeady, McClean, Meyler, Quinn, Hoolahan, Hendrick, Whelan, McCarthy;
Murphy, Keane, Long, Walters,

I'd remove Given, McShane, Quinn, Murphy.
I'd add Westwood, Christie, Arter, another

[TrapAPony]

Elliot could be our only goalkeeper after a season of regular PL football by then too.

Which is exactly why he cannot be left out for the likes of Forde who's warming the Millwall bench. No room for sentiment IMO. Forde & Given can come along as support.

[DeLorean]

Surely the likes of Arter have to continue playing well in the PL and impress when given an opportunity for us. Picking the squad with any degree of seriousness at this moment in time is pointless I think.

[geysir]

Harry was interviewed (http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/sport/14038703.AFC_Bournemouth_s_Harry_Arter__Euro_dream _is_still_a_long_way_off/) by the Bournemouth local newspaper the Daily Echo (best ever name for a newspaper).

Reflecting on the possibility of selection for the Republic's third European Championship, the former Woking man told the Daily Echo: "Going back a few years, having the chance to play in a major championship was a million miles away. It's close to becoming a reality but there is still a long way to go because it is a long season.

"I'm definitely not counting my chickens over being in the squad because I know I've still got a lot of work to do. But I would like to think that if I'm playing every week in the Premier League and doing well then I would have a good chance.
"My main objective is to play for Bournemouth and, hopefully, that will be enough to get me in the Irish squad. If I could get to the Euros, it would be a footballing dream come true."
Arter also revealed his gratitude towards Martin O'Neill for the huge confidence boost the Republic boss had given him during a frustrating spell on the sidelines.
He said: "Throughout my injury, he was calling me once a month to see how I was getting on and even though I was injured, he was still picking me in squads.
"To have backing from someone like him gave me a lot of confidence and a lot of motivation to get fit, so I'm really thankful for that and, hopefully, I can repay him."

Discussing victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina, Arter added: "It was quite hard for me because I have been part of a few squads but I didn't feel I had contributed enough to celebrate as much as the other players, so it was it was a little bit of a difficult one.
"But it was nice to be part of a team that had achieved something and it was good to see all the Irish fans happy."

[Crosby87]

Roy growing as he learns from MOL, asserts the Telegraph.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/republic-of-ireland/12007205/Roy-Keane-has-found-happiness-as-Martin-ONeills-Republic-of-Ireland-assistant-so-why-give-it-up.html

[OwlsFan]

I think the goals of having the best squad available for the euros and the start of the WC campaign are mutually compatible. It's not as if MON's best XI and then, say next 6 in line, is likely to be much different between July 2016 (I'm being ambitious!) and September 2016. The marginal places are up for grabs either way. Duffy, Pearce, Arter, O'Kane, Judge et al all have something to aim for, even Gibson. I can't really see any areas for debate except for maybe Given, where I'd leave him behind, experience or not, or Kevin Doyle. Keane is nailed on in my mind.

FYI, Steven Reid doesn't pick Gibson in his final 23.

http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/international-soccer/oneill-relights-fire-for-fans-and-players-34211795.html

Steven Reid's 23:

Randolph, Given, Forde;
Coleman, Keogh, Clark, Brady, Ward, O'Shea, Wilson, McShane;
McGeady, McClean, Meyler, Quinn, Hoolahan, Hendrick, Whelan, McCarthy;
Murphy, Keane, Long, Walters,

McGoldrick instead of Murphy (a favourite of Keane who signed him twice or at least played under him twice) although Martin seems to like the battering ram type of forward. However, I know he'll bring Murphy for the long balls although he seldom does anything with them. O'Neill has a blind sport for him, like Trap did for Cox, although somehow I don't see O'Neill moving Murphy in to midfield ;)
Westwood and Elliott ahead of Given and Forde (if Elliott maintains his form).
Christie ahead of McShane for reasons already explained.
Too much sameness in Meyler, Quinn, Hendrick, Whelan, McCarthy - I'd like to see Arter or even Judge (if he continues his progress) instead of Meyler or Quinn (probably the latter). Arthur or Judge can add the creatively sorely lacking if Hoolahan gets injured.

However, injuries and form could play havoc with the 23 so, as the Germans would say, abwarten und tee trinken.

[Olé Olé]

I think there will surely be a bolter, like McClean in 2012. I reckon it could be Judge (if he gets PL move in January) or Arter. I'm not quite sure if they're convinced of O'Kane. Arter or Judge or someone else will surely bolt from January onward.

[Gather round]

It would almost be worth it for the reaction of the NI fans

We'd be sanguine. We went four years without any home games in the 70s.

Alternatively, could go with the suggestion by British Labour MP Tessa Jowell (she was minister in charge of the 2012 Olympics). For security reasons cut the number of venues, and by association teams taking part. Say just France and the group winners, no also-rans.

[backstothewall]

We'd be sanguine. We went four years without any home games in the 70s.

Alternatively, could go with the suggestion by British Labour MP Tessa Jowell (she was minister in charge of the 2012 Olympics). For security reasons cut the number of venues, and by association teams taking part. Say just France and the group winners, no also-rans.

I guess it would get you out of wearing that kit. That would be something*

* Ours could be every bit as bad

[DannyInvincible]

Right now I’d agree with Gibson over Quinn too, but a lot can change in the next 7 months.

...

* other things being equal, having good guys in the squad when away from home in a hotel for several weeks is really important. Equally important to have no moaners.

Would a Gibson inclusion be compatible with a no-moaners policy, ha?

[DannyInvincible]

Roy growing as he learns from MOL, asserts the Telegraph.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/republic-of-ireland/12007205/Roy-Keane-has-found-happiness-as-Martin-ONeills-Republic-of-Ireland-assistant-so-why-give-it-up.html

Martin O'Neill ≠ Michael O'Leary

[geysir]

I came across this on a mixed ethnic (Irish Scottish) discussion board.

http://i68.tinypic.com/347ck7p.jpg

[Yard of Pace]

The problem with using senior friendlies to experiment is ranking points though, no?

Never mind that. The real issue here is that there are football anoraks on foot.ie who don't care about the glorious and rare B-International. The novelty of them!

Shocking.

[tetsujin1979]

I'm surprised nobody has asked the obvious question - who do we want to sing the team's song?

[Closed Account]

I'm surprised nobody has asked the obvious question - who do we want to sing the team's song?

I think that question answers itself #whatdoyoumean
https://twitter.com/justinbieber/status/652332330464489472

[Grafter]

I'm surprised nobody has asked the obvious question - who do we want to sing the team's song?

Doesn't some media org like Today FM or RTE get knee deep in the squad song? I can see it now.... "Rockabilly Republic" with Imelda May! ;)

[tetsujin1979]

Rocky Road To Poland was mentioned on balls.ie the other day. I'd forgotten that the Ray D'arcy Show was involved with it, but it got me thinking. The Ray D'arcy Show was on Today FM, which is part of independent media, owned by Dennis O'Brien, who was paying Trapattoni's wages (or at least part of them) and is doing the same for O'Neill and Keane at the moment. Maybe it's not so surprising.

For the record, I'd love to see the FAI approach The Rubberbandits, or failing that, Noel Gallagher said before he'd write a football song for the FAI

[DeLorean]

Noel Gallagher is always a good back up plan if you can't get the Rubberbandits.

[DeLorean]

Look no further...

http://www.caricatures.ie/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Daniel-O-Donnell-strictly-331x400.jpg

It's that damn Wee Daniel... He's so hot right now

[Lionel Ritchie]

Before the match the other night I reminded myself that if it all went tits up at least we wouldn't have to put up with the songs. It got right vulgar last time round. A glorified dick-measuring competition between two commercial radio stations -and that was just the Rocky Road to Poland V the Jedward one. Then there was the avalanche of have-a-go part-timers who reckoned they'd a Joxer in them ...all in aid of charity of course. People aren't going to buy these dirges unless morally arm-wrenched by the dubious philanthropy of the event led charity single.

"It was the least I could do", said yer man from The Coronas of his involvment in the last one ...during his sit-down interview ...on the late late show. How often do musicians (who aren't Sinead O'Connor) get sit down interviews on the late late? That's normally reserved for former soap actors who tried to move on to other things but are now on to plug their appearance in an up-coming panto.

[Crosby87]

If Ireland didn't qualify would you guys be rooting for Northern Ireland, be ambivalent, or be rooting against them? Someone asked me that yesterday and I said I had no idea.

[backstothewall]

If Ireland didn't qualify would you guys be rooting for Northern Ireland, be ambivalent, or be rooting against them? Someone asked me that yesterday and I said I had no idea.

I think I'd probably adopt Wales

[tricky_colour]

Roy growing as he learns from MOL, asserts the Telegraph.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/republic-of-ireland/12007205/Roy-Keane-has-found-happiness-as-Martin-ONeills-Republic-of-Ireland-assistant-so-why-give-it-up.html

Could be the new Brian Clough and Peter Taylor.

http://thepetertaylorstory.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/pic.jpg

[DeLorean]

If Ireland didn't qualify would you guys be rooting for Northern Ireland, be ambivalent, or be rooting against them? Someone asked me that yesterday and I said I had no idea.

There are definitely some on here that would be rooting against them. Personally I have massive respect for what they're achieving and would wish them well. The fact that I know many (the majority?) of them despise us probably does linger in the back of my mind, but I try not to dwell on that. It's easy for me though because I'm a long way from the border. It's great that we're both in attendance at a major tournament for the first time ever.

[Gather round]

Good man DL, returned with thanks.

Plenty of us near and inside the border are just as relaxed as you are.

[shakermaker1982]

I'm married to a Nordie so if we didn't qualify I'd have been rooting for em. However I'd draw the line at the little one being kitted out in a Norn Iron top!!!

[Crosby87]

[QUOTE=DeLorean;1849734] I know many (the majority?) of them despise us probably does linger in the back of my mind, but I try not to dwell on that./QUOTE]

Thanks for responding a bit chaps, I realize questions like that are annoying, I was curious too though. Delorean, sorry if this is a dumb follow up, but when you say them, do you mean the players on NI or the populace at large?

[DeLorean]

I meant the NI football supporters.