League of Ireland in Europe 2016

[DannyInvincible]

Legia take Olympiakos' (assuming Legia don't chuck it away now) and Dinamo Zagreb take Celtic's. Much of a muchness in both cases.

Celtic still favourites to go through, but going to extra-time and possibly penalties at present.

[TheBoss]

Salzburg win means that København can't be seeded. That leaves Dinamo Zagreb and Ludogorets hoping for late surprises.

[ger121]

On the one hand, I'd be disappointed if Celtic went out as they are a very ordinary side and beatable. On the other hand, it would be hilarious after reading all the comments from Celtic fans hoping to draw Dundalk in the play-off round.

[jinxy lilywhite]

Yeah I strangely find myself hoping celtic win. I think they are weaker than Zagreb or Ludogorets.

[patrickccfc]

91st min peno for Celtic.....

[patrickccfc]

Scored, Celtic through

[TheBoss]

Its one of these:

Viktoria Plzen
Salzburg
Celtic
APOEL
Legia Warsaw

[Lim till i die]

Celtic are absolute poison dirt.

Scraped over the line against a team of goat herders with an actual clown from an actual circus in goals.

You'd want them or the Czechs if you were Dundalk.

[paykanti]

Astana actually a decent side, but yes, Celtic or Plzen, APOEL a close third.

[jinxy lilywhite]

I'd take one of those 3

[Yossarian]

I just don't want Celtic, not because we wouldn't beat them but because it would be like 2 away games with the likelihood of the home leg at the Aviva. No doubt there will be the usual guff from RTE et al prior to the draw in us wanting the "glamour tie" against Celtic.

[brendy_éire]

Do Beer Sheba not take Olympiakos's seeding, or is that just for earlier rounds?

[Yossarian]

Do Beer Sheba not take Olympiakos's seeding, or is that just for earlier rounds?

That only happens when the draw takes place between the two legs and the winner isn't yet known.

[DannyInvincible]

Who knows? Draw Legia and they might field a suspended/ineligible player... ;)

[brendy_éire]

That only happens when the draw takes place between the two legs and the winner isn't yet known.

Ah. Seems slightly unkind now.

[BonnieShels]

I just don't want Celtic, not because we wouldn't beat them but because it would be like 2 away games with the likelihood of the home leg at the Aviva. No doubt there will be the usual guff from RTE et al prior to the draw in us wanting the "glamour tie" against Celtic.

SK even said when asked who he wants on OTB earlier and answered with "The team who gives us the best chance to get through".

Duh Gilroy. Stupid question. I agree with you on the Celtic sentiment.

But to knock them out would be unreal...

[nigel-harps1954]

Celtic would be excellent, but if they draw them, then I would hope they try and keep it in Tallaght or RDS, decrease the chance of it being predominantly away fans.

[White Horse]

From a football point of view, Celtic would be a decent draw. However, it would also be a circus and a distraction.

[swinfordfc]

APOEL the team to get i hope! .... best chance i think.

[Philosophizer]

Victoria Plzen for me would be the easiest draw for Dundalk. Celtic are garbage as we know but I just don't want too see 40k knobheads cheering on a Scottish side against an Irish one.
I was in the Czech republic a few yrs ago and caught a Plzen game. They're a decent side, but not on the level of Bate so Dundalk have nothing to fear.

[Yossarian]

Celtic would be excellent, but if they draw them, then I would hope they try and keep it in Tallaght or RDS, decrease the chance of it being predominantly away fans.

The RDS is a non runner. It's either Tallaght or the Aviva and I think the club will know in the next day or two if Tallaght can be used. I hope we can as I think it will suit us so much better to play in a sold out Tallaght against any of those teams. I wouldn't even mind playing Celtic if it was there.

[EatYerGreens]

Would Hapoel Sheva be seeded? That would be a nice one to get if so.

Hapoel BE'ER Sheva.

Awful city at the top of a desert, known more for chess than football. Roasting hot this time of year. Would be a difficult draw for Dundalk, and not a great away trip for the fans.

[Yossarian]

Hapoel BE'ER Sheva.

Awful city at the top of a desert, known more for chess than football. Roasting hot this time of year. Would be a difficult draw for Dundalk, and not a great away trip for the fans.

They are unseeded aswell so we can't draw them.

[White Horse]

The RDS is a non runner. It's either Tallaght or the Aviva and I think the club will know in the next day or two if Tallaght can be used. I hope we can as I think it will suit us so much better to play in a sold out Tallaght against any of those teams. I wouldn't even mind playing Celtic if it was there.

There is a very good chance we would sell out Tallaght for the play-off and create a very partizan atmosphere.

[oriel]

Surely this result has to be the best ever result in Irish football, I include International matches too because when do we ever see any Irish team win with such conviction against a team that has better quality. The great results we look back on tend to be teams that nick a goal and hold out but this Dundalk victory was so much more than that, its that their quality won them the game along with their hunger to succeed.

I'll have to check the all time results from Dundalk in Europe, but I think this 3-0 win v BATE may actually be the second biggest win (score line wise) I can only think of one bigger, 4-0 at home to Fram (Iceland) in 1981, and I was at that one too!

[paul_oshea]

if its in tallaght ye'd hope they would be smart about it and only sell to those who produce dundalk season holder tickets or people with tickets from the previous game.that way an average celtic side and a raucous home support.however i think celtic are a worse prospect than 2 or possibly 3 other teams

[brendy_éire]

if its in tallaght ye'd hope they would be smart about it and only sell to those who produce dundalk season holder tickets or people with tickets from the previous game.

Better yet, start taking applications for next year's season tickets from current non-season ticket holders. Pay your deposit now and you're guaranteed a ticket for all European games this season.

[BonnieShels]

Not that it's relevant but good to see; these are the teams at the same stage the year that Rovers got into the EL (beaten by Copenhagen in the 3rd QR)

Champions Route
Wisła Kraków 2–3 APOEL 1–0 1–3
Maccabi Haifa 3–3 (1–4 p) Genk 2–1 1–2 (a.e.t.)
Dinamo Zagreb 4–3 Malmö FF 4–1 0–2
Copenhagen 2–5 Viktoria Plzeň 1–3 1–2
BATE Borisov 3–1 Sturm Graz 1–1 2–0

[Candystripe]

I'll have to check the all time results from Dundalk in Europe, but I think this 3-0 win v BATE may actually be the second biggest win (score line wise) I can only think of one bigger, 4-0 at home to Fram (Iceland) in 1981, and I was at that one too!

Derry beat the Scottish dream team ( Gretna) 5-1 away from home and drew 2-2 at home. But the biggest Irish result was Derry beating Aberystwyth home and away 9-1.

Dundalk result beats our wins home and away 5 against two times winner's Goteborg and our home 0-0 draw against PSG.

Stephen Kenny was our manager at the time though.

Delighted for Dundalk now come on Cork. You's can do it too.

[Charlie Darwin]

Something about Rovers campaign in 2011 that always stuck with me. The PAOK coach at the time was very complimentary about their performances and style of Football. He had expected them to play like a 'British' Team but instead they tried to pass the ball and play in a positive manner. In fairness to them they did and it probably cost them a draw somewhere in that Group (PAOK away) and a few hammerings,but hey, that's the way they wanted to play. Was an awful Group in fairness. Top seed in Pot 1, Top 2-3? seed in Pot 2 and PAOK were no mugs either, ask Spurs.
To be fair, the style was the most pragmatic. Like Dundalk, O'Neill was always preparing his side to compete in Europe and knew that we had to adapt the style. The difference I think is that Dundalk play the same way in the league and in Europe, whereas O'Neill would use the physical advantage and Twigg's clinical finishing in the league, which wasn't ever going to work against continental sides. Players like McCormack and McCabe stood out in Europe but were never big players in the league.

[Charlie Darwin]

The RDS is a non runner. It's either Tallaght or the Aviva and I think the club will know in the next day or two if Tallaght can be used. I hope we can as I think it will suit us so much better to play in a sold out Tallaght against any of those teams. I wouldn't even mind playing Celtic if it was there.
There's next to no chance of Tallaght unfortunately, I think. The third stand is definitely going in in the next two years, so the only way I think it could work is if SDCC put in a temporary stand and prove to UEFA that they'll definitely make it permanent soon.

[TheBoss]

I'll have to check the all time results from Dundalk in Europe, but I think this 3-0 win v BATE may actually be the second biggest win (score line wise) I can only think of one bigger, 4-0 at home to Fram (Iceland) in 1981, and I was at that one too!

Yes, thats correct.

BATE join the elite group of Fram, Grevenmacher & Jeunesse Esch to concede at least 3 goals to Dundalk.

[Charlie Darwin]

Yes, thats correct.

BATE join the elite group of Fram, Grevenmacher & Jeunesse Esch to concede at least 3 goals to Dundalk.
And join the elite group of clubs that includes everybody but Longford not to score three goals against Dundalk.

[ger121]

There's next to no chance of Tallaght unfortunately, I think. The third stand is definitely going in in the next two years, so the only way I think it could work is if SDCC put in a temporary stand and prove to UEFA that they'll definitely make it permanent soon.

Presuming the worst case scenario that Dundalk end up in the EL, won't they have to put in that temp stand again anyway as done in 2011? Can't see Dundalk using Aviva for 3 home EL games.

[patrickccfc]

Well today is the day, can we break new ground and reach the play off round. It will take a massive performance, similar to that of dundalk. But I have that feeling it could be a special night

[BonnieShels]

Well today is the day, can we break new ground and reach the play off round. It will take a massive performance, similar to that of dundalk. But I have that feeling it could be a special night

Fingers crossed. And it's not like I would ever tend to wish Cork well.

[White Horse]

Best of luck to Cork tonight. I think they have the quality to win this tie. They are a hugely improved team this season and keep the ball very well. Europe is not about gung-ho attacking but being able to transition from defence to attack quickly and effectively. In Dooley and Maguire, they have players who can do this and terrorise defences.

[oriel]

Yep, very best of luck to Cork, keep it tight first 20-25, just need to very careful not to concede. Like our game, it will be all about the first goal, just make sure you get it!

You need at least 8/10 performances from a host of players, you have the talent, get the job done guys.

[Mr A]

BATE join the elite group of Fram, Grevenmacher & Jeunesse Esch to concede at least 3 goals to Dundalk.

That must make us super mega elite.

[paul_oshea]

Better yet, start taking applications for next year's season tickets from current non-season ticket holders. Pay your deposit now and you're guaranteed a ticket for all European games this season.

That might not work as those who went to the game could have come from Dublin, many as neutrals.. However l did think about Cork in this matter who are down there in the city all by themselves.

I was thinking about that on Sunday when they said the Cork game was sold out. I thought make them pay half towards a season ticket for next year(not a deposit) and get a free ticket for Genk and a guarantee of a free one for the next round also if they progress. Cork would have had nothing to lose and the extra cash wouldn't have been that much to fork out. If no one follows up with it Cork still have about 50 euro made on the ticket. But most would pay the extra not to lose the original 50.

But I think in general thats the way you have to be thinking, clubs need to exploit these situations to their advantage and best of their ability - without exploiting the existing fans.

[paul_oshea]

There's next to no chance of Tallaght unfortunately, I think. The third stand is definitely going in in the next two years, so the only way I think it could work is if SDCC put in a temporary stand and prove to UEFA that they'll definitely make it permanent soon.

A good example of a club and a county council working well together. What's the length of the lease for Tallaght, and how much is the yearly rent? Do SDCC cover the full cost of maintenance and renovations to the structures?

[Dodge]

SDCC cover all costs, as they own and operate it fully.

[littlebray]

Hapoel BE'ER Sheva.

Awful city at the top of a desert, known more for chess than football. Roasting hot this time of year. Would be a difficult draw for Dundalk, and not a great away trip for the fans.

Time to be clear about all this.

APOEL FC of Nicosia - in tomorrow's draw - is not the same as Hapoel Be’ér Shéva of Israel (which may well play on the edge of the desert).

Nor is it to be confused with any of the other teams called "Hapoel" in Israel, among them: Hapoel Ashkelon, Hapoel Katamon Jerusalem, Hapoel Pétah-Tiqva, Hapoel Ramat Gan Giv'atayim, Hapoel Kfar-Saba, Hefa (Haifa), Hapoel Tel-Aviv-Yāfā (Tel Aviv) and Hapoel Ra'anana.

"Hapoel" in Hebrew is apparently capable of several meanings, which could indicate a trade union, socialist or works origin for the team/s in question, or just a group/club.

APOEL on the other hand is an acronym of its Greek name, "Athletic Football Club of Greeks of Nicosia".

In Nicosia at the moment of writing it is 37 degrees, in Beersheva it is 34. Toss for it.

[patrickccfc]

Ah the nerves are getting to me now lads. The day has been dragging, just want to get in there now.. These guys don't travel well and based on last week's game, they aren't great at the back. Maguires pace will terrorize them but I also think if O'Sullivan was on they wouldn't be able to handle someone like him.. First 20minutes are critical. If we can just keep it tight and see how things are at that point and get at them from there.

Apparently, Genk like the look of Maguire

http://www.punditarena.com/football/bstrahan/belgian-sides-interested-cork-citys-sean-maguire/

[jinxy lilywhite]

Best of luck to CCFC tonight.

See you at the super cup final in 2017.

[White Horse]

Cork 5/1 to progress to the next round. Very generous odds IMO.

[paul_oshea]

Ah the nerves are getting to me now lads. The day has been dragging, just want to get in there now.. These guys don't travel well and based on last week's game, they aren't great at the back. Maguires pace will terrorize them but I also think if O'Sullivan was on they wouldn't be able to handle someone like him.. First 20minutes are critical. If we can just keep it tight and see how things are at that point and get at them from there.

Apparently, Genk like the look of Maguire

http://www.punditarena.com/football/bstrahan/belgian-sides-interested-cork-citys-sean-maguire/

"The report suggests that an offer of €150,000 is forthcoming from Sint-Truidense V.V. Managed by former Croatian international Ivan Lenko, the Limburg club in North-East Belgium could face opposition for the signature for the former West Ham United player from fellow Begium club K.R.C. Genk."

Is it not Ivan Leko? Anyway 150k seems a paultry figure, but if Cork go out tonight, it might happen. Still isn't this a good sign that players performing and teams competing with better European sides that finally other leagues might start to look at Irish players too.

Littlebray be careful BS will be onto you for straying offside, or out to the car park.

Best of luck to cork tonight, I know a Cork lad who is going to watch West ham(he is a season ticket holder) in the Olympic park instead of watching Cork City on TV :rolleyes: And he is one of the biggest bandwagon jumpers I know :/

[outspoken]

I know we are always harping on about Irish clubs getting sh1te transfer fees from foreign clubs but would 150,000 really be that bad of a deal considering he cost ye nothing?

[White Horse]

I know we are always harping on about Irish clubs getting sh1te transfer fees from foreign clubs but would 150,000 really be that bad of a deal considering he cost ye nothing?

Is he out on contract in November? If he is, €150k is not bad for a player who has struggled at quite a number of clubs.

[Yossarian]

Looking forward to watching the game tonight. Hopefully Cork perform well and get through. Just need to keep it tight for the first half and then look for the goal. They definitely have it in them to go through.