League of Ireland in Europe 2016

[passinginterest]

The second goal was sickening. Such a sloppy mistake and then the naivety not to just take the man down, in stark comparison to the cynical fouling from Legia every time Dundalk threatened. Little to choose between them overall, Dundalk played the prettier football but couldn't keep it in the final third enough, Legia were clinical. Second leg will still be interesting, huge pressure on the Poles at home considering it's so long since they had a team in the group stages, no pressure on Dubdalk now at all so hopefully that frees them up to really have a go. Delighted I went along, a really historic night in Irish football history, even with the disappointing result.

[GCdfc]

Delighted I went along, a really historic night in Irish football history, even with the disappointing result.

For me, one of the things that stood out and made it historic was the number of non-LOI fans that stayed on to applaud Dundalk. Maybe, just maybe there is some new converts to LOI football. I don't care what team they end up supporting but more support for the league is welcome.

[Philosophizer]

Such a sloppy mistake and then the naivety not to just take the man down, in stark comparison to the cynical fouling from Legia every time Dundalk threatened. Little to choose between them overall, Dundalk played the prettier football but couldn't keep it in the final third enough, Legia were clinical.

You summed up the fundamental differences between the 2 teams perfectly. Legia had a bit more quality in the final third and they cynically foul whenever necessary.

The only other main difference on the night was that Legia had some ref decisions go their way whereas Dundalk didn't. The peno might not have been given by another ref and Legia got away with a LOT of fouling when Dundalk were breaking. McMillan was fouled a few times but the ref never blew.

[EatYerGreens]

Amazing crowd last night !
Shame the middle section was empty but it sounded great on TV and just shows the appetite for soccer in this country.
It was never a Penalty but the 2nd goal killed off the tie
they are not out of the game altogether if they play like they did against Bate

Why was it kept empty ? Seemed a very strange decision alright.

[pineapple stu]

It wasn't kept empty as such; it was the Premium area at E30 a ticket (twice the price of the rest of the area).

I presume because they made a big deal of saying tickets were cheap (E10/E15), everyone went for those and automatically ignored the pricier tickets. I know I did anyway.

[Philosophizer]

edit: removing my comment as stu already answered

[GCdfc]

No, the €30 were near the presidents area. The premium level wasn't released apart from a few boxes that were sold. There were club officials, family and volunteers in a block of the premium level in the west side.

[SalvadorSanchez]

Thought that Legia were the better team for spells but that Dundalk held their own.. Legia seemed to be more of a threat and Dundalk weren't quite as fluid up front and didn't seem to carve our many good chances.
The peno was harsh and if you read the rules like Tony O' Donoghue did on RTE, not actually a penalty (deliberate, hand to ball etc.) but then again we see those given all the time, it's a risk when a shot goes in on goal in the box..
It did show that we can compete at this level and that despite all the disadvantages that Dundalk had v Legia (Stadium/Players/Funds) that they are competitive and could have gotten a result...
Last goal was a killer... should have maybe fouled the lad and taken a card or they should have taken the 1-0..
All in all.. if they score first in Poland and play well who knows...

[PartySaint]

Sorry to be negative Dundalk fans but where will the Europa league group games be played if you don't turn this around next week?

[GCdfc]

Sorry to be negative Dundalk fans but where will the Europa league group games be played if you don't turn this around next week?

Away with your negativity. We will win 5-0 next week. The only way to get Uefa to reluctantly accept us is through a comprehensive victory!

However, I don't think venues will be announced until we know where we are after next weeks match.

[bluewhitearmy]

Way too much being made of the penalty imo especially the way the panel on RTE went on and on about it. The way people are going on you would think it was something you would never ever see a pen given for when in reality while it was a harsh one they have been given plenty before and will be given plenty in future. Second goal really did show the lack of experience at that level though no doubt had it been Dundalk going through like that Legia would have fouled on the edge of the box. Won't pretend now that I am upset they lost because I wanted em to but Dundalk gave a great account of themselves and I am sure the disappointment of not making it to Champions League if they don't will soon fade as they head into Europa games they are well able to get a result or two in the group stages too if the draw is kind. Still a night all involved with Dundalk will remember for the rest of their lives I am sure and something for others to aim for.

[Yossarian]

Sorry to be negative Dundalk fans but where will the Europa league group games be played if you don't turn this around next week?

We'll be playing our games in the Aviva irrespective of which competition we're in.

[geysir]

I can see why the ref gave the penalty.

From the ref's angle it looked like Boyle fell/dived frontal onto the ball and blocked it strongly with his arm

http://foot.ie/attachment.php?attachmentid=2450&stc=1


The tv replay comes from another angle and shows the arm more to the rear

http://foot.ie/attachment.php?attachmentid=2451&stc=1

[GCdfc]

Way too much being made of the penalty imo especially the way the panel on RTE went on and on about it. The way people are going on you would think it was something you would never ever see a pen given for when in reality while it was a harsh one they have been given plenty before and will be given plenty in future.

I actually think it's great that people have a talking point about the match. The more neutrals that talk about LOI teams being hard done in Europe shows that there is much more awareness of the league and the quality in it.

[DeLorean]

Way too much being made of the penalty imo especially the way the panel on RTE went on and on about it. The way people are going on you would think it was something you would never ever see a pen given for when in reality while it was a harsh one they have been given plenty before and will be given plenty in future.

I think those kind of ones are not given far more often than they are given. And any time they are given I would consider it harsh to put it mildly.

Given the context of the game last night, with so few chances and so much at stake it was a massive, massive moment. It's obviously going to be the biggest talking point by a mile.

[bluewhitearmy]

I actually think it's great that people have a talking point about the match. The more neutrals that talk about LOI teams being hard done in Europe shows that there is much more awareness of the league and the quality in it.

I suppose but I was annoyed that RTE spent more time talking about that then about how well Dundalk played or how Stephen O Donnell was the best player on the pitch for long periods against such opposition. It might not work as well I'd just prefer or the actual quality of Dundalk to be emphasised rather than a sob story.

[DeLorean]

Interesting still shots Geysir. He could probably have done with some assistance from his linesman or the guy falsely dressed as an official behind the goals.

Btw... how do you post still shots?

[jinxy lilywhite]

It looked dubious from where I was sitting and watched it over and over when I got back but how can the ball hitting your elbow which is behind you as you are falling be considered as a deliberate handball. Baffling stuff.

[paul_oshea]

Interesting still shots Geysir. He could probably have done with some assistance from his linesman or the guy falsely dressed as an official behind the goals.

Btw... how do you post still shots?

The angle says a lot, however the ref saw the motion of the player, which shows he clearly doesn't dive forward with his arm oustretched, so I'd ignore the first image. It is more than deceiving, but not if you see it in real time.

He hesistated, I made the assumption that the dumbo behind the goals who never speaks, spoke to him (and so did my mate beside m) and then he did it. Do they have direct communication with the ref?

I think you made a fair point though, when a game of so few chances and he gives it its extremely harsh and unfair. I never really viewed it that way. If Legia were 10 shots to 1 on goal then you say fair enough they would have scored anyway. But they didn't really look like that all through the game even when they started to take control.

It must be very frustrating for kenny, rewatching it.

[Dodge]

It looked dubious from where I was sitting and watched it over and over when I got back but how can the ball hitting your elbow which is behind you as you are falling be considered as a deliberate handball. Baffling stuff.

It's a shot at goal that was blocked by a hand. Still shots and slow-mo replays don't change anything. Ref made the call and I can guarantee you every single Dundalk fan would have screamed for a penalty had the teams been switched. It can't be that baffling to see it being awarded

On the game, Dundalk played well, particularly early on. They were ragged after the goal but composes themselves at might have sneaked an equaliser. They just got punished for 2 errors which happens when clubs make a step up in class.

Dundalk will definitely earn points in the Europa League. I'm fairly sure of that

[geysir]

Interesting still shots Geysir. He could probably have done with some assistance from his linesman or the guy falsely dressed as an official behind the goals.
For these type of incidents, time out video reffing would come in handy. No amount of live official eyes would or could come to a consensus. It looked frontal contact from where the ref was.


Btw... how do you post still shots?
It's complicated, but maybe some else will explain all you have to is right click the graphic and say out loud "Go into my reply".

The stills have been grabbed from rte player highlights (http://www.rte.ie/player/ie/show/uefa-champions-league-extras-30003372/10611654/) which I can watch courtesy of smartdns.
I save the stills as lower quality jpg files onto computer desktop (anywhere will do)

In your message reply window, select go advanced
scroll down to attachments, select manage attachments.

in the new manage attachment window, top right hand corner, select add files
from there you go and select the graphic from your location
once thats done you select open
select upload files

then another little window opens
tick the graphic you want to add into the reply

select Insert Online and if bob's your uncle, you will see the thumbnail in the body of the reply.

[Ezeikial]

Sorry to be negative Dundalk fans but where will the Europa league group games be played if you don't turn this around next week?




Dundalk will definitely earn points in the Europa League. I'm fairly sure of that

Europa League only comes on the horizon in the unlikely event that we don't stuff Legia by two goals or more next week

[DeLorean]

I save the stills as lower quality jpg files onto computer desktop

I fell at the first fence but I think I'll be okay with the rest! How do you do this bit? Say I have the video paused where I want it, how do I save the image?

[oriel]

We'll be playing our games in the Aviva irrespective of which competition we're in.

I don't think this is correct, as nothing has been confirmed yet, however I would expect the stadium to be Tallaght, if as expected it is the EL group.

One thing with the nomination of a ground that you can't change it for one big match I think, almost sure you need to play all 3 games in the same stadium. There would be very few EL games that would fill Aviva, Man U obviously, after that you wouldn't get close to last nights crowd, unless Celtic drop out.

On the match itself, very composed display by Dundalk, at half time the thinking was we might get a result from this, the peno was a tough call, will need to have another look, but if it was at the other end????? No excuse though for switching off with the last kick of the match.

Overall I thought Dundalk gave a very decent account of themselves, the passing improved a lot and very few balls were given away, an important part of the match at this level, in the end Legia simply took their chances, still think we could have got something but 2-0 was a harsh scoreline, that's for sure.

[Lim till i die]

We'll be playing our games in the Aviva irrespective of which competition we're in.

Jaysus.

Dundalk v Dinamo Tractorgrad would be a bit grim in the aviva.

[paul_oshea]

I fell at the first fence but I think I'll be okay with the rest! How do you do this bit? Say I have the video paused where I want it, how do I save the image?

snipping tool or screenshot.

[geysir]

I fell at the first fence but I think I'll be okay with the rest! How do you do this bit? Say I have the video paused where I want it, how do I save the image?
I use MacOS, an integrated application aptly named Grab, it grabs a screenshot and also can select sections of the screen to grab.
If you use Windows OS, look for a screenshot utility application that has some flexibility or something else that does the job.

[Ezeikial]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CqI8S-1XYAAPmGT.jpg

[Yossarian]

I don't think this is correct, as nothing has been confirmed yet, however I would expect the stadium to be Tallaght, if as expected it is the EL group.



For the play off round and CL groups a category 4 stadium is required and for the EL groups a category 4 stadium is also required. Tallaght didn't reach category 4 status for the play off so it stands to reason it won't if it is required for the EL groups. It was examined as a possibility for the play off but the amount of work and cost of upgrading it was too much. Now maybe we'd get special dispensation to use it but I can't see it.

But sure this is all moot anyway as we shall sweep Legia aside next Tuesday.

[bluewhitearmy]

But didn't Rovers use Tallaght? I know they did work on it to get up to scratch is it just a matter of Dundalk not wanting to do the work on a ground they won't be using for league games too? Which would be fair enough but some EL games in Aviva would be awful.

[Jofspring]

No way should they use the aviva. It will be like when we used Thomond park. Probably worse actually.

[Yossarian]

No way should they use the aviva. It will be like when we used Thomond park. Probably worse actually.

It's all well and good saying that but we may have no choice. I agree though, it would be fairly empty for a game against some unknown eastern European team.

[GUFCghost]

Is the RDS an option?

[ger121]

It's all well and good saying that but we may have no choice. I agree though, it would be fairly empty for a game against some unknown eastern European team.

Why is Tallaght a non runner? Rovers put in that concrete base stand and it was good enough in 2011 for EL.

[ger121]

BATE 2 down to Astana. That one in injury time.

[Philosophizer]

Is the RDS an option?

Like Tallaght, RDS isn't a cat 4 stadium unfortunately. I'm not sure what it would cost Dundalk to bring RDS or Tallaght up to Cat4 status for their group games. I'm assuming Dundalk will do a cost analysis to see which is the best option for their EL games (provided they don't beat Legia of course).

I also remember someone saying on this thread that each team must nominate their stadia at the start of every CL campaign. If Dundalk haven't nominated RDS it may not be possible to change to the RDS for the group stages. Maybe someone else can clarify

[sbgawa]

Rovers had a temp third stand in but from my memory (dodgy at best of times) it was only fullish for the match against Spurs when I had to listen to Irish guys in spurs jerseys all around me talking about "our boys" are playing well...

[sbgawa]

unless Dundalk draw an English club I can't see anything like 30000 in the Aviva, the whole first team to qualify for the Champions league buzz won't be there.
Youd have to think if the Rovers board/management thought it was better than going to the Aviva the sums must be same'ish for Dundalk

[Lim till i die]

Windsor Park?? *



*I'm actually only half joking.

[pineapple stu]

Like Tallaght, RDS isn't a cat 4 stadium unfortunately.
The Tallaght Stadium website (http://tallaghtstadium.ie/stadium-information/the-stadium/) says it's a Category 4 stadium.

(After providing for increased seating capacity, presumably)

That's why it could host Rovers' group stage games.

[patrickccfc]

Were all of legia's players eligible last night? It's worth a shot.....

[PartySaint]

Jaysus.

Dundalk v Dinamo Tractorgrad would be a bit grim in the aviva.

I dunno, they got a decent crowd last November in the AVIVA for that game.

[Philosophizer]

The Tallaght Stadium website (http://tallaghtstadium.ie/stadium-information/the-stadium/) says it's a Category 4 stadium.

(After providing for increased seating capacity, presumably)

That's why it could host Rovers' group stage games.

Yea that must be accounting for temp seating to bring it up to at least 8.5k seating capacity. I'd have my doubts that Tallaght meets some of the other cat4 criteria like 200m2 for 75 people media area, 400m2 hospitality area, 2 TV studios, etc. Anyone know if Uefa have changed the criteria since Rovers EL games in 2011?

Full list of Uefa stadium categories and criteria here - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEFA_stadium_categories

Maybe it's possible for Uefa to waive some of the criteria though, depending on the opposition.

[Dodge]

Rovers paid for the extra seating and it isn't cheap. Dundalk would have to pay rent, and the extra seating. The money's much better now but it's probably cheaper to get the Aviva.

RDS isn't available for all the games apparently so it's a non runner.

So if the only options are Thomond and the Aviva, it's a no brainer

[legendz]

No way should they use the aviva. It will be like when we used Thomond park. Probably worse actually.
A Thomond Park type stadia in Dublin would be a decent fit for the EL.

Is the RDS an option?
I would have thought capacity wise yes. I thought they would on the VIP side of the criteria as well but maybe not. Apart from capacity does Tallaght stadium meet all other category 4 criteria?

The RDS is to undergo redevelopment. 21,000 capacity. Leinster chief saying best in class. The RDS are open for it being available for other sports as well. FAI should point them in the direction of Category 4 criteria.

Some progress and standard by Dundalk that EL group stage is frowned upon. In the build up to the game though at a more advanced stage I was thinking of similarities with Drogheda and Dynamo Kiev from years back. A goal deficit could have been manageable. They'll have to go for it the next night. They'll have learned a lot from last night on the cynical side. They were a bit too honest.

[Yossarian]

As far as I'm aware it isn't really the issue of increasing the capacity but more some things like the need to increase the size of hospitality areas, the TV gantry and other things. Maybe the requirements have changed since Rovers were in the EL.

[pineapple stu]

Anyone know if Uefa have changed the criteria since Rovers EL games in 2011?

Full list of Uefa stadium categories and criteria here - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEFA_stadium_categories.
The citation at the bottom of that link referencing the criteria goes back to the 2010/11 season - which would imply no change since Rovers qualified.

[Quayman]

Windsor Park?? *



*I'm actually only half joking.

Funnily enough, one of our owners, Paul Browne, did an interview in one of the papers on Monday and said they explored Windsor park for hosting the Legia game but it did not meet criteria!

[RathfarnhamHoop]

As far as I'm aware it isn't really the issue of increasing the capacity but more some things like the need to increase the size of hospitality areas, the TV gantry and other things. Maybe the requirements have changed since Rovers were in the EL.
I think tallaght is deceiving in the way it meets some criteria as the building that has the main entrance to the main stand might all count as a hospitality area, the big blue box thing has a tv studio so that might be okay for studios, the gantry already there is quit big and then there's sometimes a temp one put above the tunnel so that might tick that box and then I think they may have put some temporary desks over some seats toward the middle of the main stand for media too in 2011.
So it might just bee the seating that's the problem but that is quite an expensive problem

[ShelsTim]

Funnily enough, one of our owners, Paul Browne, did an interview in one of the papers on Monday and said they explored Windsor park for hosting the Legia game but it did not meet criteria!

Is Windsor really that bad? Surely it's good enough for European Qualifiers, it would be Cat 4, no?