Belgium V Republic of Ireland - Saturday, 18th June 2016 - Euro 2016 Group E

[tricky_colour]

Time for Keogh?

[the doc]

Clark again!

Dreadful decision making!

Out of his depth!

Said it from day one....

Over to you Lads and Lassies....

[SkStu]

Just want to mend the goal difference a bit at this stage. Maybe that's even asking too much.

[pineapple stu]

Am I right in thinking we've never won a finals match in white, and only lost once in green?

Can't remember what colours we wore in 2012, but fairly sure we lost in green for the first time then.

[tricky_colour]

1 Robbie Keane

2 Republic of Ireland 1 - 0
(Scorecast) 60/1

Stake £0.10 Returns £6.10





10p I will never see again. :(

[the doc]

F*ck off you troll.

Excuse me!
Attack the post not the poster!

[SkStu]

You come on here when your country is 3-0 down to misguidedly gloat and annoy everyone with your one track crap. You're a troll.

[the doc]

I don't gloat, I was just stating a fact.

Clark isn't good enough

[texidub]

Hindsight is 20-20, but all that hoofball and not retaining possession at the start of the match set the tone for a loss.

[passinginterest]

Hindsight is 20-20, but all that hoofball and not retaining possession at the start of the match set the tone for a loss.

Tend to agree, there was a very negative tone to the start, time wasting over every stoppage in play. I'd be surprised to see Clark and McCarthy start the Italy game. Such a massive disappointment.

[pineapple stu]

Am I right in thinking we've never won a finals match in white, and only lost once in green?

Can't remember what colours we wore in 2012, but fairly sure we lost in green for the first time then.
To answer my own post, we lost twice in green in 2012, and also against Holland in 1988, which I forgot.

Record in green - 13-4-6-3-11-13
Record in white - 8-0-2-6-3-12

Counting penalty shoot-outs as wins/losses, not draws.

We also missed the penalty v Spain in white (though did score a second one)

[passinginterest]

The only slight positive now is that a draw against Italy is useless so they have to just go out and play for the win from the off. Hopefully there's enough belief in that squad to bounce back.

[pineapple stu]

Also, I've said it before, but I suspect we can enjoy this Euros, as it'll be our last finals appearance for a long time.

Ageing team, a poor team, nobody coming through, underage teams achieving little, no player development structure to bring players into the senior level...

[osarusan]

Hard to know how we could have got anything out of the game really.

We could have done backs to the wall stuff for 90 minutes but we'd probably have conceded eventually. And as soon as we pressed a bit, they used the space and took advantage.

They're just better than us.

[tricky_colour]

Am I right in thinking we've never won a finals match in white, and only lost once in green?

Can't remember what colours we wore in 2012, but fairly sure we lost in green for the first time then.

We have never lost in pink.

[texidub]

They are a better team, but what about that peno that wasn't? That was a turning point.

Italy are already through though aren't they? Would work in our favour...

[pineapple stu]

Not a penalty, apparently...

https://i.imgflip.com/161ro7.jpg

And they went straight down the pitch and opened the scoring.

But I think the issues with Irish football go somewhat deeper than maybe being given a penalty* against, as osarusan says, a team who are just a lot better than us.

* - is high feet in the box an indirect free or a penalty? Can never remember anything about that rule; might have gone out in the 80s for all I know.

[texidub]

But I think the issues with Irish football go somewhat deeper than maybe being given a penalty* against, as osarusan says, a team who are just a lot better than us.


True. But it shows how thin the line between success and failure can be.. heads went down after that.

[Closed Account 2]

Not a great performance and the game management was the exact opposite of what I hoped. Should have shut up shop at 1-0 down a la Trappatoni - a 1-0 defeat would still have given us a good chance of progressing as a top 3Rd place team (if we could beat Italys reserves) but even a win against them now might not be enough due to goal difference.

I think O'Neil bungled the tactics, to conservative against the Swedes (a win there and we would be through) to open in the second half today.

[NeverFeltBetter]

Way too much of Trappatoni out there today. That was the worst thing, there was never any sense that Ireland really thought they could get anything out of the game, they just hoofed and fell back. No way that was going to get even a point. Worked for a half - Belgium didn't have a shot on goal until they scored - but that was all. Desperately disappointing afternoon.

Randolph, wouldn't fault him for any of the goals, was close to keeping the second out, never really tested otherwise.

Coleman, alright in the first, fell away in the second. Clark, very poor throughout, badly at fault for the third, probably shouldn't start next game. O'Shea, probably the best of the back four, still not saying much. Ward, did OK for a time, but like Coleman just couldn't make an impact going into the second.

Brady might have been better served staying at left back, no real impact. Hendrick with his worst game in an Ireland shirt (that yellow card, what the hell was that?). Whelan anonymous, back to bad habits. McCarthy started OK and got worse. Hoolahan with nowhere near his usual contribution. Long hopelessly isolated upfront, and clearly showing his frustration.

McClean, tried going forward, and was doing his job when he lost possession ahead of the third, but ultimately impotent. McGeady offered nothing. Keane, I think, brought on only to rest Long, so who really cares?

A few times in the first it would only have needed a better short pass and Ireland were in, but that's as dangerous as Ireland became. Even when Ireland controlled the game for a short time after the goal, it was like Belgium were allowing us the privilege, as opposed to the Irish actually winning it. They had us by the balls the entire second half. It's not quite the level of of "outclassed" as Spain in 2012, but not a million miles away either.

Honestly, didn't think it was a penalty against Long either. High feet for sure, but was there really much, if any, contact, enough to justify him going into the fetal position? Is high feet enough for the infringement to be called?

The "Greatest fans, etc, etc" not covering themselves in glory today, silent as a graveyard after the goals, while Belgium fans did the wave. Maybe it bothers me more after the week of mindless clickbait. Stuck in a pub surrounded by people wondering when the rugby was on the moment Lukaku got his first too. :mad:

At least the mission is clear against Italy, and maybe they might not be going for it 100%. But a very tall order to get the win with this team. I fear Stu is right.

[TrapAPony]

We were totally and utterly outplayed. No use in hanging onto a penalty decision that wasn't given. We deserved our beating today and were battered all over. I would have Clark & McCarthy out of the team for the next day.

[the doc]

http://www.heroesandvillains.info/forumv3/index.php?topic=55960.1755

The views on Clark from fans who see him week in week out

[shakermaker1982]

St Ledger just **** *** will you. Getting boring now.

[IsMiseSean]

http://www.heroesandvillains.info/forumv3/index.php?topic=55960.1755

The views on Clark from fans who see him week in week out

Seriously buddy, you're a bit of a donkey.
Yes Clark had a bad game and people have a right to point it out and have a go at him, but all you do on here is criticise the lad constantly.

[NeverFeltBetter]

Guys, when you quote the doc it bypasses the ignore function. Help me out.

[the doc]

Seriously buddy, you're a bit of a donkey.
Yes Clark had a bad game and people have a right to point it out and have a go at him, but all you do on here is criticise the lad constantly.

Bit of a Donkey, that's what all the ladies say!

At least Sanctus never let us down!

[passinginterest]

The change of shape didn't help. Walters and long give two out ball options, changing to 4-4-1-1 just made Long the only option and it was all too easy to defend against. The players lost concentration with the penalty appeal too, they were slow to get back, the goal certainly changed the game but we never really looked like getting anything out of it. I still think Italy are beatable so gutted but not quite feeling completely defeated.

[IsMiseSean]

Guys, when you quote the doc it bypasses the ignore function. Help me out.

I didn't know this was possible. :)

[NeverFeltBetter]

From RTE (and their rather generous ratings) (http://www.rte.ie/sport/euro-2016/2016/0618/796551-player-ratings/):


Ridiculous decision to book Hendrick when it’s his job to make sure there are not two balls on the pitch.

A reminder that Hendrick deliberately kicked a second ball into the middle of play when Belgium were on the attack. It was obviously a mistake (by a ballboy?) to put another ball on the pitch, but Hendrick choose to disrupt play in the most brainless fashion imaginable.

[pineapple stu]

Loved Apres Match afterwards.

Darragh Moloney - "So Liam, Belgium Ireland's bogey team again"
Liam Brady - "Yes, seven competitive games without a win"
Darragh - "Well, that's eight now, isn't it?"
Liam - "That wasn't competitive, Darragh"
Darragh - "Hm, right. Well, Éamon, some people were very quick to write off Belgium beforehand, weren't they, Éamon, very quick to write off Belgium, Éamon? You don't know anyone who was doing that, do you, Éamon?"

Had a good oul chuckle.

PScJmev83Ls

[tricky_colour]

We need a Keogh to unlock the Italian defence.
Meyler may change things for the better.

[tricky_colour]

The change of shape didn't help. Walters and long give two out ball options, changing to 4-4-1-1 just made Long the only option and it was all too easy to defend against. The players lost concentration with the penalty appeal too, they were slow to get back, the goal certainly changed the game but we never really looked like getting anything out of it. I still think Italy are beatable so gutted but not quite feeling completely defeated.


Maybe he can make the Italian game.

[Stuttgart88]

From RTE (and their rather generous ratings) (http://www.rte.ie/sport/euro-2016/2016/0618/796551-player-ratings/):



A reminder that Hendrick deliberately kicked a second ball into the middle of play when Belgium were on the attack. It was obviously a mistake (by a ballboy?) to put another ball on the pitch, but Hendrick choose to disrupt play in the most brainless fashion imaginable.the ref was a tool though. It was right under my nose. He saw there was a second ball on the pitch at the throw in, he should have had it retaken. That's what I thought in real time anyway.

[Stuttgart88]

Randolph's save in the first half was superb but might he have done better for the second?

McCarthy showed little again today. Hendrick didn't have a good game but at least he tried hard. Bradys late shot looked like it was going somewhere until it came off Hendrick's head.

Anyway, McCarthy has to be dropped. I feel Clark should be too. Ward did nothing wrong but I think Brady is a more potent weapon from full back.

Bold measures required. Fortune has favoured brave managers in Euro 2006 so far.

I'd go 352 against Italy.


---------Duffy, O'Shea, Keogh-------
Coleman-----------------------------Brady
--------------Whelan---Meyler-------
----------------------Wes------------
---------------Long-------AN Other

We need to have a right go at them and they'll probably line up in a similar manner.

[Stuttgart88]

I eas thinking yesterday Turkey are becoming the Ireland of 2016. Now I'm fearing Ireland will be the Ireland of 2016.

[seanfhear]

I don't like picking on certain players too much but McCarthy/ Clark must be under serious pressure for their places the next day.

We see how much of a loss Walters is now . I wonder if Long is 100% fit .

I'd say that we need Brady in midfield (and at left back:))

I suppose if we are honest our squad is maybe 5 players short of the quality to perform at this level.

We certainly could not afford Walters carrying an injury and also questions about the fitness of McCarthy and Long.

Hopefully we can produce a performance to be proud of against Italy.

[IsMiseSean]

I'd go back to the diamond against Italy.
Quinn in for McCarthy, Brady at LB, Duffy for Clark and probably McClean up top with Long, at least he has some pace. Keane can't run & Murphy is Murphy.
I'm choosing Duffy over Keogh for set piece threat. I'd consider Westwood for Randolph too just to give him a game.

[Stuttgart88]

My Italian speaking mate is saying La Gazetta is reporting wholesale changes to the Italian XI including Buffon.

[shakermaker1982]

I think we need to shake the team up now. A number of players have been way below bar and will be dropped.

Wouldn't be surprised to see a 442.

I would seriously consider starting Robbie for this one. We need to win and we need goals.

[nigel-harps1954]

If people seriously believe we're going to make big changes, you're all more deluded than people who thought we'd win the tournament.

McCarthy will play again. I have no doubt about that.

[shakermaker1982]

I think he'll make two changes. I'd be disappointed if he does the Trap thing and keeps the same 11 for Italian game.

Team does need fresh personnel. A lot of the players look off the pace.

[IsMiseSean]

According to my calculations if we beat Italy we need two of the following to happen.

Group A: Romania & Albania draw or Albania win.
Group B: England beat Slovakia. Whoever finishes 3rd can only have 3 points then.
Group C: Germany beat the north.
Group D: Czechs & Turkey draw or Turkey win.
Group F: Too many scenarios but the most likely Portugal beat Hungary & Iceland Austria draw.

WARNING: I'm probably wrong....

[SwanVsDalton]

If people seriously believe we're going to make big changes, you're all more deluded than people who thought we'd win the tournament.

McCarthy will play again. I have no doubt about that.

Usually I'd agree, but I have a feeling this time there will be more change. We don't look like winning games and now that's what we have to do. Plus after what the other O'Neill did with NI on Thursday...could be more sweeping than we think.

Personally I'd have McCarthy, Clark and Ward out for Murphy, Duffy and McClean. I'm no fan of Murphy but I just think we need a lump up front to help make our limited possession count. And with Walters out, that means Daryl.

I don't think Clark had that bad a game but his fubar for the third goal is easily a droppable offence so that makes that one simple. McCarthy shouldn't survive the abject nonsense he's serving up here. He's bang out of form and I hope he comes back in the future, but time is up.

I don't think it'll happen, but I'd take a serious look at playing Christie as well.

[Treaty Gooner]

100%.

Daryl because we're lumping it forward and beds Long to be running on to flick ons and knock downs, not doing them.

Anyone but McCarthy because he's off form - he's a good player but he's off form.

And I'd be taking a punt on Christie too, Coleman's not performing either.

Tournament football, all or nothing, we have to go for it. Back to the diamond and go out on our shield at the very least.

[backstothewall]

Back to the diamond against italy. Same team as Sweden except Ward in for McCarthy and Brady in to midfield, Duffy in for Clark, and Murphy in for Walters if Big Jon doesn't make it

[tricky_colour]

It is going to be tough, we need a results and Italy do not.

[Charlie Darwin]

Randolph's save in the first half was superb but might he have done better for the second?

McCarthy showed little again today. Hendrick didn't have a good game but at least he tried hard. Bradys late shot looked like it was going somewhere until it came off Hendrick's head.

Anyway, McCarthy has to be dropped. I feel Clark should be too. Ward did nothing wrong but I think Brady is a more potent weapon from full back.

Bold measures required. Fortune has favoured brave managers in Euro 2006 so far.

I'd go 352 against Italy.


---------Duffy, O'Shea, Keogh-------
Coleman-----------------------------Brady
--------------Whelan---Meyler-------
----------------------Wes------------
---------------Long-------AN Other

We need to have a right go at them and they'll probably line up in a similar manner.
Lads, seriously, the 3-5-2 will never happen. Meyler and maybe Clark are the only players in the squad with experience playing it, and Meyler's nowhere near the team.

[Fixer82]

Was at the game yesterday. I didn't think it was a peno at the time and I was quite close to it. Although I think if it had happened outside the box we may have gotten a free.

But regardless, we were very much outclassed. The Belgians glided past our lads all day. We hoofed it up to Long who was totally on his own all day.
Brady, Whelan and McGeady (when he came on) I thought did well. Hendrick had a shocker. Don't see how he took Wes off and left Hendrick on.
Unfortunately Belgium waited for the Ireland game to finally click.

[jbyrne]

Was at the game yesterday. I didn't think it was a peno at the time and I was quite close to it. Although I think if it had happened outside the box we may have gotten a

if its a free offence outside the box then the same offence is a pen in the box. a pen for me. it was clearly a high and dangerous foot

[davidatrb]

if its a free offence outside the box then the same offence is a pen in the box. a pen for me. it was clearly a high and dangerous foot

Yes I think it was a pen. The ref made a mistake.

Clarke also made a mistake on the 3rd goal. O'Neil maybe made a mistake with his squad selection, line up, subs and tactics. Long made numerous mistakes failing to hold up the ball, as did every player that played poor balls up to him instead of trying to create good possession. Hendrick made a mistake kicking the ball at the other ball.

Ultimately it was the cumulation of our own mistakes that cost us more than the refs mistake.

Also it is futile to focus on the refs decision as that is outside our control but we can work on our own performance and tactics.