Moldova V Republic of Ireland - Sunday, 9th October 2016 - World Cup 2018 Qualifiers

[Fixer82]

Keogh in for Duffy. Smarter player. Clark has improved since his howler V Belgium

[tetsujin1979]

I agree. The Duffy-Clark centre half partnership is missing a leader. O'Shea would be a perfect fit, if he were three/four years younger, so it's Keogh by default. I still think Egan could come in to the squad before the end of the qualifiers.
If you want a comparison from history, Andy O'Brien and Richard Dunne bith improved with Cunningham playing beside them, but neither played as well with each other

[DeLorean]

We'll see what kind of game time O'Shea gets between now and Austria. He would be my preferred choice, along with Clark, all things being equal. To be fair to Keogh, he hasn't really made any major mistakes for us. I think he's a little out of his comfort zone when he's playing for us, in a good way in terms of avoiding errors by not taking the same kind of risks he does at club level. Duffy probably needs to be taken out of the firing line alright though, that's three pretty big mistakes he's made that have resulted in goals in just five starts.

[pineapple stu]

If you want a comparison from history, Andy O'Brien and Richard Dunne bith improved with Cunningham playing beside them, but neither played as well with each other
Phil Babb + Paul McGrath
Phil Babb + anyone else

[BonnieShels]

Same with Kilbane and Roy (not to say Kilbane was rubbish at other times, but his game leapt with Roy in the middle with him).

Or the few times I saw McShane play on the same side as Duff he was a different after for us.

[geysir]

This not it?
http://www.rte.ie/player/ie/show/world-cup-2018-qualifier-30004200/10632571/
or sky coverage
http://www.matchhighlight.com/full-matches-review/world-cup-full-matches-review/ireland-vs-georgia-4/


It's showing up on the homepage for me now, but I had to go
Programmes -> Categories-> News and Sport -> World Cup 2018 Qualifier -> 2 episodes available -> Season 1, Episode 5
This is curious.
When I do that
go to Player - Programmes -> Categories-> News and Sport ->
I don't see the World Cup 2018 Qualifier - 2 episodes available, that does not exist for me,
though all the World cup Extras are available and most every other program.

But when I click on the direct link to the episodes that you provide, I can get to the episodes (the games) and can play them, but it does have a red banner above the player window saying I'm outsiode the geo area.
I guess one part of rte can detect i'm outside the geo area and can block some things but my smartdns can get in through a side door via the direct link.
I suspect that the televised qualifier games on the web have some added-on security.

Anyway, I can get to Moldova game using the direct link.

[backstothewall]

I agree. The Duffy-Clark centre half partnership is missing a leader. O'Shea would be a perfect fit, if he were three/four years younger, so it's Keogh by default. I still think Egan could come in to the squad before the end of the qualifiers.
If you want a comparison from history, Andy O'Brien and Richard Dunne bith improved with Cunningham playing beside them, but neither played as well with each other

I agree but it concerns me that Clark doesn't offer that. He's 27 now. Been in the squad for 6 years. 23 caps. Played for 2 really big clubs in Villa and Newcastle. Yet he still finds himself in and out of a team in the championship and still seems to be thought of as a young prospect.

He's in the prime years of his career now. Surely if there is a lack of leadership in the defence it should be him who is held responsible over a guy with 7 caps.

[DeLorean]

I think it's harsh to say they're lacking leadership. Duffy appears to have that in abundance I think, very vocal, but he's just not very good at managing his own game very well at times. Clark captained Aston Villa at a fairly young age as well as England through the various underage grades. Leadership is definitely something that has been associated with him. He has the occasional howler but I really like him as a player.

[BonnieShels]

I think it's harsh to say they're lacking leadership. Duffy appears to have that in abundance I think, very vocal, but he's just not very good at managing his own game very well at times. Clark captained Aston Villa at a fairly young age as well as England through the various underage grades. Leadership is definitely something that has been associated with him. He has the occasional howler but I really like him as a player.

There were a couple of classy interceptions last night where he did that O'Shea-esque standing ground and stick the toe in. Love that sort of defending.

[DeLorean]

I'm not sure who controls the on screen data but there were numerous errors last night. They had McClean spelt incorrectly (McLean) for a start, they put up James McCarthy's name
saying '1 goal in 2 matches' after Long scored and they had O'Kane instead of O'Dowda for the first substitution.

[BonnieShels]

Saw the McLean thing. Annoys me. I'm more heartened though that everyone has finally started to pronounce his name correctly (Ma KLANE) rather than like the toothpaste. Everyone that is, except Duffer.

[SkStu]

Good post from p2011. Just one thing I felt about their goal. I felt that Duffy was simply beaten for pace and couldn't make that extra yard back up. If I was laying any blame about the ball hitting the net I think I would apportion most of it to Coleman whose covering run took him towards Duffy, Randolph and their goalscorer. The smarter thing for Coleman to do there would have been to head to the goal line to have a chance to try and clear the shot in the event that their scorer beat Duffy and Randolph - which he did. It's definitely nitpicking but it was just something that jumped out at me while watching the replays.

[MeathDrog]

It wasn't so much that Duffy was bet for pace. It was that when the ball was booted up our end he was needlessly running forward into our half. That second it took to stop and turn is all the Moldovan needed especially with nobody in front of him. Hard to make up for any player, even the very quick ones.

[BonnieShels]

Good post from p2011. Just one thing I felt about their goal. I felt that Duffy was simply beaten for pace and couldn't make that extra yard back up. If I was laying any blame about the ball hitting the net I think I would apportion most of it to Coleman whose covering run took him towards Duffy, Randolph and their goalscorer. The smarter thing for Coleman to do there would have been to head to the goal line to have a chance to try and clear the shot in the event that their scorer beat Duffy and Randolph - which he did. It's definitely nitpicking but it was just something that jumped out at me while watching the replays.

I didn't like how Duffy was singled out for blame. He contributed to the concession obviously but the whole thing was a bit of a disaster. From Whelan just before the first ball was played, to Duffy AND Clark being too far forward, plus as you mentioned about Coleman. And then Randolph not coming out at all.

[paul_oshea]

Good post from p2011. Just one thing I felt about their goal. I felt that Duffy was simply beaten for pace and couldn't make that extra yard back up. If I was laying any blame about the ball hitting the net I think I would apportion most of it to Coleman whose covering run took him towards Duffy, Randolph and their goalscorer. The smarter thing for Coleman to do there would have been to head to the goal line to have a chance to try and clear the shot in the event that their scorer beat Duffy and Randolph - which he did. It's definitely nitpicking but it was just something that jumped out at me while watching the replays.


I thought Oneill got it wrong in the organisation leaving Duffy as the main man back when he is clearly the slowest of all out backs. Duffy was beaten for pace hands down their striker was even running faster with the ball than duffy was without it. When they both kicked on he gained an extra yard or two on Duffy as well. Duffys naievty and inexperience showed, he made the pass for their striker by pushing forward leaving the space for the throughball, i actually thought at first he was thinking theyd be offside even though in their own half. What coleman was trying to do was make up for duffys lack of pace he saw that duffy was well beaten and felt he had no other choice than to come across and try and tackle or the very least put pressure on him. But the guy was too quick and colema didnt have enough space to run into to catch him.

[Stuttgart88]

Good post from p2011. Just one thing I felt about their goal. I felt that Duffy was simply beaten for pace and couldn't make that extra yard back up. If I was laying any blame about the ball hitting the net I think I would apportion most of it to Coleman whose covering run took him towards Duffy, Randolph and their goalscorer. The smarter thing for Coleman to do there would have been to head to the goal line to have a chance to try and clear the shot in the event that their scorer beat Duffy and Randolph - which he did. It's definitely nitpicking but it was just something that jumped out at me while watching the replays.Duffy and Clark were badly positioned to start with. In fairness it was a lovely finish. The player's last-but-one touch to change the angle was just beautiful.

[geysir]

O'Neill said "we had a dunderhead moment" which is the correct attitude.
Unless it is a blatantly obvious singular mistake, it's the team that takes a collective responsibility. Duffy's error was just the last one and not even the most serious, the desperate wayward cross field deflection started it, the impotent challenge to win that wayward ball and then the central defense caught on the hop.

And everything went perfect for the Moldvans.

[Bungle]

Very happy with last night. aside from one terrible mistake and 20 poor minutes in the second half, we did all that was asked of us.
we have to let Wes be in the team no matter what. he orchestrates everything for us and means that we do less of the hoof ball.

[OwlsFan]

Very happy with last night. aside from one terrible mistake and 20 poor minutes in the second half, we did all that was asked of us.
we have to let Wes be in the team no matter what. he orchestrates everything for us and means that we do less of the hoof ball.

I didn't see any less long ball tactics when Wes played. Nearly all goal kicks were long balls as were the free kicks, except one early on which sent McLean I think it was away on the left and resulted in a flashing cross across the box. Otherwise they were hoofs/floaters in to the box (by Wes) in the hope of a flick on. We badly lack a free kick specialist in the absence of Brady. McLean certainly isn't the answer where those in Row Z behind the goal must be uneasy when he steps up to take one.

I think the call for Duffy's head are premature. He adds important height to a team which otherwise is relatively small. He (assuming it was his man and not Clarke's) made a mistake for their goal but there should have been other cover - one on one for a centre back against a centre forward even if he was in the right position would not have been good enough. Stick with Clarke and Duffy - they are the future for better or for worse.

[DeLorean]

I'm not sure it's a case of whose man it was a such. Duffy was the one minding the house and he should have read the situation better. There were a number of mistakes but his certainly appeared to be the biggest. Whelan could have easily dealt with it at the source by putting more pressure on the ball, but he stood his ground instead assuming that the whole pitch wasn't about to open up behind him. The blame can be apportioned out of course but Duffy's mistake was the most basic I think. He had a good view of what was going on in front of him and he made a really poor decision. I'd have no problem with him keeping his place either though if that's what O'Neill decides to do.

[Stuttgart88]

I never buy into the cliché that “it’s a sign of a good team that can win by playing badly” but I think the 6 points from last week show that we are a dogged outfit that have a good knack of scoring when we need to. The goal before half time was a sucker punch but having the game put to bed with 15 mins to go in such circumstances is very telling and very professional.

The criticisms I had of MON after the two Scotland games still apply but I’d rather have the points on the board and a shopping list of what I think we can improve than to already be playing catch up.

[geysir]

As Owls said in another thread, there are more ingredients to a good team than just having good technical players like what Georgia have in abundance and O'Neill blends in well there.
One issue though is vacillation, like deciding on the back 4 and sticking with it, regardless.

We were playing a low seeded team in Moldova, one that had proved hard to beat at home in previous campaigns, however in this campaign any consistancy and balance in their team has been riven apart with player/managerial sabotage.

[paul_oshea]

O'Neill said "we had a dunderhead moment" which is the correct attitude.
Unless it is a blatantly obvious singular mistake, it's the team that takes a collective responsibility. Duffy's error was just the last one and not even the most serious, the desperate wayward cross field deflection started it, the impotent challenge to win that wayward ball and then the central defense caught on the hop.

And everything went perfect for the Moldvans.

I doubt he would and dont ever remember him coming out and blaming one individuals mistake. Had Duffy not made the error there was no goal.

Duffys interview yesterday also backs that up, saying he gave him a slap across the head.

[geysir]

There is no doubt that Duffy made an error but if that were the case with O'Neill, focussed on blaming the last error, then that weakens the concept of team ethic and no wonder we struggle for consistency and are easily cowed. Team ethic is a higher concept than running around dishing out blame to individual players for goal concessions.

[paul_oshea]

If you are on about the public show of solidarity and then not individually blaming someone behind the scenes I think I get what you are saying, but even looking at Kenny last night dropping rogers. At some stage for the betterment of team ethic, belief and self-confidence you have to remove the weak-link from the chain.

[BonnieShels]

If you are on about the public show of solidarity and then not individually blaming someone behind the scenes I think I get what you are saying, but even looking at Kenny last night dropping rogers. At some stage for the betterment of team ethic, belief and self-confidence you have to remove the weak-link from the chain.

But that was after a string of howlers from Rogers and also Sava having a good game recently. There were justifiable reasons to drop him.

I accept your premise, but we're not at the dropping Duffy stage. Yet. I keep thinking of a young Dunne when Duffy makes mistakes...

[Stuttgart88]

I think Clark & Duffy were picked for their set piece value against two sides lacking top drawer forwards. I think Austria away will be different and I expect at least one of O’shea and Keogh to return.

[paul_oshea]

I am not saying that Duffy should be dropped, I'll hold off on that one. I do think though that Duffy is very strong in the air, very solid tackler, and a general tough defender. It's all good in the championship and at that level, but not on the international stage or premiership where he will be properly tested. One thing Dunne had was a quick turn of pace on a yard or two, from what I have seen Duffy doesnt have that and like Dunne he hasn't great pace overall or a great stride. I think Duffy might be ok alongside an experience and organiser type defender. But I don't think he is our answer in this campaign unfortunately. Maybe if he had a year playing against top strikers/forwards he might learn from it, but as he is playing in the championship and without any proper permiership(playing at the required level for internail experience like Clark and O'Shea

[paul_oshea]

But id be happy enough him playing in those type of games where we can afford the odd mistake.

I agree with stutts i think we will be back to O'Shea and a.n other for Austria.

There is a bit of negativity from the players in how they've responded to the media stuff regarding how capable we are which is annoying me a little. Temperament, manage expectations for sure but downplay your own ability.

[OwlsFan]

I think Clark & Duffy were picked for their set piece value against two sides lacking top drawer forwards. I think Austria away will be different and I expect at least one of O’shea and Keogh to return.

You expect (ie O'Neill to make the changes) but do you agree with them? I'd be happy enough for MON to stick with the same back 4. If O'Shea was playing all the time, I'd say play him but we need people playing regular football.

[Stuttgart88]

I'd pick O'Shea and Keogh in Austria. More experienced.

[Fizzer]

There were some really dodgy defensive moments from O'Shea in Belgrade.however,when he came on against France I remember wishing he had started (or been brought on earlier).i think Duffy is the future though and that he's a player with real,albeit worryingly raw ability.hes nearly there,just needs to add some cuteness and maybe just step back from a game now and again rather than attacking every ball.we should stick with him,if O'Shea comes in,I think it should be for Clarke

[DeLorean]

I'd pick O'Shea and Keogh in Austria. More experienced.

Keogh isn't more experienced than Clark though, not at any level that counts anyway. Do you just think he's better/more reliable?

[paul_oshea]

By experienced you mean older ;)

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

Leaving aside the fact that Whelan was caught shirking for their goal, I think the example he sets and what he chooses to do with the ball contributes to our malaise.

Anyone can pass the ball backwards and sideways - Neil Lennon made a solid career out of it - but it pins us back and doesn't allow us to establish a rhythm.

It put us under pressure a few times when he chose the "easy" option and put the onus on another player.

I think McCarthy's use of the ball was more constructive and his impact in the final third was more tangible.

At the end of the day it's Moldova, an awful team, there is no need to be so cagey with your use of the ball.

They only looked remotely threatening when we allowed them to.

[jbyrne]

At the end of the day it's Moldova, an awful team,

They only looked remotely threatening when we allowed them to.

which was about once.. maybe twice

[OwlsFan]

Leaving aside the fact that Whelan was caught shirking for their goal, I think the example he sets and what he chooses to do with the ball contributes to our malaise.

Anyone can pass the ball backwards and sideways - Neil Lennon made a solid career out of it - but it pins us back and doesn't allow us to establish a rhythm.

It put us under pressure a few times when he chose the "easy" option and put the onus on another player.

I think McCarthy's use of the ball was more constructive and his impact in the final third was more tangible.



How was Whelan caught shirking for their goal? He has their player covered and but couldn't stop the hoof up the pitch (a tactic much despised by you because of its apparent futility). He did think for a second about diving in a la McLean but could have sold himself and left the team open to a counter-attack so he just jockeyed the opposition player. You don't mention how Hoolahan let his man turn in the corner to clear in the same incident or the poor header by Brady. No doubt if either had been Whelan, he would have been accused of "shirking".

2478

There must be more to Whelan's game that passing backwards or sideways of anyone can do it otherwise anyone could have almost 80 caps and more than 250 EPL appearances. As Stephen Hunt said in his article:

http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/world-cup/stephen-hunt-heres-why-its-vital-that-glenn-whelan-starts-for-ireland-in-away-games-35133750.html

"Whelan, however, is positionally very good. A lot of central midfielders automatically want to get involved, but he stays and does his job. That job is to pick up the pieces, claim second balls, and be there for the counter - as he always is. That's why he plays every week for Stoke. The manager appreciates his discipline and what he does for the team. He's always pointing and organising. I think we need him in away games; he's a vital part of the team, make no mistake".

[geysir]

Was it Brady or Ward who had the deflected header in build up to their goal? anyway, regardless of whether that was an error or just a deflection or a bit of both, the ball then landed in a danger zone which caught Whelan out, I think Whelan could have anticipated and reacted to that situation better than he did.

[paul_oshea]

Brady wasn't playing.

[OwlsFan]

Sorry, whoever it was. Obviously not Brady since as you say he wasn't playing. The point was TOWK was living up to his name and if it had been Whelan, he would have blamed him.

[Charlie Darwin]

One thing Dunne had was a quick turn of pace on a yard or two, from what I have seen Duffy doesnt have that and like Dunne he hasn't great pace overall or a great stride.
I'd say Duffy is quicker than Dunne ever was, and he turns quicker too. Dunne turned like an articulated truck and, while he had a quick burst of acceleration, it looked like more because he was such a big unit. Duffy is a lanky ****er and covers a lot of ground without looking like he's doing much. What he doesn't have is Dunne's positional nous and nose for danger but, then again, neither did Dunne until he was pushing 30.

[SkStu]

...What he doesn't have is Dunne's positional nous and nose for danger...

http://www.worldfootball.net/alltime_goalgetter/eng-premier-league/eigentore/1/

A certain type of positional sense and nose for danger was always a strength of Dunnes but fair to say Duffy is showing early promise after his brace early in the season!! :D

[Drumcondra 69er]

Blog on the trip finally done for anyone interested. Better late than never. They think it's Moldova....it is now!!

http://afalsefirstxi.blogspot.ie/2016/10/they-think-its-moldova.html

[Stuttgart88]

I love the title

[DeLorean]

I think George mentioned it in the commentary that the fans were saying that out there, except instead of "it is now" they were saying "Chisinau"! Sorry if that's mentioned already, haven't got a chance to read the blog yet.

[Drumcondra 69er]

I think George mentioned it in the commentary that the fans were saying that out there, except instead of "it is now" they were saying "Chisinau"! Sorry if that's mentioned already, haven't got a chance to read the blog yet.

Didn't watch the match back in full but never heard that out there. Raging I didn't think of the Chisinau to add at the end though!

We were singing" It's Moldova, Moldova, Moldova, Moldova, ye-ah. We're never gonna lo-ose. Moldova, Moldova Moldova, Moldova, ye-ah. We're drinking all your booze!" to the tune of classic 90's house music hit Not Over Yet by Grace which is appallingly cheesy with hindsight......

[tetsujin1979]

Match highlights below

634SHQzeZ_I

[tetsujin1979]

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