LoI in Europe 2018

[Real ale Madrid]

Coleraine had a right go at Spartak Subbuteo tonight.


Gave them the flick in the end.

[Philosophizer]

In short - if we can develop the confidence, quality or whatever that's needed to become like the lucky/jammy sides we often face when it comes to European football, then results could really improve rapidly.

It's a confidence thing in my opinion, at many levels.

Coaches need to have confidence in their teams' ability to play proactively and not set up overly defensively. Rovers at home vs AIK was a perfect example. They had 2 DMs in Tallaght which was unnecessary.
On a player level, they need to have confidence in their own abilities and really feel like they belong and can compete at that level. Derry and Rovers played very well when they were behind/drawing, yet we v rarely see an Irish team (either at club or national level) playing well while they're ahead in a game. It's a running joke that the worst thing that can happen the national team is that they get a goal early in a game. Because we all know what will happen, they'll **** themselves! They'll retreat into their shell and keep going deeper and deeper until the opposition equalises or even takes a lead, at which time they might try to start playing again.

Maybe the average Irish footballer doesn't believe he's as good as his european counterpart, and so he only feels truly comfortable to play his natural game when he's behind, because that's where he thinks he belongs.

In recent years Dundalk have been the only Irish team that can consistently break free from that mindset. My guess is that it's mainly to do with Kenny fostering, who convinces his players that they can compete and win at the european level, regardless of other teams finances/reputations etc.

Last night was again really enjoyable to see them play their natural game and go 2-0 and 3-0 up in the tie and then manage the game. Admittedly they conceded one but they never looked in any danger of letting Levadia back into the tie. Some Levadia players resorted to just hacking Dundalk for the last 10 mins. it was the kind of savvy performance we usually see from european opposition against LOI sides.

[punkrocket]

Gave them the flick in the end.

Aye it would have been a different story if my cousin Kevin had've been on.

Round up here. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44845298

[placid casual]

A lot seems to be made on here about the difference in mindset between dundalk and the rest of the LOI european contenders. Dundalk were playing a poor unseeded team. The rest were playing decent seeded teams.
Let's see how dundalk get on against larnaca before we anoint them with any holy oil, yeah?

[Philosophizer]

A lot seems to be made on here about the difference in mindset between dundalk and the rest of the LOI european contenders. Dundalk were playing a poor unseeded team. The rest were playing decent seeded teams.
Let's see how dundalk get on against larnaca before we anoint them with any holy oil, yeah?

That opinion is mainly based on Dundalk's performances in europe of the last few years, not their result against Levadia last night.

[paul_oshea]

A lot seems to be made on here about the difference in mindset between dundalk and the rest of the LOI european contenders. Dundalk were playing a poor unseeded team. The rest were playing decent seeded teams.
Let's see how dundalk get on against larnaca before we anoint them with any holy oil, yeah?
It's less about one or two results or performances, than a general mindset and how they usually approach and play in games. Dundalk will do what Cork couldn't do over 2 legs - they will score.

Its a bit of a catch 22 with the mindset, especially when first game at home, they don't want the tie over after 50 or 60 mins, so they approach it from an overly cautious aspect. AIK figured Rovers out at home after the first 50 minutes and then imposed their game, which Rovers should have done too, but they left it till the 2nd leg. Again had a chance gone in early doors first game it could have been a completely different tie. But a shift in mindset and how they approach these games is definitely needed.

AIKs european record is decent, and they are top of the league as has been pointed out, I suspect Hammarby will pinch it at the end, or more I hope, but the overall result is deflating given Rovers should have come out the other side. BUt you can only say should so many times, nothing is deserved.

The teams in the champions Path, at the moment at least should hold no fear for Cork, but that could all change pretty quickly. Cork haven't scored in 360 mins of European football now though, it has to be a big concern.

[Real ale Madrid]

https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/season=2019/draws/round=2000988/

Group 2 (seeded teams in bold)

Match 6: Astana (KAZ) v Midtjylland (DEN)
Match 7: Kukës (ALB) v Qarabağ (AZE)
Match 8: Dinamo Zagreb (CRO) v Hapoel Beer-Sheva (ISR)
Match 9: Crvena zvezda (SRB) v Sūduva (LTU)
Match 10: Celtic (SCO) v Rosenborg (NOR)
Winners match 6: The New Saints (WAL) v Lincoln Red Imps (GIB)
Winners match 7: Torpedo Kutaisi (GEO) v Víkingur (FRO)
Winners match 8: Spartaks Jūrmala (LVA) v La Fiorita (SMR)
Winners match 9: APOEL (CYP) v Flora Tallinn (EST)
Cork City (IRL)

[ArFella]

Probably got the worse group of the 2 there, Kukes or Suduva (assuming they lose) probably the preferred draw? Probably have a chance to go through as long as Celtic/Rosenborg are avoided!

[mcgonigle]

A lot seems to be made on here about the difference in mindset between dundalk and the rest of the LOI european contenders. Dundalk were playing a poor unseeded team. The rest were playing decent seeded teams.
Let's see how dundalk get on against larnaca before we anoint them with any holy oil, yeah?

Was that not already done when we qualified for the EL group stages and actually competed in the group hence showing previous group stage qualifiers what they could have done if they had a bit of bottle?

I agree that we were favourites to go through v Tallinn and we made slightly hard work of it in the end but I'd argue that they were one of the more difficult unseeded teams we could have faced just like Larnaca will be in QR2

[RathfarnhamHoop]

Losers of matches 6&10 look to be the ones youd want to avoid, rest look like they could be for the taking

[Burnsie]

what struck me watching the Rovers match (and having seen them a few times in league play this season) was how the team in general seemed more comfortable at a higher level of play than in the week-to-week LOI drudgery. Perhaps a contrast with Cork City in this regard. While I don't particularly hold a candle for Bradzer, I suspect a lot of it had to do with the type of players he has been bringing through and the style of play he has been encouraging, which has clearly cost them in terms of league position.

I've seen Finn, A. Bolger and Watts (for Bohs) turn in completely anonymous displays in league matches, but they all looked right at home in Sweden. And as a team, Dundalk ripped them to shreds a few weeks ago, but AIK barely laid a glove on them until the youngster Olsson came on.

And Jesus i know it's early days but Bazunu really looks the part

Complete nonsense that they don't get the co-efficient credit for a 90-minute win, by the way. Means they'd have been better off losing the first leg 0-5 and then scruffing a 1-0 against AIK's reserves

[marinobohs]

Did think it strange :)
Such a shame greene missed the free header to win it. Was sure it was in. Delighted with the performance but we are still out either way ....gutted

Terrific display by shams last night, defended very well and bossed the tempo throughout. The sole shortcoming was that they missed a few decent chances and AIK took probably the only clear chance they got. Disappointing for them to go out but excellent mature performance from the team and maybe just a regret they didn't at least maintain parity at home. Certainly couldn't fault the away leg.

[Pablo Escobar]

Probably got the worse group of the 2 there, Kukes or Suduva (assuming they lose) probably the preferred draw? Probably have a chance to go through as long as Celtic/Rosenborg are avoided!

Assuming Rosenborg lose, they are the one's I want. Suduva's recent record suggest they are a very, very good side. The results have been so impressive, there's absolutely no guarantee that Red Star go through against them. Roseborg's result against Valur seemed uninspiring, only advancing with a last minute penalty. And they looked mediocre against Dundalk last season. Plus, we've generally done well against the Scandinavians. I think it's going to be tough no matter who we face though. We haven't had much luck with that this season.

[Brusher]

Even as a Bohs fan,I was rooting for Rovers on twitter.This League cannot be let die,when our clubs can compete with such clubs as Swedens best.Maybe we should take a leaf from the "amateur" GAA counties,when they work with the likes of Justin Mc Nultys company,working on the mental side of sport.

[marinobohs]

Even as a Bohs fan,I was rooting for Rovers on twitter.This League cannot be let die,when our clubs can compete with such clubs as Swedens best.Maybe we should take a leaf from the "amateur" GAA counties,when they work with the likes of Justin Mc Nultys company,working on the mental side of sport.

Well, I always found many in GAA to be mental. Most in LOI are just mad. :cool:

[Philosophizer]

I've seen Finn, A. Bolger and Watts (for Bohs) turn in completely anonymous displays in league matches

That must have been one of the few matches where Watts didn't perform for Bohs. In all the Bohs matches I've seen this year he was outstanding!

[ToberonaTornado]

Dundalk goals from last night with a bit of exuberant commentary from the Dundalk FM commentary team :D


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMSZQHtaP00&feature=youtu.be

[White Horse]

Great commentary. The "away terrace" look well when it is full.

[ToberonaTornado]

Great commentary. The "away terrace" look well when it is full.

80 year old former DFC player,captain and manager John Murphy losing his sh*t over the goals is just brilliant,still massively enthusiastic and its great.:cool:

[Dundalk daz]

Pure passion from mr. Murphy brilliant.

[RathfarnhamHoop]

Great commentary. The "away terrace" look well when it is full.

Thats not the full "terrace" they blocked off the standing area behind the seats and put extra hoarding at the back too to block out the state of whats behind it

[ToberonaTornado]

Thats not the full "terrace" they blocked off the standing area behind the seats and put extra hoarding at the back too to block out the state of whats behind it

Makes no difference what was blocked or not.(and i dont know if your story is true or not)
Yous wouldn't fill it anyway!:p:rolleyes:;)
Last time there was a decent crowd from yous down here was when we beat you in 2010? Tipton hatrick night

[outspoken]

I was at the game Thursday. Duffy’s goal one of the best I’ve ever witnessed live, I was right in line with where he hit it. But what Thursday proved is how badly they need a new ground. The amount of rows in the shed over people not been able to see. Literally all it takes is one tall fecker to sit in front of you and you can’t see a thing. The seats are basically a foot of the ground, so uncomfortable. It’s not an experience that would bring people back outside of the big European games. So much potential in Oriel Between a bigger stand the far side and knocking the YDC to build a stand the shed side. Space behind each goals for two small sheds. It would be an absolute cauldron of noise

[CorribsideSteve]

I was at the game Thursday. Duffy’s goal one of the best I’ve ever witnessed live, I was right in line with where he hit it. But what Thursday proved is how badly they need a new ground. The amount of rows in the shed over people not been able to see. Literally all it takes is one tall fecker to sit in front of you and you can’t see a thing. The seats are basically a foot of the ground, so uncomfortable. It’s not an experience that would bring people back outside of the big European games. So much potential in Oriel Between a bigger stand the far side and knocking the YDC to build a stand the shed side. Space behind each goals for two small sheds. It would be an absolute cauldron of noise

I'm 20 years watching the League of Ireland, and I'm really struggling to think of much better than THAT, whether it the League or Europe. I remember Tony Sheridan's goal in the 96 cup final, goals like that, but none of them come close to Duffy's one. On Oriel Park, as long as Kenny stays there, and they continue to be somewhat successful, with the backing of the Americans, ideally one would like to think that place will be fully revamped in the next 5 or so seasons. Nervous for them against Larnaca, but why can't they win it? That'd be Kenny's approach, I'm sure.

[White Horse]

I was at the game Thursday. Duffy’s goal one of the best I’ve ever witnessed live, I was right in line with where he hit it. But what Thursday proved is how badly they need a new ground. The amount of rows in the shed over people not been able to see. Literally all it takes is one tall fecker to sit in front of you and you can’t see a thing. The seats are basically a foot of the ground, so uncomfortable. It’s not an experience that would bring people back outside of the big European games. So much potential in Oriel Between a bigger stand the far side and knocking the YDC to build a stand the shed side. Space behind each goals for two small sheds. It would be an absolute cauldron of noise

I doubt you will find a single person who will disagree with you on this.

The new owners haven't put a foot wrong so far, and I'm eager to hear the outcome of their discussion about upgrading the playing facilities. An upgrade is badly needed and the current set up detracts from the quality on the pitch.

[Ezeikial]

The new owners haven't put a foot wrong so far, and I'm eager to hear the outcome of their discussion about upgrading the playing facilities. An upgrade is badly needed and the current set up detracts from the quality on the pitch.

My attitude to the takeover was deeply cautious and concerned and I remain highly sceptical (and probable overly cynical) - but my faith and confidence in the new owners has progressively risen over the last 6 months.

They have connected and integrated with supporters and volunteers really well, have been up-front and straight-talking at all times, and to my amazement have shown a real passion, understanding and connection with what a local football club is about (or else are incredible actors and bluffers).

It is and remains an investment; the extent of what happens regarding stadium up-grading will take time to emerge and is likely to have a return on investment element to it.

I am far more optimistic than every before that this forms a part of their aspirations and plans

[Ezeikial]

This stuff must be really soul destroying for club volunteers and infuriating for most of its supporters.





Club receive UEFA sanction
Cork City FC this morning received a fine from UEFA for the use of smoke bombs at the Champions League home qualifying fixture on 10th July at Turner’s Cross. This fine is €3,000 and the largest fine the club has ever received. Upon receiving the UEFA report shortly after the game, detailing the use of 6 smoke bombs, the club appealed for leniency to UEFA based on several factors, including our excellent track record. We are certain that this kept the fine to a minimum.


While this recent fixture was an historic night for the club, with success and praise for the operations and security of the game, this is a huge disappointment for the club.

More at:
https://www.corkcityfc.ie/home/2018/07/20/club-receive-uefa-sanction/

[White Horse]

Every club has its selfish idiots, and Cork's good track record appears to have reduced the fine substantially.

It still must gall their hard working volunteers that the club has to pay for idiotic behaviour from a few "fans". A concern is that it will lead to heavy handed security. There have been quite a few complaints from Cork fans about overly officious match day security and this type of incident could make it worse.

[White Horse]

Dundalk V Larnaca is sold out, two hours after tickets went on general sale.

The club need to increase the seating capacity of the ground. Large areas behind both goals will be empty for this match. The only positive for people who can't get tickets is that Eir Sport have confirmed that they will televise the match.


https://www.dundalkfc.com/ael-larnaca-ticket-details/

[micls]

Obviously awful for those who didn't get tickets, but a match that sells out quickly can create a great buzz and be an encouragement to buy season tickets etc. We had a fair few people buy half season tickets or Foras memberships because it gave them priority in buying. tickets for the Legia game. Hopefully those disappointed come to the next league game instead.

[nigel-harps1954]

Surprised Dundalk didn't look to a temporary stand for European matches this year. I'm sure the Americans would have had no problem stumping up the money to pay for it for a month or so.

[White Horse]

The Levadia Talinn game was only barely a sell out. It was the day of the game before all tickets were sold.

I think it is time the club started thinking about putting in permanent additional seating. The grass area behind the town end would be perfect. An uncovered stand similar to the ones Sligo and Pats have.

[RathfarnhamHoop]

Makes no difference what was blocked or not.(and i dont know if your story is true or not)
Yous wouldn't fill it anyway!:p:rolleyes:;)
Last time there was a decent crowd from yous down here was when we beat you in 2010? Tipton hatrick night

Not like there's pictures of it or anything.
Not like we bring by far the biggest crowd to oriel every time we play there despite the growing boycott of the tip.

[Ezeikial]

Not like there's pictures of it or anything.
Not like we bring by far the biggest crowd to oriel every time we play there despite the growing boycott of the tip.

Boycotts will keep growing as Rovers as consistently fail to challenge effectively.

[placid casual]

Boycott will keep growing from the likes of Rovers & Cork whilst the Dundalk hierarchy consistently fail to challenge effectively the matter of upgrading the ground to something even approacably habitable. After all, the approach of using all available money to buy squad players at the expense of ground improvement is bound to be a success...

[ArFella]

Dundalks group for the EL 3rd Qualifying round draw, which takes place around 2pm Irish time today on uefa.com:

Group 1:

1 Ajax (NED) v Sturm Graz (AUT)
2 Maccabi Tel-Aviv (ISR) v Radnicki Niš (SRB)
3 HNK Rijeka (CRO)
4 Aberdeen (SCO) v Burnley (ENG)
5 Zenit (RUS)
6 Tobol Kostanay (KAZ) v Pyunik (ARM)
7 Dunajská Streda (SVK) v Dinamo Minsk (BLR)
8 St. Gallen (SUI) v Sarpsborg (NOR)
9 Dundalk (IRL) v AEK Larnaca(CYP)
10 İstanbul Başakşehir (TUR)

Looks like the toughest group we could have gotten, probably hoping for HNK or Maccabi/Radnicki

[El-Pietro]

Dundalks group for the EL 3rd Qualifying round draw, which takes place around 2pm Irish time today on uefa.com:

Group 1:

1 Ajax (NED) v Sturm Graz (AUT)
2 Maccabi Tel-Aviv (ISR) v Radnicki Niš (SRB)
3 HNK Rijeka (CRO)
4 Aberdeen (SCO) v Burnley (ENG)
5 Zenit (RUS)
6 Tobol Kostanay (KAZ) v Pyunik (ARM)
7 Dunajská Streda (SVK) v Dinamo Minsk (BLR)
8 St. Gallen (SUI) v Sarpsborg (NOR)
9 Dundalk (IRL) v AEK Larnaca(CYP)
10 İstanbul Başakşehir (TUR)

Looks like the toughest group we could have gotten, probably hoping for HNK or Maccabi/Radnicki

The difference between the Champions Path and League Path at this stage is stark, though both sides got the more difficult groups there are some potentially easier draws available for City.

[swinfordfc]

Who can Cork get?

[Dave77]

Celtic or rosenburg

[ArFella]

Tough draw for Cork.

Cork City (IRL) v Celtic (SCO)/Rosenborg (NOR)


Assuming Celtic get through Cork will play the 2 teams who knocked us out of the CL in the last 2 years and we play the 2 teams Cork had last season in the EL!

[White Horse]

...there are some potentially easier draws available for City.

It looks like the luck in getting a bye in the second round had a sting in its tail.

Two difficult sides. I hope for Cork's sake it is Rosenberg.

A tie against Celtic would be a circus and Irish Celtic fans will be clamouring for tickets and calling for the tie to be moved to the Aviva.

[DFCForever]

Tough draw for Cork.

Cork City (IRL) v Celtic (SCO)/Rosenborg (NOR)


Assuming Celtic get through Cork will play the 2 teams who knocked us out of the CL in the last 2 years and we play the 2 teams Cork had last season in the EL!
Given the group they were put in before the draw, this is probably the best they could've hoped for. I'd fancy Celtic to go through from that tie and Rosenborg are beatable.

[nigel-harps1954]

Pairc Ui Chaoimh be available for the Celtic game?? :cool:

[El-Pietro]

Given the group they were put in before the draw, this is probably the best they could've hoped for. I'd fancy Celtic to go through from that tie and Rosenborg are beatable.
Probably not the best, Kukesi were the team to draw. But it certainly could have been much worse.

[marinobohs]

Pairc Ui Chaoimh be available for the Celtic game?? :cool: No way, on principle like. Well maybe, how much did you say ? Here's the keys........... :D

[Yossarian]

This shows the benefit of being seeded in the champions league first round. If Cork has have been seeded they would have had a winnable first round game and then be seeded for this round. It would be realistic to get to the Europa League play off then.

It’s a tough draw, but assuming it’s Rosenborg I wouldn’t be overawed. We really should’ve beaten them in the 2nd leg last year.

[dundalkfc10]

It looks like the luck in getting a bye in the second round had a sting in its tail.

Two difficult sides. I hope for Cork's sake it is Rosenberg.

A tie against Celtic would be a circus and Irish Celtic fans will be clamouring for tickets and calling for the tie to be moved to the Aviva.

Cliftonville played Celtic in Sollitude, Cork would be foolish to move it.

[nigel-harps1954]

Ajax or Sturm Graz if Dundalk can make it through Larnaca..tough draw.

[Real ale Madrid]

Ajax / Strum Graz v Dundalk / Larnaca

[Ezeikial]

Brilliant!

The bigger they are......