TheJamaicanP.M.
05/09/2005, 1:30 PM
I cannot remember such an eagerly anticaped fixture in Lansdowne Road as the France match on Wednesday night. It could be one of the great nights for Irish football.
I remember thinking after the Holland game four years ago that I might have to wait 30 years to see another match of that madniture in Dublin. The game on Wednesday has been compared to that meeting with the Dutch. However, I think the French game is even more intriguing. It has everything: two managers who are facing into a career-defining game and clearly don't like each other, two aging midfielders who hope to make the World Cup stage for one last time, the final battle in the long-running rivalry between Keane and Viera and a crowd that will create a great atmosphere. As one journalist noted at the weekened. This is a rare occasion: a match where a win is of critical importance to both teams.
People have been focusing on the negatives in recent weeks but maybe it is time that us Irish supporters focus on the positives. I think the French defence is their most apparent weakness. Boumsong has looked like a liability for the French in the games he's been involved in. It now looks as though Sebestian Squilachi will replace Lilian Thuram in the centre of the French defence. Morrison caused Squilachi a few problems during his half hour in the Stade de France. Furthermore, the positioning of William Gallas at left-back could be another bonus for Ireland. Gallas played at right-back in the Paris game and from what I remember he neutralised the threat posed by his club-mate, Damien Duff. If Duff is fit, and I believe he will be, then Willie Sagnol may have more to worry about in defence and less time for offensive duties (something he did well against the Faroes).
The pitch at Lansdowne is tight and may not be to the liking of the French players. The French have certainly been talking the talk in recent weeks but how will they feel when they see a hostile crowd and they get a kick early on from Roy Keane. The French appetite may suddenly diminish.
The Dutch came to Dublin four years ago after disposing of a lacklustre English team in a friendly at White Harte Lane. Their over-confidence cost them. In a similar way, the French are arriving in confident mood. There's a chance that they may underestimate the Irish challenge. Remember that Irish teams have a tendency to perform best when they're underdogs.
Despite all the doom and gloom from many Irish fans, it must be remembered that we are ranked 14th the world, just five places behind France. We are a top international team with a great home record. Why should'nt we be able to win this game? Home advantage is extremely important in international football.
As for the role of the Irish supporters in Lansdowne, I don't believe we need to talk up the importance of creating an atmosphere in Lansdowne on Wednesday night. That will happen naturally. There is a buzz already. The supporters are excited and I am in no doubt that we will witness the best atmosphere in Lansdowne since September 1st 2001. It must be accepted that it is difficult to get Irish people excited in the same way as Italia 90. Expectancy levels have risen and the trappings of the Celtic Tiger have bred a mentality whereby it is difficult to create the atmosphere of old. Nonetheless, this match won't need an artificial atmosphere. Lansdowne will rock to its old foundations on Wednesday night. Hopefully the team will find the result to match the occasion.
I remember thinking after the Holland game four years ago that I might have to wait 30 years to see another match of that madniture in Dublin. The game on Wednesday has been compared to that meeting with the Dutch. However, I think the French game is even more intriguing. It has everything: two managers who are facing into a career-defining game and clearly don't like each other, two aging midfielders who hope to make the World Cup stage for one last time, the final battle in the long-running rivalry between Keane and Viera and a crowd that will create a great atmosphere. As one journalist noted at the weekened. This is a rare occasion: a match where a win is of critical importance to both teams.
People have been focusing on the negatives in recent weeks but maybe it is time that us Irish supporters focus on the positives. I think the French defence is their most apparent weakness. Boumsong has looked like a liability for the French in the games he's been involved in. It now looks as though Sebestian Squilachi will replace Lilian Thuram in the centre of the French defence. Morrison caused Squilachi a few problems during his half hour in the Stade de France. Furthermore, the positioning of William Gallas at left-back could be another bonus for Ireland. Gallas played at right-back in the Paris game and from what I remember he neutralised the threat posed by his club-mate, Damien Duff. If Duff is fit, and I believe he will be, then Willie Sagnol may have more to worry about in defence and less time for offensive duties (something he did well against the Faroes).
The pitch at Lansdowne is tight and may not be to the liking of the French players. The French have certainly been talking the talk in recent weeks but how will they feel when they see a hostile crowd and they get a kick early on from Roy Keane. The French appetite may suddenly diminish.
The Dutch came to Dublin four years ago after disposing of a lacklustre English team in a friendly at White Harte Lane. Their over-confidence cost them. In a similar way, the French are arriving in confident mood. There's a chance that they may underestimate the Irish challenge. Remember that Irish teams have a tendency to perform best when they're underdogs.
Despite all the doom and gloom from many Irish fans, it must be remembered that we are ranked 14th the world, just five places behind France. We are a top international team with a great home record. Why should'nt we be able to win this game? Home advantage is extremely important in international football.
As for the role of the Irish supporters in Lansdowne, I don't believe we need to talk up the importance of creating an atmosphere in Lansdowne on Wednesday night. That will happen naturally. There is a buzz already. The supporters are excited and I am in no doubt that we will witness the best atmosphere in Lansdowne since September 1st 2001. It must be accepted that it is difficult to get Irish people excited in the same way as Italia 90. Expectancy levels have risen and the trappings of the Celtic Tiger have bred a mentality whereby it is difficult to create the atmosphere of old. Nonetheless, this match won't need an artificial atmosphere. Lansdowne will rock to its old foundations on Wednesday night. Hopefully the team will find the result to match the occasion.