European Championships Draw

[NeilMcD]

I reckon We will be playing Wales in October and Germany in September. We may play the Czechs this year too.


Rolling Stones are playing in Millenium on September dates.

I think we will want to play Wales and Germany in Croke park along with the Czechs. So that means we are more than likely to play the Welsh and Germans this year away from home.

[nedder]

Believe it or not, Ocktoberfest is actually on in September!!

[Armando]

That's mad. Sept 16 - Oct 3.
http://www.pptravel.com/event.asp?EventID=BF
So, it's not going to coincide with any of the fixture dates.:(

[klein4]

was thinkin that was the case ......

[OwlsFan]

Germany away in Munich this October anyone? OKTOBERFEST!! It would be the happy death of us all.:)

What's drinking beer got to do with following Ireland ?

[Soko]

Good draw.




Any one else drooling at the thought of the Germans in Croke Park?

[Tired&Emotional]

What's drinking beer got to do with following Ireland ?

I used to be a Pioneer but i've been driven to the bottle after watching some of the last few games....:rolleyes: :rolleyes: ;)

[Bungle]

Germany: A team very much on the up.They have excellent young players like Podolski and Schweinsteiger as well as top players like Ballack who would walk into any side.However,the fact is that even when Germany was the best team in the world they always struggled against Ireland.I honestly believe we will take 2 points off them,though i do predict that they will win the group.

Czech Republic:An excellent team who are ageing.They are always going to be extremely difficult however.They will drop points to both Slovakia and Germany due to the massive rivalry.I believe we could conceivably take 4 points off them,though im going to say that we will beat them in Dublin and lose in Prague.

Slovakia:Decent enough but arguably the poorest of the third seeds.On paper,Ireland are good enough to take 6 points but Bratislava is just the kind of place that Ireland has always struggled in.I believe that we will draw there and scrape a win here.In fact i think they could be similar to the Poles in the Euro 92 qualifiers at Lansdowne,but i think well just about nick it.The simple fact of their rivalry with the top 2 means that you would have to expect them to take some points there also.Funnily enough,i dont think theyll be too far of qualification,though i think theyll come fourth.

Wales:Arguably the team that could stop us coming Second.We'll probably scrape a win here but Cardiff will be a horrible bitty derby.I think well take 4 points of them.

SM and Cyprus:12 points(Excuse my arrogance)

In summary:
(1)Germany
(2)Ireland or Czechs
(4)Slovakia
(5)Wales

[Bungle]

Germany: A team very much on the up.They have excellent young players like Podolski and Schweinsteiger as well as top players like Ballack who would walk into any side.However,the fact is that even when Germany was the best team in the world they always struggled against Ireland.I honestly believe we will take 2 points off them,though i do predict that they will win the group.

Czech Republic:An excellent team who are ageing.They are always going to be extremely difficult however.They will drop points to both Slovakia and Germany due to the massive rivalry.I believe we could conceivably take 4 points off them,though im going to say that we will beat them in Dublin and lose in Prague.

Slovakia:Decent enough but arguably the poorest of the third seeds.On paper,Ireland are good enough to take 6 points but Bratislava is just the kind of place that Ireland has always struggled in.I believe that we will draw there and scrape a win here.In fact i think they could be similar to the Poles in the Euro 92 qualifiers at Lansdowne,but i think well just about nick it.The simple fact of their rivalry with the top 2 means that you would have to expect them to take some points there also.Funnily enough,i dont think theyll be too far of qualification,though i think theyll come fourth.

Wales:Arguably the team that could stop us coming Second.We'll probably scrape a win here but Cardiff will be a horrible bitty derby.I think well take 4 points of them.

SM and Cyprus:12 points(Excuse my arrogance)

In summary:
(1)Germany
(2)Ireland or Czechs
(4)Slovakia
(5)Wales

[FarBeag]

I am happy with the draw. The Germans and the Czech Republic are not the force they used to be and i hope we get to play them fairly quickly after the world cup. I think we can finish second behind the Czech Republic.TBH i am more worried about Wales and Slovakia than the other two.Anyway wait and see but the away trips are something to look forward to as well.

[eirebhoy]

Its a tough draw but I'm delighted with it. Player by player (with Poborsky, Nedved, Koller and others retired) the Czech's are not much better than us if they are actually better. Baros is one of their best players yet Keane is much better than him.

Germany should win it. Wales will be tough. I'm just delighted to have got the Czech's. If we got Greece as the no.1 seed I wouldn't even have been as happy.

[NeilMcD]

Hey Eirebhoy you should have supported me when I said that the other day. It looked like I was going out on a limb saying getting the Czechs was a good draw. ha ha

[skbio_toronto]

No harm at all to be placed in a more difficult group , in my opinion. Ireland always seem to perform alot better when the perceeption is that we're the underdog. Looking at our opponants from what I know of them:

Germany: No one can say with certainty how good, bad or indifferent this team are. Given how long its been since they've played in a competitive game. France were'nt even considered a serious contender in the lead up to WC '98. Its a case of wait and see. I'd be inclined to think that this team are more accomplished than people give them credit for.

Czech Republic: The Czech's (in my time watching football) are a team that can lurch from the sublime to the ridiculous. However, in recent times Nedved, Poborsky et al. have made them alot more consistent. Given their impending retirements, there will be a degree of experimentation going on there. Having been to a match to Prague, I would'nt say its the most intimidating atmosphere. Home win in Croker attainable, in my opinion.

Slovakia: Bratislava is not quite the tourist paradise that we'll experience in Prague. The locals are'nt exactly enthusiasatic ambassador's, shall I say after being there. (Also remember Heskey and A. Cole getting barracked relentlessly for England) Edged out Russia to qualify for Euro playoff's So they certainly merit to be ranked higher than ourselves. Could have been a lot trickier from Pot C, mind you.

Wales: Their matches with Norn Iron were real up and a'them affairs. Thoroughly enjoyable in actual fact. I'd argue, that we'd edge Wales in terms of quality. Can Stan re-instill the motivation in our players? (something that was sadly lacking at the end of Greener's time) If he can. 6 points is not out of the question.

Cyprus: Not exactly the unknown given we've played them quite often in recent times. Konstantinou apart. With the right attitide we should have nothing to fear.

San Marino: They say there's no easy games in international football. This lot are one of the few expcetions to help prove that rule of thumb.

3rd place is a realistic result in my opinion. May be enough to edge us into pot C next time round. Can't wait for the Welsh, German and Czech games in Croker if that will be the case. Glamour games for THE glamour stadium in Europe!

[sligoman]

I am making it my duty to get to at least oneIreland away match this time. Germany and Wales would be nice and handy trips:).

What are the chances of us playing in Germany in September/October during the Oktoberfest (http://www.oktoberfest.de/en/)?:D.

[tricky_colour]

You can bet that if Germany had to qualify for 2006 they would be in the
top ten in the world, a group 1 seed. So we have two group one seeds
to contend with. Gonna be tough, but we have qualified from tough groups before.

[Neish]

Not sure if this has been mentioned yet but, I was just watching the news there, the Group D teams are meeting on Feb 10th in Hamburg to work out the fixtures

[sligoman]

Not sure if this has been mentioned yet but, I was just watching the news there, the Group D teams are meeting on Feb 10th in Hamburg to work out the fixturesFebruary 9th afaik, and in Frankfurt, not Hamburg:p.(not that it really matters:D)

[TheJamaicanP.M.]

I am making it my duty to get to at least oneIreland away match this time. Germany and Wales would be nice and handy trips:).

What are the chances of us playing in Germany in September/October during the Oktoberfest (http://www.oktoberfest.de/en/)?:D.

Those games really would be nice for you sligoman, particularly the Welsh game. You could get to see one of ManU's star players, Giggsy.

[sligoman]

Those games really would be nice for you sligoman, particularly the Welsh game. You could get to see one of ManU's star players, Giggsy.and Man U's Michael Ballack. He'll be with them by the time we play the Germans;) :D.

[grounded]

Was really looking forward to August to go to Dublin for the womens qualifier but this is just great. Good Group and with San Marino, Slovakia and Wales i think thats three out of the race for the first two places.

Great travelling as I yet have to watch a match in Bratislava, San Marino and of course the Millenium Stadium.

Match Ireland - Germany will be a great trip for most of us I think and I'm sure there will be loads travelling to Dublin.

[TheJamaicanP.M.]

and Man U's Michael Ballack. He'll be with them by the time we play the Germans;) :D.

Good thinking, you might even go to the home games too. They'd be handy and easy for you to get too. Just make sure you remember who you're cheering for.:D

[co. down green]

Karel Bruckner, manager of the Czech Republic said today

“If I could, I’d ask UEFA to swap Ireland with Northern Ireland. Then I’d be happy with this draw.”

[Gerrit]

Belgium are lucky. Armenia, Azerbaijan and Kazachstan, three countries I'd die to travel to, I have a fascination since many years for the Kaukasus area. But, starting to support Belgium for it is a bridge too far. I'll get there on my own, or maybe going and see Belgium get hammered would be nice :cool:

[sligoman]

But, starting to support Belgium for it is a bridge too far. I'll get there on my own, or maybe going and see Belgium get hammered would be nice :cool:How can you hate your home country so much?:confused:

[ccfcgirl]

I am happy with the draw.Hopfully I win Euromillons tonight and go to all the games .

[sligoman]

I am happy with the draw.Hopfully I win Euromillons tonight and go to all the games .Fraid not, I have it all wrapped up:p

[livehead1]

and Man U's Michael Ballack. He'll be with them by the time we play the Germans;) :D.

doubt it seeing as though hes signed for real madrid...

[sligoman]

doubt it seeing as though hes signed for real madrid...Didn't know that:o, but eh, he still will:D.

[Thunderblaster]

Great Draw for hitting the alehouses. Munich/Berlin, Cardiff and Prague are definitely attractive for the booze.:D And what about Cyprus. Limassol will welcome us with open arms again. Hopefully the apartments will be better then.:rolleyes:

Armenia V Azerbaijan: Well, that has the makings of a violent football match with the war going on out there over Nagorno-Karabakh. Would need a tin hat in Yerevan or Baku.:eek:

[ccfcgirl]

Fraid not, I have it all wrapped up:p
Can I be your new best friend;) :D

[geysir]

Its a tough draw but I'm delighted with it. Player by player (with Poborsky, Nedved, Koller and others retired)
I thought Koller picked up a bad injury which ended his season, I didn't know he had retired.

[sligoman]

Can I be your new best friend:DOne things for certain, their will be plenty of EL players making the Irish squad if I won it when Keane and Duff are lining out at the Showgies;) :D.

[Qwerty]

There are 2 German teams, one with Ballack and one without. Ballack is 30 this year and so I hold out the hope that he will retire particularly as he will be playing abroad next year. I'd much rather face a Germany without Ballack. They will be big and strong they have looked one-dimensional for a long time now.

[tetsujin1979]

According to the German correspondant on Newstalk this evening the only players likely to retire are Kahn and (to a lesser extent) Lehmann

[JoeSemi]

[QUOTE=NeilMcD]Fantastic for the away fans - I can see excellent turnouts for all these games for a variety of reasons: San Marino and Cyprus - sand, sea and booze; Ireland - derby and great crack; Germany - prestige tie; Czech and Slovakia (lesser extent) - mixture of the footie and culture.QUOTE]

Thats hard find in Dublin lads, but happy hunting!

[TheJamaicanP.M.]

[QUOTE=NeilMcD]Fantastic for the away fans - I can see excellent turnouts for all these games for a variety of reasons: San Marino and Cyprus - sand, sea and booze; Ireland - derby and great crack; Germany - prestige tie; Czech and Slovakia (lesser extent) - mixture of the footie and culture.QUOTE]

Thats hard find in Dublin lads, but happy hunting!

There might be a lack of crack in the capital but it shouldn't stop a lad goin on a Kevin!

[JoeSemi]

That group is definitely negotiable. I see the Germans as the top dogs with what should be a rejuvenated Ireland and a sliding Czech team vying for second spot. The make-or-break games will come against Wales and Slovakia as those two are capable of springing a few surprises at home. Its hard to know what the make-up of the squad will be when the first game comes round but the nucleus of a side capable of reaching Austria-Switzerland is certainly there. An injection of pride and passion should be forthcoming under the new management and its then a case of whether some of the young guns can handle the heat of international football. Given, Keane, Dunne, Finnan, Duff and Kavanagh have huge jobs to play in stepping up to the mantle of leaders. The Sweden game will be a nice indicator if youth is blended with experience, and we can take it from there.......all the way to 2008, hopefully!

[Gerrit]

How can you hate your home country so much?:confused:

I don't hate Belgium (on the contrary, appreciate it more than before), I hate the FA and its team.

Apart from that, always been a Norway fan as this is the country I hope to settle in. I never supported Belgium as main team but also didn't dislike them until the FA got hopelessly corrupt.

[eirebhoy]

Just to expand from my previous brief post I'm delighted with the draw. The easiest team in each Pot and we wouldn't have qualified so its good to see a mixture from the weakest team in Europe to the most succesful team in Europe.

Germany will qualify, they just find it impossible not to and they are a very decent team.

Nobody is being dillusional by saying the Czech's are ageing or whatever. They have excellent strength in depth to cover for injuries but their first team is not unbeatable. They have Cech, we have Given. They have Grygera, we have Finnan. They have Baros, we have Keane. They have Rosicky, we have Duff. Player by player they are not that much better than us. Nedved came out of retirement to play in the World cup but he'll retire again after that. Poborsky is still a regular is also retiring. Koller will retire. Smicer is a Czech first teamer ffs. Jankulovski will still be backup to Maldini until Paolo's legs fall off. Ujfalusi is their first choice centre half and one of their best players and he plays right back for Fiorentina.

We have a great chance of beating the Czech's, mainly because with them being 2nd in the world we won't be expected to. We played a friendly against them not so long ago and beat them. They take friendlies as seriously as us and it was their first defeat in over 20 games. We'll have a better team this time and they'll be weaker and I'll put us as 6/5 favourites to beat them in Dublin. :) Any points away from home against the top 2 seeds is a bonus imo.

I don't know what to think about Slovakia. They're probably the weakest team in Pot 3 so I suppose I'm happy to draw them. The only players I recognise is Nemeth and Gresko. Varga was a regular with them until he got dropped down to about U12 level after Celtic were trashed by Artmedia. We have to beat them in Dublin.

Wales will be a nice big match which again we should win but anything can happen. They're better than given credit for and certainly deserved something from their home game against England. Again, we should beat them at home but if we beat them in Cardiff it will be some acheivement given our away record.

Cyprus. F**king Cyprus. Ex Wales manager, Gould was on Setanta today telling us about Wales' recent 1-0 defeat over there and how it could have been a lot more if it wasn't for the Welsh keeper. Sound familiar? How many of us were looking at teletext until the dying minutes when Cyprus were holding Switzerland 0-0 until the last few minutes in Basel? We were all hoping Cyprus could hold on when they went 1-1 with Switzerland in Cyprus. Half their team plays in a pretty decent Greek league. The other half plays for a strong Cypriot team doing well in Europe. They are much better than given credit for and a team I would have wanted to avoid.

San Marino. YES! :) The only teams that would stoop so low as to play them in a friendly in the last 5 years were Leichtensten and Estonia. They've scored 2 goals in the last 4 years. We might scrape 4 points from these.

[tricky_colour]

I have just been looking at our previous matches against the top two
seeds and it is encouraging. I expect Wales and Slovakia will prove tougher
than expected, and the expected walkovers against Cyprus and San Marino
being less than impressive (as per usual)!!
(probably break the deadlock against San Marino in the last 15 minutes :D )


Republic of Ireland (IRL) 2:1 (0:0) Czech Republic (CZE)


Friendly 2004 DUBLIN REPUBLIC OF IRELAND - 31.03.2004


Republic of Ireland (IRL) 3:2 (2:2) Czech Republic (CZE)


Friendly 2000 DUBLIN REPUBLIC OF IRELAND - 23.02.2000


Czech Republic (CZE) 2:1 (0:1) Republic of Ireland (IRL)


Friendly 1998 OLOMOUC CZECH REPUBLIC - 25.03.1998


Czech Republic (CZE) 2:0 (0:0) Republic of Ireland (IRL)


Friendly 1996 PRAGUE CZECH REPUBLIC - 24.04.1996


Republic of Ireland (IRL) 1:3 (1:1) Czech Republic (CZE)


Friendly 1994 DUBLIN REPUBLIC OF IRELAND - 05.06.1994


Czechoslovakia (TCH) 0:1 (0:0) Republic of Ireland (IRL)


Friendly 1986 REYKJAVIK ICELAND - 27.05.1986


Czechoslovakia (TCH) 3:0 (3:0) Republic of Ireland (IRL)


FIFA WC 1970 Prel. Comp. UEFA [PRAGUE] CZECHOSLOVAKIA - 07.10.1969


Republic of Ireland (IRL) 1:2 (1:0) Czechoslovakia (TCH)


FIFA WC 1970 Prel. Comp. UEFA DUBLIN REPUBLIC OF IRELAND - 04.05.1969


Czechoslovakia (TCH) 7:1 (4:0) Republic of Ireland (IRL)


FIFA WC 1962 Prel. Comp. UEFA/AFC/CAF [PRAGUE] CZECHOSLOVAKIA - 29.10.1961


Republic of Ireland (IRL) 1:3 (1:1) Czechoslovakia (TCH)


FIFA WC 1962 Prel. Comp. UEFA/AFC/CAF DUBLIN REPUBLIC OF IRELAND - 08.10.1961


Germany (GER) 1:1 (1:0) Republic of Ireland (IRL)


2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan (TM) IBARAKI JAPAN - 05.06.2002


Germany (GER) 0:2 (0:1) Republic of Ireland (IRL)


Friendly 1994 HANOVER GERMANY - 29.05.1994


Republic of Ireland (IRL) 1:1 (1:1) Germany Federal Republic (FRG)


Friendly 1989 DUBLIN REPUBLIC OF IRELAND - 06.09.1989

[onenilgameover]

Have had the day to think about it and it really is mouth-watering. I'm glad that most on here agree that its really is as good draw! :)

We're goin to germany......... que sera sera!

Those words were not sung in vain!

[Littlest Hobo]

I've got mixed feelings about the group.

The away matches will be crucial. I'm thinking France/Switz, when I look at the trips to Munich and Prague, where we'll be happy to take a point from each.
The slovaks are the unkowns, a bit like Israel. It will be a similar game, intimidating atmosphere, dodgy pitch, backs to the wall, lots of possession and chances.
I just hope Stan employ's more shrewd tactics and takes the initiative. Three points here will be crucial.
I really don't rate the welsh. The backbone of our team play for the best in the Premiership.
Most of them, play lower leagues. Our mental appraoch to the game and Stans tactics will determine the outcome in Cardiff. Three points and nothing else will do. Six points from Cyprus and Sam Marino guaranteed.

As for the home games. Landsdowne road is no longer the daunting and intimidating place it used to be. Teams are not as frightened about coming here as they used to be. Our passion and spirit was the edge we had over teams.
If the FAI play their cards right, we could get the Germans/Czechs in croker.
Think of Stade De Francais, then multiply that by three. Imagine 80 thousand scremaing Irish fans:eek: . It could be what we need to re-ignite the fire. Victory would be ours.

The difference between 1st/2nd palce and failure is belief. Stan must believe, .;) :cool:

[Green Tribe]

Nice away trips indeed, could you imagine being drawn in group A :eek:
It will be a tough group but we'll just have to be underdogs once again and fight our way out of it. England got Israel, they don't know what they have to face with those tricksters! They also have some nasty trips away, Russia, Macedonia :eek: Great to get Wales, no doubt tickets for the Millenium stadium will be eagerly snapped up. All these games will be class...:D

BRING IT ON!

[Dillo]

[QUOTE=JoeSemi]That group is definitely negotiable. I see the Germans as the top dogs with what should be a rejuvenated Ireland and a sliding Czech team vying for second spot. The make-or-break games will come against Wales and Slovakia as those two are capable of springing a few surprises at home.QUOTE]


You're right there Joe. The Slovakia and Wales games will be decisive. As regards the group, I think it's fair to say we didn't get Heidi Klum but we also didn't get Nora Batty!;)

[Irish_Praha]

[QUOTE=JoeSemi]That group is definitely negotiable. I see the Germans as the top dogs with what should be a rejuvenated Ireland and a sliding Czech team vying for second spot. The make-or-break games will come against Wales and Slovakia as those two are capable of springing a few surprises at home.QUOTE]


You're right there Joe. The Slovakia and Wales games will be decisive. As regards the group, I think it's fair to say we didn't get Heidi Klum but we also didn't get Nora Batty!;)

You dont read the indo or www.unison.ie by any chance?:p

http://www.unison.ie/sportsdesk/stories.php3?ca=12&si=1551329

Stan didn't get Heidi Klum but he didn't get Nora Batty either
Saturday January 28th 2006




IT made for gruesome entertainment, a virtual blind date where everyone was smiling melon slices with pips between their teeth.

Our Stan didn't end up with Heidi Klum, but he didn't get Nora Batty either. She fluttered her ears at Walter Smith and Scotland. If poor Walt was missing in Montreux last night, chances are he could have been found lying under a table whispering that somebody called Len was out to get him.

The UEFA President, Lennart Johansson, oversaw a draw that left more people peeking through their fingers than any Hitchcock thriller. Group A awakened an early terror that seemed to electrify the big room with static. It became the spooky castle with its drawbridge down.

Dungeons

When the time came to assign the fourth seeds their destiny, Steve Staunton's rib-cage must have been thumping like a backboard during hoop practice. Stan would have seen the names of Finland, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan peering up from the dungeons of that castle.

Half-way to completion in Group A. Half-way towards a cup of nitrous oxide.

We have no reason to believe that the whoops from the floor as Belgium were called next bore any Irish lilt.

They could have belonged to our Celtic cousins - and erstwhile fellow possessors of a cement mixer and some plans - the Scots. It could even have been Walt himself kicking up a jig.

If so, it was a chronic case of premature infatuation.

Within minutes, the Scots were being pinned into the belly of a Group B that hit them with Ukraine, Italy and France.

For Stan and Ireland, Group D unraveled with sufficient kindness for us to conclude at this admittedly early juncture that - while he may or may not prove a conspicuously lucky manager of Ireland - he is, at least, not coming to the job cursed.

He has talked the talk in Switzerland, refusing to tap into any retinue of negatives the media might present as helpful context. Fourth seeds. Czech brilliance. German efficiency. Slovakian mystery. Welsh fire. Cypriot vengeance. Time to plan for the future maybe?

"Bring it on," says Stan.

There was a shot of him on stage afterwards, whispering something in Jurgen Klinsmann's ear that the German either didn't hear or immediately dumped into a mental shredder.

Klinsmann looked a bit like Caesar observing business from a chariot. In a way, he was.

Interest

Right now, the Euro Championship qualifiers are of as much interest in Germany as the next December meeting at Leopardstown is to Michael Hourigan and the connections of Beef or Salmon. There's a bigger hill to climb first.

In a sense, that was the sub-plot to Montreux. Those who have qualified for the World Cup finals just looked a little vague, a little distant. Euro 2008 will barely slip onto their radars until such time as this summer's jamboree is settled. Indeed, in Sven-Goran Eriksson's case, it is questionable if Euro 2008 will carry any significance at all.

He bore that trademark, sex-god glow as Sky TV picked through his thoughts on a Group E which, barring a chain of calamitous results, England should negotiate without inordinate drama. And Sven's thoughts didn't amount to-well-a hill of beans. Actually, he had none.

That was the kind of conflict ablaze. Luiz Felipe Scolari held up all tough and breezy over Portugal's sentence to the dreaded group of long names and long travel, knowing that a modest World Cup probably will mean he won't be needed in the gloomy, old Soviet waterholes anyway.

Actually, just now, Scolari is fourth favourite to be England's new boss by the time these qualifiers come round. Nothing stays the same, you see.

Look at Laurie Sanchez. One minute in Montreux, he was probably reminiscing excitedly on Valencia in 1982, on Gerry Armstrong and the North in glorious uproar. The next, he was squirming like a harpooned fish.

Half-way through yesterday's draw, Northern Ireland had Liechtenstein, Iceland and Latvia for company. Then three bullets to the temple. Denmark. Spain. Sweden. Cruel, cruel business.

The Republic, then, should perhaps be counting blessings. Group D gives us a shot at qualifying. The itinerary won't include any journeys too long or too grim. Television rights for the German games alone will be worth the GNP of smaller countries. Hence John Delaney's smile.

It could have been better, of course.

We could have been sitting in the fat chairs as hosts, chortling at all those ashen faces. Delaney could have been Ralph Zloczowar, opening up those balls, cranking out those quirky pronunciations, like "wetting" our appetite or introducing the "hate" cities.

Chortling

Instead, all we could summon were covetous glances and a few wry smiles at all we thought we knew when the bidding process for Euro 2008 was running at full pelt.

Remember the spooky sight of UEFA delegates strolling around Croke Park, like buyers in a car showroom where the cars are not for sale?

Turns out Croker might have been an option, after all.

No matter. It's opening now and the Germans, Czechs, Slovaks and Welsh could probably play to full houses.

Therein, perhaps, resides a quandary.

Do the FAI push for bringing Cyprus and San Marino to Lansdowne before the builders erect their barriers? Does finance drive the strategy? Or is Stan really in charge?

Thirty days to knowing.

[Stuttgart88]

I was away for last few days, so there's probably nothing I can add that hasn't really been said already.

But just for the record I think this is a great draw. It really could have been a lot harder and, perversely if it was any easier, we'd probably mess it up.

The key will be getting a good haul against Wales & Slovakia and at least one win against one of the top 2. There's the potential for the top 2 seeds to drop points all the way down to the 5th pot.

From a travel perspective it's good too, for both fans & players. I can't wait to go to Cardiff. I hope the German game is in Dortmund - it's one stadium in Europe I really want to go to.

While Bratislava is probably an interesting emerging European city, the atmosphere when they played England was pretty ugly. Slovakia are a good side but of the players we know we have players just as good, if not better. They have one guy who is top scorer in Germany but the likes of Nemeth, Varga etc. hardly strike fear. I think they play better as a team than their individual talents would suggest. That's a feature that we lost over the last 4 years & we need to get back. They did well to get a play-off but they were resoundingly thumped by Spain. Was it Slovakia that beat Italy 1-0 last season?

I actually don't mind getting Cyprus again. Almost every team in Pot 6 is a potential banana skin and in a sense it's "better the devil you know".

San Marino is as good a Pot 7 as we could have hoped for. No 8 hour flights to the grimmest countries on earth.

What we need to do is to be fearless and not overly respect any opposition. Let them be afraid to play us. I don't buy into the "draw away, win at home" strategy. That's outdated. Teams that qualify these days WIN away against the mid-ranking teams. In a group like this some dropped points at home can be expected.

I'm not too bothered about the timing of the fixtures. In a way you could argue that we should leave the big teams until later to allow Staunton's team to develop. But they may also be more vulnerable early on. If pushed I'd say go for the easier games first. We won't have many friendlies unless we get something sorted for June & we should use San Marino and Cyprus at home as "dress rehearsals". We should probably play Wales away later on I think. They're usually more up for it early in a group as they're in contention.

[Reality Bites]

I'd avoid the trip to Bratislava, on first hand experience the town is run by the mafia, and certain bars are a no-go area!, Most slovaks will tell you as much.. just ask two english fans who got shot!

[NeilMcD]

Well dont dont go to the no go area then. Bring it on, I am really looking forward to that trip.

[lopez]

I'd avoid the trip to Bratislava, on first hand experience the town is run by the mafia, and certain bars are a no-go area!, Most slovaks will tell you as much.. just ask two english fans who got shot!English fans, shot? Must be a terrible place if they shoot at these angels.

Anyway, it's about 45 minutes from the serenity of Vienna, and its 45 times more expensive bar list. I agree with you Neill, bring it on!!

[Dotsy]

Bratislava is a great spot. Nice city, food and drink are cheap and and accomodation reasonable. Been there a few times on business and have friends living there. They have had some problems with racist chanting at some games (no worse than in Spain and people wouldn't have an issue travelling there for a match). By and large the Slovaks I have met are sound. I'd much prefer this trip than Germany/Czech Rep/Wales. More chance of getting a ticket for a start and I reckon that whoever manages a win here could have the jump on the other teams at the end of the campaign. Vienna is a perfect alternative to fly into if the direct flights fill up fast. Only a short hop from there to Bratislava.