Prof Hoffman
16/10/2006, 3:44 PM
I have been watching the Republic of Ireland soccer team for many years now - not, I dare say, as the rabid supporter some here are, but with a great degree of passion and interest nonetheless.
It is quite obvious that psychologically speaking there are problems with the team (and in some cases the supporters) - the good news is they are not insurmountable.
In recent times I have noticed a growing tendency to allow the opposition to score within a few minutes of ourselves scoring, or indeed to concede goals when we have the advantage score-wise, and possession-wise. Some people like to comment that the "National Psyche" favours the underdog, the colonial past favours the honest grafter, the hard luck story. The almost, the not quites. Like a painful memory gnawing at the back of the sub-concious.
The Saipan incident is such a memory, Switzerland (the bogey team), Israel..Cyprus.
I believe the team is in need of a pschological overhaul. They must believe in themselves. They must KNOW they can win, and KNOW they can maintain a lead.
For years the Irish have been looking for something, anything, to pull them from the doldrums. The Charlton era coincided with an upturn in the economy..all told now the supporters EXPECT victory in almost any field. A winner attitude, unfortunately tinged with a nagging at the back of the mind "It won't last". Headline writers already have the "The good times are over" banners ready.
But the good times won't end unless you let them. The team must be reinvigorated mentally, they must be psychology battle hardened. Mentally they must be superior..the Germans are particularly good at this, remember they got beaten 5-1 by England at home, and still went on to perform admirably in major tournaments.
Obviously physical skill is important, but think of this as part of that skill. Psychologically speaking we have a way to go, but one the team achieves a perfect symmetry between physical and mental abilities, well we can become one of the best teams in the world. of that I have no doubt.
I am very impressed with the backing the supporters gave the team in Lansdowne last Wednesday, amazing! Like a psychological pat on the back to the team. A will of iron is now what the team needs to become champions, and an appetite for victory.
It is quite obvious that psychologically speaking there are problems with the team (and in some cases the supporters) - the good news is they are not insurmountable.
In recent times I have noticed a growing tendency to allow the opposition to score within a few minutes of ourselves scoring, or indeed to concede goals when we have the advantage score-wise, and possession-wise. Some people like to comment that the "National Psyche" favours the underdog, the colonial past favours the honest grafter, the hard luck story. The almost, the not quites. Like a painful memory gnawing at the back of the sub-concious.
The Saipan incident is such a memory, Switzerland (the bogey team), Israel..Cyprus.
I believe the team is in need of a pschological overhaul. They must believe in themselves. They must KNOW they can win, and KNOW they can maintain a lead.
For years the Irish have been looking for something, anything, to pull them from the doldrums. The Charlton era coincided with an upturn in the economy..all told now the supporters EXPECT victory in almost any field. A winner attitude, unfortunately tinged with a nagging at the back of the mind "It won't last". Headline writers already have the "The good times are over" banners ready.
But the good times won't end unless you let them. The team must be reinvigorated mentally, they must be psychology battle hardened. Mentally they must be superior..the Germans are particularly good at this, remember they got beaten 5-1 by England at home, and still went on to perform admirably in major tournaments.
Obviously physical skill is important, but think of this as part of that skill. Psychologically speaking we have a way to go, but one the team achieves a perfect symmetry between physical and mental abilities, well we can become one of the best teams in the world. of that I have no doubt.
I am very impressed with the backing the supporters gave the team in Lansdowne last Wednesday, amazing! Like a psychological pat on the back to the team. A will of iron is now what the team needs to become champions, and an appetite for victory.