Euro 2008 - Is there any hope?

[OwlsFan]

We don't do away wins against half decent sides (Scotland 1987 being the last one) so in a nutshell, no chance unless the history books are rewritten by Stan :D

[Block G Raptor]

The only away win against a decent side in condex prediction is slovakia away and I'd have to say afteer last night I'd fancy that if we get at them and dont sit back

[Condex]

The only optimistic bit there is Wales to hold czech the rest is possible if not probable

If Toshack thinks there still in it, you never know...
http://football.guardian.co.uk/News_Story/0,,2045167,00.html

[eirebhoy]

If we don't beat Germany I'll be very suprised if we qualify. I'd fancy us to beat Germany than to win any of the remaining away games.

[galwayhoop]

If we don't beat Germany I'll be very suprised if we qualify. I'd fancy us to beat Germany than to win any of the remaining away games.

surely wales should be a probability and we have at least a chance against slovakia.

the way wales's support is at the moment cardiff would be almost like a home game or at least a neutral game if we have anything to play for.

[Nailer77]

surely wales should be a probability and we have at least a chance against slovakia.

the way wales's support is at the moment cardiff would be almost like a home game or at least a neutral game if we have anything to play for.

Definitely a chance in those games if we build on this. Thats the trick though, not falling back into what we've seen before. The really crucial game becomes Czech away, snatch a score draw there and there's real hope. Its still wishful thinking at this point though.

[KopKiller]

A chance that's all. We had two easy home games against dreadful to poor opposition. The real challenge will come now with three tough away games (Slovakia, Czech Rep and Wales) and our toughest home game (Germany). Judging by last nights performance Cyprus will be no pushovers in Dublin either and we have to beat them.

To have any hope I reckon we have to get 11 points plus from those games though we might need as many as 13.

Billsthoughts goal difference counts for nothing. It's head to head.

Im with you youngirish. We have had all our easier games at home already and the remainder of the campaign looks really tough on paper. I dont expect us to get any more than one point in the slovakia/czech double header and I think Germany will expose our lack of midfield strength and beat us.

I cant be confident about picking up many more points ... not even in Cardiff

3rd is the best we can get, which will help our seeding for future tournaments butof course we are Irish, so im sure we will have a go.

[kingdom hoop]

according to the brains at paddy power we are 9/2 to qualify, so there is a chance. less optimistically, we are 1/8 not to qualify. neither represent any where near good value, would anyone back either? by the way i won a nice few bob last night on the 1-0:)

[eirebhoy]

surely wales should be a probability and we have at least a chance against slovakia.

the way wales's support is at the moment cardiff would be almost like a home game or at least a neutral game if we have anything to play for.
It's a good point about the support. I was thinking more about the fact that they'll have Gabbidon, Delaney, Koumas and Earnshaw back. If Giggs, Bellamy, Davies, Bale are on form they've a decent team. I just dread our away matches.

[galwayhoop]

according to the brains at paddy power we are 9/2 to qualify, so there is a chance. less optimistically, we are 1/8 not to qualify. neither represent any where near good value, would anyone back either? by the way i won a nice few bob last night on the 1-0:)

just prior to our game against holland in lansdowne in 2001 we were 5/1 to qualify for the world cup ;)

[eirebhoy]

just prior to our game against holland in lansdowne in 2001 we were 5/1 to qualify for the world cup ;)
We were 9/2 to qualify for the last WC. All very similar so the bookies don't think we're out of it.

[galwayhoop]

It's a good point about the support. I was thinking more about the fact that they'll have Gabbidon, Delaney, Koumas and Earnshaw back. If Giggs, Bellamy, Davies, Bale are on form they've a decent team. I just dread our away matches.

yeah but we will be boosted by s.reid, a.reid, j.o'brien, (fit) k.doyle and hopefully will still have a mathamatical chance to qualify while they are going through the motions and by that stage giggs will probably be withdrawing from squads and bellamy will have fallen out with the boss :D :D

[kingdom hoop]

I dont expect us to get any more than one point in the slovakia/czech double header



i wouldnt share that view. they dont get great crowds/atmosphere in czech/slovakia so with a good away contingent i think we can create a good atmosphere for the lads, allied to the fact we've shown we can match them both leads me to think we will get four points from the september trip.

[galwayhoop]

eirebhoy, what is your opinion / knowledge of celtic's irish forward cillian sheridan. he is big and looks like with bulking up could be strong. an option for an international target man or not up to it??

[eirebhoy]

eirebhoy, what is your opinion / knowledge of celtic's irish forward cillian sheridan. he is big and looks like with bulking up could be strong. an option for an international target man or not up to it??
Seems to have just shot onto the scene. I've only seen 10 minutes of him so I know as much as you. :)

[galwayhoop]

Seems to have just shot onto the scene. I've only seen 10 minutes of him so I know as much as you. :)

not the indept knowledge i expected of you ;) :D

[KopKiller]

Brilliant! We havent had a lanky streak of p1ss since Quinn retired.

Hmmm...im suspicious of expecting too much of players that play in the scotish league, its a second rate division these days and players often look like world beaters there and then go south or get in the national team and are nothing more than average, they need to be playing in the premiership.

[dr_peepee]

It's still in our hands technically so hears hoping..

Maybe we could do our bit to coax Robbie Savage out of retirement for the Welsh for the Czech and German games!!!

[cheifo]

With six months to our next game it gives the younger lads a little more time to develop with their clubs.It happens sometimes after a good preseason young players start the season with a flourish.Central midfield is such a problem area for us so hopefully S.Ireland can start to become more imposing
at Man City.Pity Joey OBrien has missed a season of development at Bolton.,but should be back next season.Owen Garvan maybe?It will be interesting to see how our young strikers develop.Who will make the most progress before our next qualiying game.Long,Stokes or Keogh?What if Ward keeps scoring?I also think Roy O Donavon should be given a chance in our friendlies.No offence to McGeady but I think in his current form ROD would have caused Slovakia a lot more problems.Lets also hope O Dea nails down his place at Celtic.McManus always seems to make costly mistakes.

[Wolfie]

Any thoughts at the minute on the Eastern games. How we'll approach the games, who should /will play etc etc.

On a broader note - with us heading into the final series of games - how realistic a chance to we really have of making it?

[paul_oshea]

wolfie, id say the belief is still the same, and the approach will still be the same as on 30/03/2007.

[Wolfie]

wolfie, id say the belief is still the same, and the approach will still be the same as on 30/03/2007.

You mean the emergence of Lapira hasn't dramatically altered your view since then!!!!

[paul_oshea]

no its hasn't why has it done so to you wolfie wolf wolf?

[Supreme feet]

I'm not optimistic. I think we have the talent at our disposal to finish above the Czechs and Slovaks, but I think we've blown it. If we had a manager with any vestige of conviction or common-sense, we could have been six points better off by now, and in control of the group. Injuries haven't helped, but Staunton hasn't created a settled or even balanced squad. I'm hopeful that we could pick up a few wins to boost our UEFA co-efficient, but I can't see us taking the requisite 13 points from the remaining five games.

Staunton has picked over 55 different players for his squads in the last 18 months, which is astonishing, even taking injuries into account. He doesn't seem to know what he's doing.

[RogerMilla]

i think stan is getting on track , the performances in croker and in america were positive. we are on one game at a time now , if we lose in bratislava its all over , if we draw then we will need to beat the czechs. Its **** or bust time. If everyone is fit i believe we can get something from both these games and then its bring on ze germans!!

[Wolfie]

i think stan is getting on track , the performances in croker and in america were positive. we are on one game at a time now , if we lose in bratislava its all over , if we draw then we will need to beat the czechs. Its **** or bust time. If everyone is fit i believe we can get something from both these games and then its bring on ze germans!!

I'm hoping he goes at the Slovaks and plays 4-4-2. Duff is an attacking loss in this regard but I still hope Stan resists the temptation to play it safe and "not lose" as opposed to try to win the game. Our best form of defence is attack. I'm not advocating an all out Kamakaze assault on them but certainly worth having a go.

If we invite either the Slovaks or Czechs onto us it could be very very tough.

[geysir]

Its **** or bust time
Both those options look bad to me, which is the good one?

[carloz]

I have a feeling that the Czechs will need to travel out to Cyprus and have to get a win to finish ahead of us. Unfortunatly i think they will get it too. Id much prefer if the Czechs had to travel out to Cyprus much sooner as i cant see Cyprus reall worrying about the game considering its the last group game. However the Czechs are in turmoil, if we manage to get a result in Slovakia i really feel we can get one over on the Czechs. The Czechs have looked good in one game, away to Slovakia. They were very poor at home to Wales, Germany and Cyprus. This Czech team is no longer anywhere near the quality they had some 4 years ago. If we lose to Slovakia i can see us totally crumbling though

[shakermaker1982]

We have to be positive in both games. None of this "a point is a good result away from home" ********.

4-4-2 with Hunt on the left and a Doyle/Keano partnership is a must IMO. If we somehow beat the Slovaks then confidence should be at a high and I'd imagine the Czech's will start to have some doubts themselves about their ability going into the game. Like Carloz says this Czech side is not the same side that tormented decent sides a few years back, it's an ageing team that still relies on Baros and Koller to dig them out of holes.

4 points is a MUST if you ask me. 6 points and I'll be in dream land!!!

[Torn-Ado]

I'm not in the slightest bit confident.

A win in either Slovakia or Czech Republic will not happen. Going by away form over the last five or six years, I think 2 points will be the best we'll achieve.

As for Germany in Croker: It will be a huge match, great atmosphere, the players will be right up for it and start laying into the tackles from the first second but the Germans will find their feet mid way through the first half and close out a comfortable draw.

[Paddy Garcia]

4-4-2 with Hunt on the left and a Doyle/Keano partnership is a must IMO.

I don't think that Hunt is anywhere near good enough. Frankly barely good enough for Reading. If Convey hits his old form, Hunt will spend the whole year warming his arse on the bench.

Duff & McGeady our wide men, if fit and playing well.

[The Legend]

I don't think that Hunt is anywhere near good enough. Frankly barely good enough for Reading.

you might well turn out to be right, but im not sure how u can say that based on last season!

[DmanDmythDledge]

Duff & McGeady our wide men, if fit and playing well.
Duff's out injured though isn't he? I'd rather see McGeady on the left but I don't think we have anyone else suitable for right wing.

[shakermaker1982]

I like Hunt and reckon he'll have another good season at Reading. With Duff out for months it's a toss up between McGeady and Hunt and I'd edge towards Hunt. His running, aggression and desire from the start would help.

[Lionel Ritchie]

Still reckon we could lose as many as four of the remaining five games and still believe that if we avoid that, much less qualify, it'll be despite Stan -not because of him.

[ofjames]

I don't think that Hunt is anywhere near good enough. Frankly barely good enough for Reading. If Convey hits his old form, Hunt will spend the whole year warming his arse on the bench.

Duff & McGeady our wide men, if fit and playing well.

Thats a load of crap in my opinion. Hunt was a class act last season and was very impressive in his two sub appearances against wales and slovakia. He's great energy, and is strong when he runs at people etc. If he lost his place at reading (which i think is very unlikely) there'd be several other prem clubs in for him, just as there was this summer

He's far more deserving of a game than mcgeady. that lad has massive talent on the ball, but his performances for ireland, and particularly in the slovakia game were fairly crap...characterised by the following: him fannying about on the ball, getting nowhere, then giving the ball away. I'm very dubious whether he can handle the physical stuff

Besides, Duff's injured for months, he wont be fit.

HUNTY'S THE MAN!!

Steven Reid for the right wing??

[Noelys Guitar]

Hunt is a very difficult opponent to play against. He will be crucial in both Sept away games. We have 2 excellent forwards in Doyle and Keane. Stokes like Murphy can offer something different from the bench. Kilbane looks to be dropping down to the championship so he should be gone. McShane is in the premiership and alongside Dunne a solid partnership. We should be looking to win both our games against the Slovaks and the Czechs. It all depends on Stan. And referees are less inclined towards the home team than they used to be.

[Ozymandias]

as it is stan the man who is manager..alan o brien now at hibs will start...he played when he wasn't getting a game anywhere..so now he will deffo start as he will be a world beater with games under his belt...Run Forest Run..Gump

[Torn-Ado]

We don't ahve the leadership to go away and win against those two teams.

[Stuttgart88]

I'd be very surprised if Hunt doesn't start, even allowing for it being Stan who decides.

Given, McShane, Dunne, Finnan (position?), Keane & Doyle are certain starters.

O'Shea, Carsley, Kilbane, Hunt & Ireland are very likely starters. McGeady, A. Reid, Carr & Potter all have a chance, maybe even Steven Reid if he starts the season well.

Lots of exciting but young & unproven options from the bench, including lots of attacking players like Keogh, Long, Stokes and Murphy. Stephen O'Halloran should be given at least half a game at left back in Denmark.

Alan O'Brien isn't the basket case many make him out to be. He's easily capable of drawing a foul in an advanced position, exactly the type of thing you need in a tight away game.

The following has a good look about it in my opinion, though it's a big ask of O'Halloran & Potter but both looked up to it in the admittedly undemanding games in June. There's no easy answer to left back and central midfield.


Given

Finnan Dunne McShane O'Halloran

A. Reid Carsley Potter (or Ireland) Hunt

Keane Doyle

[Noelys Guitar]

I'd be very surprised if Hunt doesn't start, even allowing for it being Stan who decides.

Given, McShane, Dunne, Finnan (position?), Keane & Doyle are certain starters.

O'Shea, Carsley, Kilbane, Hunt & Ireland are very likely starters. McGeady, A. Reid, Carr & Potter all have a chance, maybe even Steven Reid if he starts the season well.

Lots of exciting but young & unproven options from the bench, including lots of attacking players like Keogh, Long, Stokes and Murphy. Stephen O'Halloran should be given at least half a game at left back in Denmark.

Alan O'Brien isn't the basket case many make him out to be. He's easily capable of drawing a foul in an advanced position, exactly the type of thing you need in a tight away game.

The following has a good look about it in my opinion, though it's a big ask of O'Halloran & Potter but both looked up to it in the admittedly undemanding games in June. There's no easy answer to left back and central midfield.


Given

Finnan Dunne McShane O'Halloran

A. Reid Carsley Potter (or Ireland) Hunt

Keane Doyle

Stans's team barring injuries

Given

Finnan Dunne McShane O'Shea

Ireland Carsley Kilbane Hunt
Keane Doyle

[Torn-Ado]

Stans's team barring injuries

Given

Finnan Dunne McShane O'Shea

Ireland Carsley Kilbane Hunt
Keane Doyle

If thats the midfield partnership then we're out.

[Stuttgart88]

If thats the midfield partnership then we're out.What would yours be?

[jbyrne]

I hope Robbie Keane spends the season warming his arse on the bench.

keane, our record scorer and by far our biggest goal threat?? the critisism of robbie is ridiculous beyond words. without doubt our best ever goalscorer

[RogerMilla]

O'Shea, Carsley, Kilbane, Hunt & Ireland are very likely starters.

barring injury john o shea will be on every stan teamsheet until the day either one of them dies , or at least retires

[Stuttgart88]

barring injury john o shea will be on every stan teamsheet until the day either one of them dies , or at least retires
I have a suspicion that he could go with Carr & Finnan as full backs if JOS isn't playing for MUFC in weeks before the match & Carr is. That's why I say "very likely" rather than certain.

[Wolfie]

I'd be very surprised if Hunt doesn't start, even allowing for it being Stan who decides.

Given, McShane, Dunne, Finnan (position?), Keane & Doyle are certain starters.

O'Shea, Carsley, Kilbane, Hunt & Ireland are very likely starters. McGeady, A. Reid, Carr & Potter all have a chance, maybe even Steven Reid if he starts the season well.

Lots of exciting but young & unproven options from the bench, including lots of attacking players like Keogh, Long, Stokes and Murphy. Stephen O'Halloran should be given at least half a game at left back in Denmark.

Alan O'Brien isn't the basket case many make him out to be. He's easily capable of drawing a foul in an advanced position, exactly the type of thing you need in a tight away game.

The following has a good look about it in my opinion, though it's a big ask of O'Halloran & Potter but both looked up to it in the admittedly undemanding games in June. There's no easy answer to left back and central midfield.


Given

Finnan Dunne McShane O'Halloran

A. Reid Carsley Potter (or Ireland) Hunt

Keane Doyle


Would like to see O'Halloran get a run in the Denmark game alongside the established back four to see how he copes. ie, Given, McShane, Dunne, Finnan and O'Halloran. Admittedly, it was an undemanding game in the summer but he is certainly worth another look given the alternatives. Hopefully breaks into Villa team as well.

Won't pick this team below as Kilbane and O'Shea will start. A case of "experienced but crap" over "inexperienced but good".

Given

Finnan Dunne McShane O'Halloran

A. Reid Carsley S. Reid Hunt

Keane Doyle

Carsley shades out Ireland as we'll need to keep possession at all costs.

[tetsujin1979]

I have a suspicion that he could go with Carr & Finnan as full backs if JOS isn't playing for MUFC in weeks before the match & Carr is. That's why I say "very likely" rather than certain.
O'Shea has been playing in central midfield from what I've seen of United's preseason.

[RogerMilla]

I have a suspicion that he could go with Carr & Finnan as full backs if JOS isn't playing for MUFC in weeks before the match & Carr is. That's why I say "very likely" rather than certain.

i hear ya stutts but even if JOS is warming the bench i reckon stan will start him , dotn forget he was made captain in the summer in robbies ( and admittedly every other feckers ) absence , stan rates him .

[bennocelt]

I don't think that Hunt is anywhere near good enough. Frankly barely good enough for Reading. If Convey hits his old form, Hunt will spend the whole year warming his arse on the bench.
.


well he certainly had a good first season in the premiership, and for ireland

so are you ready to be wrong...again....this coming season??