Pretty much as good as could have been hoped for, depending on what Wales team turns up I guess
Granted the other 3 will all be thinking the same thing
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Pretty much as good as could have been hoped for, depending on what Wales team turns up I guess
Granted the other 3 will all be thinking the same thing
We don't have a bad record against those teams (numbers in brackets refer to current FIFA ranking)
record vs Wales(23): played: 17, wins: 6, draws: 4, losses: 7, last win on Monday, 9 October 2017
record vs Finland(58): played: 5, wins: 3, draws: 2, losses: 0, last win on Wednesday, 21 August 2002
record vs Bulgaria(59): played: 10, wins: 3, draws: 4, losses: 3, last win on Tuesday, 10 September 2019
It's a reasonable draw and a great opportunity for the new manager to prepare his team for the Qatar WC qualifiers, in 6 competitive games without the pressure of direct qualification.
Just don't get relegated though.
Perfect start for Kenny, competitive games that if we play well we should win.
Anyone have any idea when the fixtures dates are going to be confirmed?
Should be later tonight or tomorrow
https://www.uefa.com/uefanationsleag...ations-league/
So it's more or less a stand alone tournament /league this time with the best two winners of whatever league (A, B, C, D) not already qualified for WC 2022 getting a place in a difficult 2 stage play off phase where only 3 qualify? So basically it's a bit of a lifeline to qualify for WC if you win your group but not really a great route at all.
Seems fair enough.
From a footballing perspective it's a good draw. I'd have preferred anyone except Russia and Wales, but Wales is the better of those two.
Glad we got Finland, really glad actually, and Bulgaria are on such a downward spiral, going there first game should be a great opportunity for Stephen to put his stamp on the team.
Think the fixtures have worked out really well too.
Thursday, 3rd September
19:45 Bulgaria v Rep of Ireland
Sunday, 6th September
17:00 Rep of Ireland v Finland
Saturday, 10th October
14:00 Rep of Ireland v Wales
Tuesday, 13th October
19:45 Finland v Rep of Ireland
Friday, 13th November
19:45 Wales v Rep of Ireland
Monday, 16th November
19:45 Rep of Ireland v Bulgaria
Times (GMT)
Full fixtures - https://editorial.uefa.com/resources..._league.pdf%20
If all Nations League A group winners qualify directly for the 2022 WC, there would be an opening for two (unqualified) League B group winners to get into the WC qual play offs. But that route in comparison would make these Euro 2020 play offs look like a garden stroll.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bottle of Tonic
There are only 13 places for UEFA nations at WC 2022, 10 qual group winners, plus a meagre 3 from 12 teams in the playoffs.
Considering the home venue and group opponents that Ireland would have at Euro 2020, it's a tragedy in the making that the team might not be good enough to take their place.
Should Iceland qualify for Euro 2020, they would be in a group with France, Germany and Portugal, a bit like Muggsy Bogues in the NBA.
Fixtures confirmed: https://www.fai.ie/ireland/news/uefa...e-fixture-list
Thursday, September 3rd
Bulgaria vs Republic of Ireland (7:45pm)
Sunday, September 6th
Republic of Ireland vs Finland (5pm)
Sunday, October 11th
Republic of Ireland vs Wales (2pm)
Wednesday, October 14th
Finland vs Republic of Ireland (5pm)
Sunday, November 15th
Wales v Republic of Ireland (5pm)
Wednesday, November 18th
Republic of Ireland vs Bulgaria (7:45pm)
It's more complicated with the play offs inserted and it will probably relegate the subsequent Nations League game in importance - to a hangover game.
Thursday October 8. Euro 2020 semi final
Slovakia V Ireland
Sunday, October 11th
Republic of Ireland vs Wales (2pm)
Wednesday, October 14th
Finland vs Republic of Ireland (5pm)
and if still alive, it could be a revival of A Night in November.
Thursday November 12 Euro play off final.
NI/Bosnia v Ireland
Sunday, November 15th
Wales v Republic of Ireland (5pm)
Wednesday, November 18th
Republic of Ireland vs Bulgaria (7:45pm)
Welsh squad announced for their games against Finland and Bulgaria: https://www.faw.cymru/en/news/giggs-...eague-matches/
https://www.faw.cymru/files/2115/983...ad_seniors.jpg
not impressiveQuote:
Originally Posted by tetsujin1979
Not really, but if Wales have shown us anything in the last five years, it's that you can get over a lot of weaknesses if you have even just a couple of standout players in your team - and the two lads that have been doing that for them time and again are in there again.
If we could even pull two players of that standard out of the crop we have coming through at the moment we'd be set for the next 10 years.
Brooks, Ramsey, James, Wilson, Bale, Brooks and maybe Matondo are better players than everyone in the squad aside from Ben Davies who is at their level. And that 6/7 are battling for (probably) 4 places or maybe 5 if you drop Ramsey deeper into midfield (where he isn't as good).
14 of the squad was born outside of Wales too- 13 in England and 1 in Germany (but grew up in England).
I can imagine a Wales fan reading this and checking out our squad for comparison! European semi finalists, safely through again this time. We'd be fawning over ourselves if we had guys who played multiple games for Real Madrid, Juventus, Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham, etc.
We're half fawning as it is with our prospects who've barely kicked a ball for Norwich and Millwall included, and lamenting the non-selection of a guy who comes off the bench for Southampton sometimes. :o
I don''t think it is that bad. Based on one comment which says "not impressive"? I think Eirambler went onto specify that they have two stand out players (presumably Bale and Ramsey) and I then referred to the 6 or 7 forward players that fall into the bracket you set out above.Quote:
Originally Posted by DeLorean
I agree. All we have at the moment is potential. On current form only Doherty, Coleman, Egan and possibly McGoldrick would warrant a place in their first team. Some of their younger players such as Matondo and James are currently far ahead in their development than any of the players we are staking our future hopes on.Quote:
Originally Posted by DeLorean