Tame tonight from Dundalk, they looked like a team after the lord mayor's ball.
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Tame tonight from Dundalk, they looked like a team after the lord mayor's ball.
Poor performance from Dundalk tonight.
I don't understand why Kilduff started ahead of McMillan. It was a tactical decision apparently.
We are a much lesser side when McMillan doesn't start.
At this level, it just takes one to two off key key performances to make the difference. Tonight, Benson and McEleney were indifferent.
The group is still wide open. Next stop Israel. Where is my passport.
Was at the game last night and it was clear early on that they were rusty and not their usual crisp passing self. Europe is tough (ask Inter) and Dundalk are always facing teams with bigger budgets and supposedly better players. To be still in with a chance of making the last 32 with one game to go is phenomenal. I for one wouldn't be surprised if they done it. I gave up being surprised by the things Dundalk do ages ago. On a side note, hope they at the very least, get what they need from the last game to be in with an excellent chance of being seeded in QCL2 next season.
Disappointed with a 1-0 home defeat against a decent Dutch side, featuring players with international and Premiership experience.
That's progress, I guess!
In all honesty, Dundalk were really poor and AZ weren't much better. If it wasn't for Rogers, that could well have been 3-0 or 4-0. Gartland was really poor at times, he always seems to have a mistake in him. O'Donnell started poorly, injury obviously bothered him from the start. McEleney might as well have stayed at home. Kilduff over McMillan was a poor choice, lacked the energy of McMillan up front early on to hold the ball up.
There was a number of occasions where the two weeks off really showed in their general game play. Playing a friendly against Brentford under-23 side wasn't sufficient preparation for the game.
They really need a massive performance in the last game. It's going to be a huge ask.
We were due a poor game at last. After playing 38 games in 5 days we end up with no game for 3 weeks and looked rusty and slow for it. Whatever about anything else we still need another point to greatly increase the chances of being seeded next season.
I think some folk need to take a step back and gauge who our opposition are their resources, where they are in their season.
We lost by an odd goal to a perennial top 5 Dutch side. They could of scored more but didnt and we still have a chance is qualifying.
By the some people go on you would think we were one of the favourites for the competition
We need to switch back to winter football to properly prepare our teams for this stage of European competition.
It was amazing to see AZ's fans and players being absolutely relieved to beat an Irish team 1-0. This dundalk team are incredible and I wouldn't rule them out at all just yet.
Only problem now is, isn't it going to be bleeding roasting in Israel, the heat might effect them
Not really. Top temperatures over there are in the low-mid 20s at the minute. The match will be played late in the eve so temperatures will probably be in the teens. It shouldn't affect performance - http://www.holiday-weather.com/tel_aviv/forecast/Quote:
Originally Posted by vinnie
Thanks, wasn't thinking about the evening kick off :doh:
Even though Tel Aviv were eventually beaten 2-0 by Zenit, I thought they looked pretty decent.
its a pity a draw couldnt have been had at home.
because going away against a team who is also still in with a chance will be tough. The lost to Zenit so maybe confidence is low but the home game against Zenit also went quite close and they beat AZ away and got the draw at home (ie theyve beaten AZ on aggregate where Dundalk lost). they will fancy their chances as well id say.
And as has been discussed another point or two for the co-efficient could be very important come next may...
Two more points would be fantastic. What sort of result would that require?Quote:
Originally Posted by sparky12345678
It was predictable that Dundalk started sluggish and that AZ had learned lessons to snuff out their threat. It's a learning curve for Dundalk. BATE similarly had learned lessons from their first game last year. I'm hopeful Zenit will at least draw with AZ but I wouldn't be banking on it. The group stage format allows Dundalk the opportunity to learn lessons fast and regroup. Tel Aviv will do their homework as well. I'm hopeful we'll see Dundalk bang on form in a couple of weeks. If injuries in midfield clear up my prediction is Dundalk to win. Just like Ireland got their result against Italy, AZ might get their's against Zenit.
It'll be interesting to see how Zenit approach their game as it is their last game for 2 months due to the winter break in Russia. I'd imagine they're wouldn't be a need to rest any players due to that.
Dundalk were poor last night - awful in fact. I think they had one chance of merit on goal all game, and could have lost 3 or 4 nil if it hadn't been for Rogers.
The lack of competitive football for a few weeks was clear to see - their passing was really poor throughout the game. Really simple mistakes like passing the ball straight to the opposition.
I don't know what their plan is, but they need to land themselves a few more testing fixtures than Brentford U23s between now and the Macabbi game.
a draw is 1 coeff point and a win is 2. Thats why not getting a draw v Zenit or in the last game v Alkmaar is annoying. Cos a win (2 coeff points) away from home will be tough... but even a draw would be a help.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ezeikial
Catch 22Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr A