I don't get a 3-5-2 in this game. Why not give the players a workout with this formation against Andorra?Quote:
Originally Posted by Razors left peg
I wonder if O'Shea could be left back and McClean left of the front 3 with Parrott right of it?
EDIT: Or Parrott central and behind Idah with Knight right and McClean left. 4-2-3-1.
Very excited about the front 2, but they need service from the midfield. Hourihane and Doherty as senior players need to get the finger out and start contributing.
3 centre halves with McClean and Doherty wing backs I think. Cullen and Hourihane as 2 DMs - Parrott and Knight behind Idah?
Egan rattles the crossbar from close range,the bit of jostling in the build up probably cost him hitting the target.
We've started on the back foot again.
Ok start from us, struggling to get Parrott and Idah into the game but early days.
Is Hourihane trying to play a game of Where's Wally with all the people in the stadium? He has been non existent so far and it is killing us. We cant seem to keep possession past midfield and play through any lines.
Think after a very shaky first five minutes it’s been solid enough. By far the best chance with Egan off the bar. When we’ve mixed it up we’ve looked a lot better. We’re better keeping the ball from a break down up the field than trying to play out. Hourihane does have an incredibly and infuriating ability to put himself in positions where he’s never an option.
Standard from himQuote:
Originally Posted by Olé Olé
was thinking the same about Hourihane. He is such a passenger, its not even funny. Parrott, to me, looks a step or two off where he needs to be at this level. Idah on the other hand has so far shown a little better - won a throw out of nothing stands out. Still pretty laborious stuff, cant seem to get our foot on the ball and find a meaningful pass.Quote:
Originally Posted by Olé Olé
I don't like hammering him too persistently but this is as bad as I've seen him do it. He will not receive possession unless he has a yard or two of space all around him.
I agree on all fronts. Idah is putting in a shift, without getting a great return but they are challenging situations. Parrott trying to knock it around the corner past a good player like Orban. He must have chuckled to himself as he guided the ball to the keeper.Quote:
Originally Posted by SkStu
I was embarrassed for him.Quote:
Originally Posted by Olé Olé
Parrott's seems to think he's still playing against Andorra
I think Parrot has been good. He’s trying things and he’s won two or three frees. One with a lovely nutmeg and another that he took quickly in an effort to make something happen. Idah is putting in a shift but not making a lot happen either.
Hourihane made a criminally bad pass in the first minute and didn’t want to know about the ball after that. You see it happen to amateur players all the time but it shouldn’t happen with an experienced pro.
Better than the first half against Andorra (wouldn't be too hard) but still we look a bit more interested.
A lot better from Parrott there. O'Shea has been very impressive to me too. And McClean i have to say, much as that pains me :D
Not the worst first half.
Hungary are better, but they're ranked higher so that's expected.. they are also a much more settled team/squad, while Ireland are very much a work in progress.
I keep saying it.. its brave to blood so many yiung players at once, but its necessary. They're doing ok
Enjoyable enough game in that first half. The novelty of fans at the game is help aswell. It’s been a solid performance from Ireland.
We have been fairly solid defensively which is what we should expect
I hope O'Shea isn't a starter when everyone is available. Got caught out again
We have to be pretty happy with that half. Generally solid defensively, a couple of fantastic balls into the box when the chance has presented. I think we’re letting them run the ball out from the back a little too easily at times, but I suppose that’s letting us get organised in the middle rather than getting cut open by a couple of passes with a full press.
Glad to see us mix things up a bit. Duffy and McLean really lifting their games. We still lack a bit of craft around the middle. Knight is working his balls off and getting fouled repeatedly, would be nice to see Cullen or Hourihane just being a bit more assertive and creative from time to time.