Republic of Ireland V Wales - Sunday, 11th October 2020 - UEFA Nations League

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Originally Posted by paul_oshea

Game is lacking intensity, pace, creativity but more than anything stop this messing passing about the back four. Long balls up to long have worked out so far or fast to feet he's won us frees or laid off passes. None of this passing about the back to massage some possession based stats. Or make some people feel better because they need hope, hope keeps them going, the perpetual flame of hope. Our best opportunities or play have come from long balls. Long making some good runs. They looks t 6s and 7s when attacking centrally at speed on them. So use long. Gabbidon and Mick saying as I said no intensity happy to have it around the back and negating eachother. Possession for possession sake. Not playing to our strengths or players better attributes. General poor fare.
And everyone we get the ball in their half we seem to turn back or pass it around. 4 games in I thought we have looked to rectify that. MCG and Robinson did try the last day to be fair. And created our best chances off it.


At least previously we looked like scoring from set pieces we don't even have that now. Where are our goals going to come from it you won't play to our individual players stengths who are on the pitch?!

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Times are changing POS. Let’s embrace it! We no longer have to be ashamed of the football we play, and wince when other countries merely state we are “difficult to play against” or we are “pests to play against” given our tough footballing style of hoof ball and harassing the opposition. Although by the sounds of it you’re one of the footballing faithful that revel in that. Sure, you may miss out on a few **** up trips abroad where you will stand proudly with a pint in your hand singing the Fields of Athenry as we are 4-0 down in the closing minutes, and slapping yourself and your mates on your back telling everyone who will listen “aren’t we the best fans in the world?” As the hoof ball and pestering the opposition continues from our sides, as opposing fans put their eyes up to heaven as the primitive Irish “put ‘em under pressure” to the delight of the drunken Irish fans.

This attempt to change the football philosophy is refreshing for me. Hopefully, I can finally be proud of Irish football. Hopefully, it’s a case of short term pain for long term gain, and we don’t return to the embarrassing/dark days. Let’s give it 4 years, and see what happens. At least we can say we gave it a try

I'd have Hourihane off here for Byrne- if not Byrne then Cullen.

While it is refreshing to watch us try to play proper football, we simply give the ball away far too often. I don't think we have the players in the middle of the park to pay the ball on the ground, especially against teams better than Wales.

Shane Long missing chances like that is so Shane Long

So true. The most Shane Long miss ever. Not exactly a sitter given he had to judge flight of the ball but goalscorers score that. He's had a fine game. I'd like to see Byrne in to slot a few through to him.

Still a mix of good and bad, but we look the better team and the more likely to get a winner and we haven't done that the last few times against Wales. A win would really do so much for this team now.

Hendrick mixing the sublime and ridiculous as usual.

Yeah, Hendrick is so frustrating. He has so much about him.

Brady causing Ben Davies a lot of problems. Given their 4-4-2 set up, Burnley should embrace the option of him there. He'd make hay.

Byrne the only one from the original squad on the bench and yet to see minutes? Surely he gets at least 20 mins?

An instinctive goalscorer would also have taken the shot then rather than try and play a cute 1-2 between two defenders

Hourihane much better in 2nd half playing at base of midfield.

Wales bringing on the teenages now in Williams and Levitt. No subs yet for us on 67 minutes.

Id like to see Hendrick on right of front 3, get Byrne into 10 position

Wales are there for the taking. No bale or Allan and they are bang average, Kenny needs to go for this we need 3 points 1 is useless

Seani Maguire and Horgan coming in. Cullen and Byrne sitting on their hands.

Would have taken McClean off instead of Brady. Strange sub

11 attempts on goal ... None on target! ... It tells you everything!

Doherty has been impressive at centre back. Horgan was unlucky with the header. A couple of good chances this half. Really need one to sneak in now.

A shot on target!!

Finally one ... Hendrick there ... Ireland playing well last 5 mins!

Stupid from McClean.