As the author of that post, I’m happy to be consuming a large slice of humble pie. Just didn’t see that improvement coming, I do suspect that the new found flexibility, formation and coherence owes a lot to Barry. Bit if he was Kenny’s pick as coach, then that was a genius addition to the team.Quote:
Originally Posted by ifk101
I didn't say we were relying on them. I said we had a lot, and we do. Bazunu, McClean, Arter, Ogbene, Parrott, Collins, Horgan, Keane - a third of the squad. That's a lot. Only Keane didn't play in the two games.Quote:
Originally Posted by jbyrne
Numerous comments about Qatar being poor. Bear in mind we were not at full strength, we fielded a team littered with players struggling at club level, gave two players their starting debuts, and another two starters are novices at this level (McGrath, Omobamidele). In the context of where we have been, where we are, and where we can potentially go, it’s all very pleasing and encouraging.
Fair play.Quote:
Originally Posted by third policeman
Barry has been around since the start of WC qualification campaign. I think improvement could be seen with the Andorra/ Hungary training camp games so maybe Barry's input of having more time to work with the players began to show from there. But let's not dilute Kenny's input, he was appointed to the job on his own merits.Quote:
Originally Posted by third policeman
Fair play, great to see posts like that. The forum has been a great read over the last month or so.Quote:
Originally Posted by third policeman
Agree with all of this.Quote:
Originally Posted by Olé Olé
Connolly: exactly what I was thinking.
Collins: Kingdom & I saw him in the U16 Euros a few years ago. His dad was sitting in front of us. We both agreed we had rarely seen such a promising young player. That said, we were also really impressed by his partner that day, Ledwidge, who's now a sub at Shels :)
We do need to beat Luxembourg too though and be competitive against Portugal, otherwise the doubts will return. It'd be great to start the next campaign chomping at the bit.
It as much depends on the Luxembourg v Azerbaijan game as our game v Portugal.Quote:
Originally Posted by Razors left peg
Beating Luxembourg is the bare minimum, but even if he does and it's not good enough to finish 3rd, it's hard to justify a new deal on the basis of finishing fourth in a three horse race.
The final position is irrelevant imho. We can't change the bad results from earlier. It's the more recent performances - and the public mood - that'll decide his future.
The initial Kenny mission statement is only now beginning to look like it's starting to go somewhere. The fans are behind it, the broader public seems to be behind it, we have a new generation of players popular among the public and admired. I think the last 2 games, and Portugal away, have swung the pendulum to SK's side. I think things need to go badly wrong again for him to be under threat now.
It was really nice to watch Ireland batter a team over 90 minutes, everyone played well and looked up for it. There seems to be a good spirit in the camp and winning is a good mentality to have. Azerbaijan and Qatar were poor but you can only beat what's in front of you.
Previous campaigns Azerbaijan away would have danger written all over it and you could imagine us escaping with a late McGeady/McClean winner after huffing and puffing for 90 minutes with a few close scares on our goal.
There is a real energy and enthusiasm for Kenny and the team. Portugal will be a sell out and a lot depends on the next Nations League Group to keep momentum building. I expect the FAI to try and capitalise with a few high profile friendlies and an old favourite like Oman lol
It was absolutely brilliant! in relation to Qatar you can only beat what put infront of you
Is this real? Is this our new team?, will we give Portugal a go and the beat Luxemburg easily like we should be doing. if so I may owe Stephen Kenny quite the apology!, time will tell
Just on Collins. Would have been nice to see more of him to weigh up the alternative as there is unease in Duffy’s body shape and touch when on the ball (those sweep cross field passes aside). But liked the way we used Duffy's aerial threat last night. He was very advanced for the throw-in that led to the first goal, and moved up in open play to play alongside Robinson as striker for the third.
In a real "where are they now?" moment, this is on the42's review of the game: https://www.the42.ie/ireland-qatar-3-5572509-Oct2021/
Quote:
Not all Irish starlets at Liverpool make it at Irish senior level – the Qatar physio at tonight’s game, Richie Partridge, is testament to that fact – but tonight Caoimhin Kelleher did make that leap, though it took 15 minutes for him to have his first touch and realise it. Such was the extent of Ireland’s early dominance.
Was that Qatars strongest team ?
I'm still not sure we should be beating Luxembourg easily. Serbia won there 0-1 last week, 68th minute goal. Not winning will be disappointing alright, but a professional hard fought 1-0 would do me just fine.
do your researchQuote:
Originally Posted by seanfhear
I think that is because our expectations have dropped so low, but we really should be beating them handily. The place is like a large IFSCQuote:
Originally Posted by Stuttgart88
Wiki says there was no-one of any real note who'd been called up in the past twelve months but wasn't in the squad anyway.Quote:
Originally Posted by seanfhear
The keeper wasn't first choice (but didn't do much wrong - beaten by a penalty, two deflections, and a header from five yards) and one or two other players were rotated in it seems, but in general it was an experienced squad. Their front two have 55 international goals between them for example.
I would be keen to keep the blue jersey as our permanent away jersey
I though it was excellent
Any takers? I haven't liked the white since USA 94
I haven't liked it since I started drinking more Guinness than lager.Quote:
Originally Posted by Diggs246
Blue (not green) is actually the national colour of Ireland
So you know Ireland's national colour might not be green, right? (thejournal.ie)
I thought the keeper's jersey looked well actually. Modern keeper jerseys are awful bland rubbish.
Reminds me to start digging up a few historic jerseys to run the next Ireland's Best tournament next month.