worth mentioning as not mentioned above, Cullen was also really great. Best display ever (or in a long time at least). Really looked like a premier league midfielder. Both aggressive out of possession and composed in it.
worth mentioning as not mentioned above, Cullen was also really great. Best display ever (or in a long time at least). Really looked like a premier league midfielder. Both aggressive out of possession and composed in it.
Coleman just does bring that passion and urgency. If he isnt captain he is the defacto leader. The Portuguese moaning about the red card Im enjoying not because its Ronaldo 'n stuff, but its a throw back to times when more talented sides just really hated playing us because we could stop them playing and it really frustrated them. One old Italia 90 story is Schillachi, obviously scored the winner, bit fortunate too, but when he was interviewed after he had 2 black eyes. Its not quite like that but these top sides are tempermental and they dont handle it too well when they feel disrespected and its hilarious, the post match interviews about disappontment about mind games when they love throwing themselves to ground and rolling around (though there wasnt any of that last night).
Conundrum for Sunday, approach the game on a more equal footing or stand off and hit on the break - when you need to win and they can stick, sit in themselves, a mexican standoff doesnt suit us. Nor does being on the front foot as previously we have been vulnerable to the break. I dunno, I almost hate the hope even if I wouldnt have i any other way.
If ever the total was more than the sum of the parts it was last night,incredible performance.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ypx2jB4BoAU
About 3.27 in the leadership and experience of Coleman is evident. Maybe a wee issue with kind of overuling designated captain. But he was making sure that Ronaldo couldnt engage and deflect, spread the blame and cards. Then as ref is waiting for VAR to call the check he is standing in between Ronaldo and any potential for an Irish play to approach. Leaving the ref to do the job. I know there is no need to prove Coleman's leadership but I think this is a fine example to anyone in the game on how to handle things, not get distracted, focus, and keep out of trouble. Wasnt an Irish player stupidly booked while one of the other opposition red cards was give in one of the previous games.
Bookmarks