The 2nd place qualifying table

**geysir** · 10/09/2009, 10:03 PM

My wish was to be competitive, qualify and take our chances from there.
I have not got my wish yet.

**Colbert Report** · 10/09/2009, 10:06 PM

My wish was just to be in with a shout to qualify at this stage of the campaign. We're very likely to reach the playoffs at this point. I'm happy considering the injuries we've had to Reid and Finnan and the Stephen Ireland situation.

**geysir** · 11/09/2009, 10:47 AM

It's a job almost done and while it will be interesting to see how the team play knowing they only need one point from 2 games, what determines my appraisal has moved on to see how we meet the challenge of the play offs.

**gspain** · 11/09/2009, 11:09 AM

Originally Posted by geysir

It's a job almost done and while it will be interesting to see how the team play knowing they only need one point from 2 games, what determines my appraisal has moved on to see how we meet the challenge of the play offs.

We need 2 points to make the playoffs assuming Bulgaria win both their matches.

**geysir** · 11/09/2009, 12:02 PM

Point taken.

**shakermaker1982** · 11/09/2009, 12:16 PM

McDonnell in today's Independent seems to think it will be an open draw 'provided FIFA stay true to their plans'. Please let that be the case!

**Wolfie** · 11/09/2009, 12:40 PM

Originally Posted by shakermaker1982

McDonnell in today's Independent seems to think it will be an open draw 'provided FIFA stay true to their plans'. Please let that be the case!

Certainly the least contentious approach.

If we get that far - we're going to draw France regardless.

**Duggie** · 11/09/2009, 12:42 PM

Originally Posted by Wolfie

Certainly the least contentious approach.

If we get that far - we're going to draw France regardless.

for some reason i think were going to get portugal. hope im wrong.
dont want france either tho. anyone but these 2 for me.

**paul_oshea** · 11/09/2009, 1:43 PM

France would be a great trip. we wouldn't get the same as before but id say we would get 10k

**gspain** · 11/09/2009, 2:05 PM

Originally Posted by paul_oshea

France would be a great trip. we wouldn't get the same as before but id say we would get 10k

Bet they won 't sell their tickets over the phone/internet and post to Ireland this time.

Despite the ease of access France will be one I hope we avoid if we end up in the playoffs.

**elroy** · 11/09/2009, 2:54 PM

Originally Posted by Duggie

for some reason i think were going to get portugal. hope im wrong.
dont want france either tho. anyone but these 2 for me.

Portugal are likely to finish on 19 points (2 wins from 2). Its not inconceivable that they could yet win the group. I think in order for Portugal not to get second, we need Sweden to beat Denmark and for both to win their other game. That would mean they both finish above Portugal.

**mypost** · 12/09/2009, 5:32 AM

Originally Posted by Crosby87

I wonder if there are fans on foreign shores saying: "Lets talk about dis second place ting. Me no want any part of Robbie Keane or Duff or Liam Miller. Duff used to play with the Newcastles. That world class team and tasty beer.
This chap Steven Reid could be back and health. He many cagey international. And manager is old Italian very set in ways. He have quick talking point and like very much this Paul McShane who is very cagey International also. Kevin Kilbane no quick anymore but maybe Stephen Kelly take place. Kelly very pretty boy. Plus Andy Reid lose 2 stone and Hunt have very wild hair. Me no want Ireland Greenies to play us. They also travel the fans which is annoying."

Sounds like a Trappattoni press conference.

**newrynyuk** · 12/09/2009, 8:57 AM

Originally Posted by Duggie

for some reason i think were going to get portugal. hope im wrong.
dont want france either tho. anyone but these 2 for me.

Russia?

**geysir** · 12/09/2009, 12:00 PM

Originally Posted by mypost

Sounds like a Trappattoni press conference.

Had to smile when he referred to Key yoke after the SA game.

Group 3 has a good probability to be the tightest for a 2nd place spot.
Czech Rep and Slovenia have same goal diff.

It would be a major shock if Slovakia lost at home to Slovenia.
Slovakia all but top that group, but they could do with a point in the home game against Slovenia. If Slovakia win, that pretty much sends the pendulum way back to the Czechs to finish 2nd
A point gives Slovenia a chance of securing 2nd place by scoring more goals in one game away against SM than the Czechs can manage in 2 home wins against Poland and NI.
We know that there is a strong possibility that Poland will be beaten by the Czechs, but by how much? leaving a last game against a NI team that will circle the wagons.

with the bookies
Slovenia are 4/5
Czech Rep are 1/1

**gspain** · 12/09/2009, 1:08 PM

Originally Posted by geysir

Had to smile when he referred to Key yoke after the SA game.

Group 3 has a good probability to be the tightest for a 2nd place spot.
Czech Rep and Slovenia have same goal diff.

It would be a major shock if Slovakia lost at home to Slovenia.
Slovakia all but top that group, but they could do with a point in the home game against Slovenia. If Slovakia win, that pretty much sends the pendulum way back to the Czechs to finish 2nd
A point gives Slovenia a chance of securing 2nd place by scoring more goals in one game away against SM than the Czechs can manage in 2 home wins against Poland and NI.
We know that there is a strong possibility that Poland will be beaten by the Czechs, but by how much? leaving a last game against a NI team that will circle the wagons.

Slovenia are 4/5
Czech Rep are 1/1

Slovakia need at least a point at home to Slovenia otherwise they will have to win in Poland assuming Slovenia beat San Marino by 3+. A point at home next gives them the group but if they lose Slovenia will most likely win it.

I think the Czechs will win both home games which just might be enough for a playoff. Still tough to call.

**Scram** · 12/09/2009, 1:15 PM

Quote:
Originally Posted by Duggie
for some reason i think were going to get portugal. hope im wrong.
dont want france either tho. anyone but these 2 for me.

Originally Posted by newrynyuk

Russia?

Agree that Russia would be the worst possible.

**Irish_Praha** · 12/09/2009, 10:50 PM

Originally Posted by Scram

Quote:
Originally Posted by Duggie
for some reason i think were going to get portugal. hope im wrong.
dont want france either tho. anyone but these 2 for me.

Agree that Russia would be the worst possible.

Yeah Russia would be the worst. They are playing well and are the type of team we would struggle against. Compared to most other possible teams it would also be a pain in the balls for the fans to get to the away leg.

**Claret Murph** · 13/09/2009, 4:30 AM

Would hate if it was Russia , I know for sure that I would not travel to that one .

**newrynyuk** · 13/09/2009, 9:59 AM

Originally Posted by Claret Murph

Would hate if it was Russia , I know for sure that I would not travel to that one .

Too right! Isn't Moscow is now the most expensive city in the world? And as for getting a visa to go to Russia...

Mind you, if Russia win their group and we are drawn against Germany instead, we are equally Ballacksed. Easier to travel to admittedly.