Bulgaria V Ireland (Pre Match Thread)

[eirebhoy]

Yeh I know the player he's pals with and he's been spot on with everything tbh. Pity it's nothing more than confirming what we all guessed anyway, that St Ledger will start. I think the probable team from a couple of days ago looks to be the one.

And apparently St Ledger was described as a "smashing player".

[tricky_colour]

"The Hull full-back"

Shows you how up to speed the football editorial staff are at RTE

Nice to see they have their finger on the pulse

[FarBeag]

If Miller played like he did the other night i would not be unhappy with him starting. I never thought i would say anything positive about him but he proved he has it in him when he can be arsed.

Glad for St Ledger, its about time he was given the chance but i wonder why it took then so long to call him up?

I would also have Lawrence in there. Not so good the other night but is a much better player.

[tricky_colour]

Any how I hear SSL is only 5'11, not very tall for a central defender?

[Stuttgart88]

He's good though. Being 5'11" doesn't stop him being an aerial threat from set pieces either.

I take on board YI's calls to be measured in our enthusiasm for SSL but without him I reckon our defence has one crucial mistake in it (from Kelly or McShane at RB, Kilbane at LB and even Dunne or JOS too).

In a perverse way of looking at it, even if they still make one serious boob with SSL in the team that only levels things up. If an error is avoided by a back 4 with SSL in it then it's a bonus.

But with JOS at RB a vital channel for developing play is opened and whoever plays RHM will get better support. SSL can also develop play at CB. I think our ball retention and starting of moves will be better. McShane struggles to do this at CB and can't do it at all at RB. Bulgaria didn't even mark McShane when he got forward at RB in Dublin. They knew he would/could only ever give the ball back to a double marked McGeady or else just launch a hoof upfield.

Edit, added later: I guess what I'm trying to say that with SSL in the team we're likely to be no worse defensively and we may well be better as a team at actually using the ball.

[Predator]

Any how I hear SSL is only 5'11, not very tall for a central defender?

Fabio Cannavaro is only 5'9". See you tomorrow.

I'm really looking forward to the game. Both teams have so much to lose, so it's sure to be an exciting affair. I want us to beat the Bulgarians, then take that confidence back to Dublin to batter the Italians. Too enthusiastic? I want it to happen, so that's what I'll be willing to happen!!

[Stuttgart88]

I want it to happen, so that's what I'll be willing to happen!!

Good on ya.

[Stuttgart88]

Anyone think Liam Brady might rise to the occasion motivationally , unfinished business with Bulgaria and all that?

Can't beat them Bulgarians often enough, as Geysir said.

[Supreme feet]

Starting to get the ritual wave of unbridled optimism now, imagining how Saturday is going to unfold. When the dust settles on this qualifying campaign, we may well look at the days between the Bulgaria and Italy games in March as a possible turning point.

After the Bulgaria game in Croker I was extremely disappointed; not just with the result but with the lack of urgency, and lack of basic passing, movement and technical skills that our lads were exhibiting. The difference between that night and Bari could not have been more profound. Also compare our dreadful performance against Poland in November to that against Nigeria - there's a marked difference, in terms of getting the basics right, i.e. keeping the ball, and closing players down.

I think something may have clicked in Bari. The ghosts of Staunton, Nicosia and Bratislava may have been finally laid to rest. Trapattoni has brought some improving, motivated players in from left-field, nurtured them into the side, and is gradually filling the yawning chasms in the squad which have existed since the mass retirements of 2005/6, deficiencies which were exacerbated by the revolving-door selection policy under our last manager. With the advent of St. Ledger to fill our gaping hole in defence, I think this team is headed in the right direction; returns for Doyle and Steven Reid, and the further development of Foley, could make our team/squad look very strong come the autumn, and well prepared for the tough games then, and a possible playoff. We're a team on the up, at long last. Saturday night may prove to be memorable, if we perform to our ability, and perhaps get a few breaks along the way.

Another reason I feel optimistic is because historically Bulgaria are a lot like us in that they're not at ease with the 'favourites' tag (maybe it's a postcolonial thing). They save their best performances for when their backs are against the wall, like in Croker, when they were missing three top players. With that performance in mind, their local media and fans will be putting huge pressure on Stoilov and their 'stars' to deliver, and to do so in style. That suits us. In their last campaign (Euro 2008), qualification was thrown away because of two draws with Albania and a defeat in Slovenia. They don't like being favourites. Also, consider the fact that they'll be starting Bojinov and Berbatov - two out-and-out CFs - which will free up the centre of the park, unlike in Croker when we were strangled by their 4-5-1 formation.

All of the above could be blind optimism, but at least there's method to the madness; far removed from the straw-clutching that preceded events in Bratislava and Prague. Come on Ireland.

[richieos]

Starting to get the ritual wave of unbridled optimism now, imagining how Saturday is going to unfold. When the dust settles on this qualifying campaign, we may well look at the days between the Bulgaria and Italy games in March as a possible turning point.

After the Bulgaria game in Croker I was extremely disappointed; not just with the result but with the lack of urgency, and lack of basic passing, movement and technical skills that our lads were exhibiting. The difference between that night and Bari could not have been more profound. Also compare our dreadful performance against Poland in November to that against Nigeria - there's a marked difference, in terms of getting the basics right, i.e. keeping the ball, and closing players down.

I think something may have clicked in Bari. The ghosts of Staunton, Nicosia and Bratislava may have been finally laid to rest. Trapattoni has brought some improving, motivated players in from left-field, nurtured them into the side, and is gradually filling the yawning chasms in the squad which have existed since the mass retirements of 2005/6, deficiencies which were exacerbated by the revolving-door selection policy under our last manager. With the advent of St. Ledger to fill our gaping hole in defence, I think this team is headed in the right direction; returns for Doyle and Steven Reid, and the further development of Foley, could make our team/squad look very strong come the autumn, and well prepared for the tough games then, and a possible playoff. We're a team on the up, at long last. Saturday night may prove to be memorable, if we perform to our ability, and perhaps get a few breaks along the way.

Another reason I feel optimistic is because historically Bulgaria are a lot like us in that they're not at ease with the 'favourites' tag (maybe it's a postcolonial thing). They save their best performances for when their backs are against the wall, like in Croker, when they were missing three top players. With that performance in mind, their local media and fans will be putting huge pressure on Stoilov and their 'stars' to deliver, and to do so in style. That suits us. In their last campaign (Euro 2008), qualification was thrown away because of two draws with Albania and a defeat in Slovenia. They don't like being favourites. Also, consider the fact that they'll be starting Bojinov and Berbatov - two out-and-out CFs - which will free up the centre of the park, unlike in Croker when we were strangled by their 4-5-1 formation.

All of the above could be blind optimism, but at least there's method to the madness; far removed from the straw-clutching that preceded events in Bratislava and Prague. Come on Ireland.

spot on.

[Razors left peg]

Very good post by supreme Feet and I agree with pretty much all that,the team definately does seem to be heading in the right direction.I think after Bari that not only are the players starting to click and grow in confidence but also Trap has grown more confident that his players have the ability to beat good teams.
Im a nervous wreck already about this game,but Im very confident of beating what is an average enough Bulgaria team..... although I had a dream during the week that we were beaten 2 nil

[weldoninhio]

Starting to get the ritual wave of unbridled optimism now, imagining how Saturday is going to unfold. When the dust settles on this qualifying campaign, we may well look at the days between the Bulgaria and Italy games in March as a possible turning point.

After the Bulgaria game in Croker I was extremely disappointed; not just with the result but with the lack of urgency, and lack of basic passing, movement and technical skills that our lads were exhibiting. The difference between that night and Bari could not have been more profound. Also compare our dreadful performance against Poland in November to that against Nigeria - there's a marked difference, in terms of getting the basics right, i.e. keeping the ball, and closing players down.

1)I think something may have clicked in Bari. The ghosts of Staunton, Nicosia and Bratislava may have been finally laid to rest. Trapattoni has brought some improving, motivated players in from left-field, nurtured them into the side, and is gradually filling the yawning chasms in the squad which have existed since the mass retirements of 2005/6, deficiencies which were exacerbated by the revolving-door selection policy under our last manager. With 2) the advent of St. Ledger to fill our gaping hole in defence, I think this team is headed in the right direction; returns for Doyle and Steven Reid, and the further development of Foley, could make our team/squad look very strong come the autumn, and well prepared for the tough games then, and a possible playoff. We're a team on the up, at long last. Saturday night may prove to be memorable, if we perform to our ability, and perhaps get a few breaks along the way.

Another reason I feel optimistic is because historically Bulgaria are a lot like us in that they're not at ease with the 'favourites' tag (maybe it's a postcolonial thing). They save their best performances for when their backs are against the wall, like in Croker, when they were missing three top players. With that performance in mind, their local media and fans will be putting huge pressure on Stoilov and their 'stars' to deliver, and to do so in style. That suits us. In their last campaign (Euro 2008), qualification was thrown away because of two draws with Albania and a defeat in Slovenia. They don't like being favourites. Also, consider the fact that they'll be starting Bojinov and Berbatov - two out-and-out CFs - which will free up the centre of the park, unlike in Croker when we were strangled by their 4-5-1 formation.

All of the above could be blind optimism, but at least there's method to the madness; far removed from the straw-clutching that preceded events in Bratislava and Prague. Come on Ireland.

*Sigh* Where to start!!

1) We played against 10 men for almost the whole game in Bari, after a very soft sending off. Nothing clicked, we were extremely lucky.

2) Have i been in a coma for the past year or so?? Or has SSL played one friendly for us? He did look calm and composed in it, but to call it "the advent of SSS" is ridiculous. Especially when you look at the advent of Paul McShane after the Czech game!!!

3) Another reason you feel optomistic is that Bulgaria have their best players back??? Makes sense i suppose

[eirebhoy]

After the Bulgaria game in Croker I was extremely disappointed; not just with the result but with the lack of urgency, and lack of basic passing, movement and technical skills that our lads were exhibiting. The difference between that night and Bari could not have been more profound. Also compare our dreadful performance against Poland in November to that against Nigeria - there's a marked difference, in terms of getting the basics right, i.e. keeping the ball, and closing players down.

I don't know if it's a coincidence that those games were away from home. Colombia, Norway, Georgia, Montenegro, Italy, Nigeria. They haven't let themselves down at all outside of Dublin.

1) We played against 10 men for almost the whole game in Bari, after a very soft sending off. Nothing clicked, we were extremely lucky.

Rubbish. Absolute rubbish. It was an excellent performance in Italy. They couldn't get the ball of us, we harassed the ball off them. Teams will sit back in many matches and frustrate the opposition, make them look ordinary. We didn't look ordinary in Italy. imo that game was our classiest performance so far. The ball was just constantly being passed along the ground and I wouldn't expect the likes of Croatia or Portugal to do any better than we did that night.

Even if we lost that game in Italy that's the way I want to see us play.

[Duggie]

I don't know if it's a coincidence that those games were away from home. Colombia, Norway, Georgia, Montenegro, Italy, Nigeria. They haven't let themselves down at all outside of Dublin.


Rubbish. Absolute rubbish. It was an excellent performance in Italy. They couldn't get the ball of us, we harassed the ball off them. Teams will sit back in many matches and frustrate the opposition, make them look ordinary. We didn't look ordinary in Italy. imo that game was our classiest performance so far. The ball was just constantly being passed along the ground and I wouldn't expect the likes of Croatia or Portugal to do any better than we did that night.

yep agree, that the way i saw it aswell.

[DeLorean]

We played against 10 men for almost the whole game in Bari, after a very soft sending off. Nothing clicked, we were extremely lucky

Might have been lucky with the sending off but definitely weren't lucky in general to get a draw. It could be argued it would have been a completely different game without the sending off but, knowing the Italians, it might not have been. Don't agree with you there but do appreciate the sense of realism you brought to the table. Nothing wrong with that in my book. Save the blind optimism for the terraces I say.

[Supreme feet]

Or has SSL played one friendly for us? He did look calm and composed in it, but to call it "the advent of SSS" is ridiculous. Especially when you look at the advent of Paul McShane after the Czech game!!!

Suppose I should've qualified that, but my post was long enough as it was. IMO, St. Ledger has added something to the squad, when you consider that he's leapfrogged O'Dea, Bruce and McShane in one swoop. Unlike either of those three, he's highly rated at club level, has won a lot of individual awards, and is obviously an accomplished player. If Trap (a handy defender himself) sees enough in him to start him in a major qualifier, there must be something there. Bruce and O'Dea never got within an asses roar of the starting XI while they were in the squad. The point is, like Foley and Lawrence, St. Ledger is probably in the squad to stay now. It's like a new signing, and gives us defensive options we haven't had up until now, especially considering O'Shea's versatility.

[tetsujin1979]

1) We played against 10 men for almost the whole game in Bari, after a very soft sending off. Nothing clicked, we were extremely lucky.

Whatever about your other points, this is way off
If anything, Italy were lucky, with Buffon pulling off a miraculous save from Hunt's looping shot from outside the area to keep them ahead at half time.
According to the report on Sky Sports - http://www.skysports.com/football/ma...947193,00.html - we absolutley dominated them in every area of the game

Italy Team Statistics  Ireland
  1        Goals          1        
  1    1st Half Goals     0        
  1   Shots on Target     3        
  1   Shots off Target    5        
  0    Blocked Shots      4        
  1       Corners        10       
 13        Fouls         22       
  4       Offsides        2        
  3     Yellow Cards      1        
  1      Red Cards        0        
 76   Passing Success    83.4      
 18       Tackles        21       
83.3  Tackles Success    85.7      
34.1     Possession      65.9      
41.7 Territorial Advant  58.3

to have more than 60% possession against a team like Italy, and in their own backyard, is unheard of

[DeLorean]

Is this the probable team so:

Given
O'Shea
Dunne
St Ledger
Kilbane
McGeady???
Andrews
Whelan
Duff
Folan
Keane

[donalmcdonagh]

Very good post by supreme Feet and I agree with pretty much all that,the team definately does seem to be heading in the right direction.I think after Bari that not only are the players starting to click and grow in confidence but also Trap has grown more confident that his players have the ability to beat good teams.
Im a nervous wreck already about this game,but Im very confident of beating what is an average enough Bulgaria team..... although I had a dream during the week that we were beaten 2 nil

I have to agree too. The team is begining to take shape. People must also remember is that we havent operated with a proper right back under trap, we have been trying to plug that position until Finnan gets back. Our CB partnership is also a new pairing. As is midfield, the combinations have been changed since day one and we havent had our full strength midfield. Also, we have missed Duffer on several occasions, he is very important to us. All in all Trap has been building, I wish we were further on by now but thats life. I disagree that we have been lucky. The georgia game...stinker from Stephen Kelly, he was a gamble that day, that changed the game for us. Georgia away and montenegro away was good considering the points I outlined at the start of the paragraph. Italy away, we done as much as could be asked against the world champs, and they were rattled, so was Lippi. We are new team in a lot of ways, and to be second in the group is a great achievement, I hope we can beat bulgaria, we are capable, they are good but so are we. Come on Ireland, cant wait for the game, I get a real sense the pressure is building and the players are going to be up for it.

[Drumcondra 69er]

Is this the probable team so:

Given
O'Shea
Dunne
St Ledger
Kilbane
McGeady???
Andrews
Whelan
Duff
Folan
Keane

Sub McGeady for Hunt and I think that's it alright.