Kazakhstan V Republic of Ireland - Friday, 7th September 2012 - World Cup 2014 Q

[Charlie Darwin]

Long is coming on now, presumably for Walters.

edit: as Ronnie Whelan points out, that's three centre forwards we've had on the wing.

[eekers]

Can't understand the hysteria about all of this. According to the Irish "meeja" Kazakhstan are no-hopers, yet they don't know anything about the players, team etc. Pete Mahon spoke well of the league and players, even the US commentator is more clued in than the Irish journos. Can't help but feel this is playing into the hands of the anti-O'Brien group who are loving Ireland not winning. Kazakhstan are playing their first match in qualifying, so they're up for it, Ireland are in transition and without some players, and playing away from home. Yet still we're told to expect a walk over.

In their last 12 competitive games they've W1 D1 L10. They're no-hopers.

[tricky_colour]

That our first shot?

[Colbert Report]

There's no breaking these guys down, not with nine men across the box like that. Twenty minutes to go in the match and we all know that we won't score. Even Keane isn't protesting that much after being locked in a bear-hug by the Kazakh defender.

[Spudulika]

SkStu - the Kazakhs are building for the future, have a very good national youth development program and facilities, we don't, we use facilities in the UK and it's sub-standard coaching. Agree that anyone who knows about football didn't expect a walkover, but the meeja portrayal (with their complete ignorance of the opposition) is letting down the public. In regards to those who don't follow football - read eekers above :-)

Diarmo - it's like some of the back Jack displays, against Israel there was the cheating scum keeper, and it's sickening to see the players not perform as they should. But the skill base for the Irish players is so low compared to the opposition it's frightening.

[writerbk1969]

Laughable - the 11 *****s playing don't know that BORAT will be plastered on every newspaper tomorrow - all because we can't beat a team 142 in the world. An utter disgrace and ashamed to be Irish with this clowns out there

[tricky_colour]

McClean on now!!

[eekers]

In their last 12 competitive games they've W1 D1 L10. They're no-hopers.

Actually go back further its W3 D1 L17
The 3 wins are Andorra home and away, and Azerbaijan. The Draw was a 0-0 at home to an Austrian team that mathematically couldn't qualify for the Euros on the last round of the qualifiers.

[Colbert Report]

So lucky not to be down two nil.

[dancinpants]

Lucky not to concede another there.

I have NO doubt that these clowns are gonna blame the astroturf for this junk display.

[SkStu]

SkStu - the Kazakhs are building for the future, have a very good national youth development program and facilities, we don't, we use facilities in the UK and it's sub-standard coaching. Agree that anyone who knows about football didn't expect a walkover, but the meeja portrayal (with their complete ignorance of the opposition) is letting down the public.

so their future is here? They should have told us...

[Charlie Darwin]

There's no breaking these guys down, not with nine men across the box like that. Twenty minutes to go in the match and we all know that we won't score. Even Keane isn't protesting that much after being locked in a bear-hug by the Kazakh defender.

You were convinced it was only a matter of time until we scored 15 minutes ago.

[tricky_colour]

Our player renown for no end product takes all our free kicks.

[Maroon 7]

Have we actually created a decent chance all game? Can't think of one.

[Colbert Report]

You were convinced it was only a matter of time until we scored 15 minutes ago.

Don't get caught up in the past. The balls just aren't breaking for us tonight.

[theworm2345]

Going to my terribly boring job will seem like a reprieve after this.

[Colbert Report]

Look how far back Shane Long just went to cover. He should have been on since the start. Great player.

[ped_ped]

Laughable - the 11 *****s playing don't know that BORAT will be plastered on every newspaper tomorrow - all because we can't beat a team 142 in the world. An utter disgrace and ashamed to be Irish with this clowns out there

This is a slightly understrength but no doubt underperforming Irish team on a seriously bad run of form, with some wrong management and tactics decisions compounding it. It's awful to watch but come on: ashamed you're Irish 'cause of this?

Don't worry, I'm ashamed you're Irish too.

[Charlie Darwin]

How is that not a red card?

[tricky_colour]

Peno surely missed?