Sweden v Ireland, 22 March 2013 WCQ

**Charlie Darwin** · 24/03/2013, 10:21 PM

I think if we had better attacking players, Germany would have done the same against us and left themselves open to conceding a few goals. They sort of did the same in the Euros against Greece and Italy - they are great on the ball and going forward but they do leave a lot of space for teams to create chances. Obviously this has no relevance to us since they'll hammer us again in Berlin, but sides like Austria and Sweden could conceivably take points from them.

**ArdeeBhoy** · 24/03/2013, 10:29 PM

You mean Cologne?

Austria and Sweden have no chance of beating them in their return fixtures IMO.

My German pals tell me their centre-backs are currently mediocre at best, but it won't be until Brazil that they get found out.

**Charlie Darwin** · 24/03/2013, 10:37 PM

Is the game in Cologne? I'm not in a financial position to indulge in away trips further than Bray

Austria lost 2-1 at home, didn't they? I don't think Germany will lose any games but a draw is not impossible, ditto in Sweden. Germany are possibly slightly weak at centre half, but then again they had a weak defence at World Cup 2002 and only conceded in two games from seven. Matts Hummel is a huge miss for them, but behind him I think the options are fairly limited, yeah.

**geysir** · 24/03/2013, 10:43 PM

Originally Posted by ArdeeBhoy

You mean Cologne?

Austria and Sweden have no chance of beating them in their return fixtures IMO.

My German pals tell me their centre-backs are currently mediocre at best, but it won't be until Brazil that they get found out.

Yes, it's a well kept secret that Mertesacker has vulnerabilities.

**ArdeeBhoy** · 24/03/2013, 11:17 PM

Except it's not just him...

**Cymro** · 25/03/2013, 8:43 PM

Originally Posted by Charlie Darwin

What if Austria are even worse? I thought Sweden looked quite ordinary and cemented my view that they only got 4 against Germany because the krauts left themselves so ridiculously open after having done enough to win at a canter. Lazy Germans, no work ethic.

Austria are quite a decent team, with some good young players. I was quite impressed with them in our recent friendly, even though we beat them.

They are an aerial threat, particularly at set pieces, and have a good youngster in Alaba. I wouldn't necessarily be banking on a win against them, although looking at your group you will probably need to win it to stay in the hunt. It's quite a difficult group you're in in all honesty.