Republic of Ireland V Turkey, Italy, Costa Rica & Portugal - May/June 2014

**paul_oshea** · 02/06/2014, 8:31 AM

I agree with Owlfans on this one, granted he has previous with regard to Trap and the horn he has for him.

I watched many passages of play in that game where as usual in tight angles we hoofed it without playing it out, whereas in similar circumstance the italians played long crossfield passes or triangular 1-2s to get out of trouble, their passing and control had us flaffing about as usual, and they turned this on whenever they needed to, granted midway through the second half till the end of the game i saw this less and less, perhaps they tired or just took the foot off the pedal so to speak.

I think having two big strong and atlethic midfielders did make a difference to us though, i know someone else pointed out the athelticism id put it down to physique and strength moreso, as they should all be fairly atheltic and fit at this level. I just wish there was more bite about meyler, he seems to be happy just to sit back too much.

Long was really stretching backwards for that header, im not sure he had enough control over where it was going, and with the keeper coming back over it seemed like a good place to put it, because i dont think he could get it to the far corner, its kind of like those shots in tennis where a player plays out wide right, and as the opposition player returns he runs back towards the middle, hitting it back to the side he is coming from as he runs to reposition himself, is more often than not the saftest bet.

**Stuttgart88** · 02/06/2014, 9:17 AM

We all know there are no style marks awarded, only points for wins and draws, but is it not the case that playing hoofball in this day and age is a tactic that is highly unlikely to work – at least as Plan A when there only is a Plan A?

It’s a recipe to lose possession and the ball just keeps coming back at you.

Italy, even Italy B, are better than us. That’s why they work the ball better and play nice cross-field passes – none of which hurt us mind. That’s why we have to hoof it into space sometimes. Why is that such a crime or something to moan about?

And why is Paul so begrudging about the strong second half performance by Ireland? Is it all down to the Italians losing interest or getting tired?

**geysir** · 02/06/2014, 9:47 AM

Add 4 players to that team and it becomes an Italy A team.
All those players who were on the pitch, go to Brazil, except Montolivo of course.
Italy's tempo of play, has increased dramatically under Prandelli.

**ArdeeBhoy** · 02/06/2014, 11:23 AM

The point is we need to follow up with 'decent' performances in the next 3 matches and take that into the Georgia game...though suspect inconsistency will continue to be an issue.

**Closed Account** · 02/06/2014, 11:37 AM

Ah here, respect to Shane. Most of the chances he had, were due to his athleticism, but don't make excuses for him.
I've played with at least 20 strikers who'd of glanced that header away from the keeper. Similiarly the chance from Wes's pass, he sidefooted it. If you're going to sidefoot it then give the keeper the eyes, otherwise put your foot through it and find a corner, he was 12/13 yards from goal ffs.
I like Shane. He'll get more chances than most strikers and he'll miss a fair few. Seems he missed a bit of coaching on the subject. I'd start him more often than not and hopefully he'll score when it counts but I won't make excuses for him when he misses. Strikers miss sometimes, some strikers more often than others.

**paul_oshea** · 02/06/2014, 12:06 PM

ya I was referring more to the header and he took it round the keeper well the other time but the side foot one he definitely should have done better

**paul_oshea** · 02/06/2014, 12:25 PM

Did anyone else notice how deep in thought O'Neill was coming off the pitch on Saturday?

**Stuttgart88** · 02/06/2014, 12:31 PM

No, you were the only one.

I think the talk about Long's misses is largely based on some shocking misses in earlier games and nobody can deny that he has had a poor time in front of goal. However, in both instances on Saturday I think the keeper would have been favourite, though maybe not if the cross for the headed chance was 3-4 inches lower. For the second chance, even if he had put his foot through the ball I'd still have fancied the keeper from that angle, but yes, I'd agree that side-footing it was the lesser option.

I don't think the missed chance against Turkey was bad either. He made it himself and the keeper got a great block in. But his finishing is a worry because he has fluffed the easier chances and there is now a lot of focus on his finishing and his confidence is low. That's unfortunate but it is a problem.

**DeLorean** · 02/06/2014, 2:02 PM

Originally Posted by geysir

Add 4 players to that team and it becomes an Italy A team.
All those players who were on the pitch, go to Brazil, except Montolivo of course.

Almost...

Italy announce World Cup squad

**DeLorean** · 02/06/2014, 2:08 PM

By the way, where's that full back from the Euros, Balzaretti? I thought he was pretty class but seems to have gone off the radar, maybe injured? I used enjoy referring to him as "Balls are sweaty"... childish I know

**pineapple stu** · 02/06/2014, 2:17 PM

Only played 11 times for Roma this season, it seems. Hasn't played for Italy since October. Missed a good chunk of this season; dunno did he fall out of international favour as a result.

**DeLorean** · 02/06/2014, 3:06 PM

Interesting, he seemed like another one of those Grosso-like late bloomers that appeared from obscurity, on the international scene at least. The left full back the other night looked excellent as well, Coleman really had his hands full down that side. You'd have to wonder when you see �30m being lined up for Luke Shaw, is he really any better than a lot of these guys? Time will tell I suppose.

**pineapple stu** · 02/06/2014, 3:14 PM

Meant to say "missed a good chunk of the season through injury" Oops!

**TheOneWhoKnocks** · 02/06/2014, 3:25 PM

Originally Posted by joe_denilson

Ah here, respect to Shane. Most of the chances he had, were due to his athleticism, but don't make excuses for him.
I've played with at least 20 strikers who'd of glanced that header away from the keeper. Similiarly the chance from Wes's pass, he sidefooted it. If you're going to sidefoot it then give the keeper the eyes, otherwise put your foot through it and find a corner, he was 12/13 yards from goal ffs.
I like Shane. He'll get more chances than most strikers and he'll miss a fair few. Seems he missed a bit of coaching on the subject. I'd start him more often than not and hopefully he'll score when it counts but I won't make excuses for him when he misses. Strikers miss sometimes, some strikers more often than others.

With all due respect, the players playing in The Isthmian League are far better footballers than we are. It's ridiculous comparing what went on in the Ireland v Italy game to what happens with lads on the astroturf.

Maybe you should coach Shane and then maybe his record of 1 goal in every 3 starts will improve to Robbie Keane/Ali Daei/Jan Koller proportions.