Considering the trauma of the last 30 months, previous results against this team, the pedigree of the opposition and some of the combinations we had to play (Meyler at RB etc), this was an excellent performance and a major, major result.
No need to get carried away - Germany were well below par, we created very little and, indeed, occasionally endeavoured to shoot ourselves in the foot with some hasty clearances. If anything this German team were even more for the taking than we acknowledged.
But after recent results, a bit of reticence and lack of composure is understandable. All things considered - the fight, spirit and intensity - was right up there and it's a great point.
It's still all about the results against Scotland and Poland but we have a great basis to have a go at this.
Ou-est le Centre George Pompidou?
He was MOTM for me. Right from the first whistle, he was composed and energetic. Even when the defence were losing their heads a bit in the first ten, he was very calm outlet and showed lots of maturity and bravery in taking on the Germans.
At times he was the only man doing it. Add to that a couple of decent crosses, some nice skill and trojan defensive work and tackling - I thought he was excellent. Aside from the crosses, he rarely (if ever) gave the ball away despite often receiving it far from the Irish goal and under pressure from German defenders.
Ou-est le Centre George Pompidou?
The more I watched the cross the more I think he meant it to go somewhere there. Maybe not as deep as it ended up but definitely meant it. Shades of Breen's goal v Saudi Arabia too from JOSH.
But the real questions have to be asked: Will Paul manage to get back from Gelsenkirchen with his manbag? Or will he leave it behind after the YBIG lads give him the slip?
DID YOU NOTICE A SIGN OUTSIDE MY HOUSE...?
A lovely mix of two great World Cup goals, all rolled into one.
In fact, why not watch again
And the last kick as well. Makes it even better!
Last edited by pineapple stu; 14/10/2014 at 9:36 PM.
Let's be honest lads. We thought the days of dramatic last minute equalisers against world class opposition had gone the way of Caleb Foran. I was slumped in me seat barely engaging with the play. Then - laptop nearly went crashing through the front window. And the neighbours were decidedly unhappy by whatever foghorn noise I was making.
Ou-est le Centre George Pompidou?
McClean and Meyler were our best 90minute men I think. Special shout out to Gibson who I thought was excellent on his introduction, I've given him plenty of stick in the past. It wasn't happening for Hoolahan but he kept showing and that was crucial in the final analysis. Hendrick's return into the danger area was a bit special as he had to readjust his whole body shape, very few would have made such a good job of it. McGeady had a tough night but, like Wes, didn't shy away from it and improved as we went in chase. Couldn't be bothered with any negatives right now, it would feel wrong. Buzzing.
Great result but a poor performance.
Wilson was truly dreadful and will cost us points during this campaign.
However we live for tonight and I'm off to celebrate.
Keane fuming we let 2 points slip!
Ou-est le Centre George Pompidou?
Think it was Mats Hummels.
Like many posters I was resigned to defeat there. Even switched over to the Scotland Poland game for 2 mins towards the end I was feeling so deflated. Celebrated the equaliser like the Ros had won an All Ireland.
Great group. Happy days. I love international football.
I still feel we are slightly behind Scotland (greater momentum - thank **** they didn't get independence) and Poland (several better players technically than us) but it will be close and all is to play for. The hope is that the Scots or Poles will knock themselves out with a couple of poor results in a row but everyone is fighting tooth and nail at this early juncture.
Despite tonight, Ireland still need to convince me under the new management. Glasgow will be the perfect acid test.
The dude abides....
Keane bringing up the rear in bleacher reports grades.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2...2016-qualifier
Did you chaps see this nonsense from the serbia game? Its kinda funny:
https://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/blogs...200752261.html
Source: WhoScored.com
Starting XI Rating David Forde 7.7 David Meyler 7.0 John O'Shea 7.5 Marc Wilson 7.0 Stephen Ward 6.9 Glenn Whelan 6.6 Stephen Quinn 6.2 Jonathan Walters 6.6 Aiden McGeady 6.8 James McClean 7.7 Robbie Keane 6.1 Substitutes Rating Jeff Hendrick (for Whelan, 54') 7.1 Darron Gibson (for Keane, 63') 6.6 Wes Hoolahan (for Quinn, 76') 5.9
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