League of Ireland in Europe 2016

[Nesta99]

Legends overall point is that Dundalk are not doing anything new really! In this regard if it was a 2 legged match we would be talking about losing 4-2 to a vastly higher ranked and better resourced club and we hit the woodwork 3 times over the 2 games, so the old bad luck story.

We were composed in spells but were beaten by a better side, nothing new there. Home game was a greater disappointment result wise. It is a hell of a learning curve for both the players and the club which is good and will be an edge for the remaining 2 group games. On to the cup final now, another tough game for different reasons and then focus, with some time on the remaining EL games. Couple of points of 1 win could see us through and we can worry about fixture congestion once again in February (we hope).

[SPXcyan]

Amazing to think that Dundalk can still qualify to the knock-out phase.. and they still manage to impress us with their almost flawless game plan and composure, I cannot wait to see how they fair in the last two games, great craic as a LOI fan!

[gufcfan]

Hopefully the momentum they've built up won't be lost after the 18 days between the cup final and the Alkmaar game.

[Nah Nah Nah Nah]

Heaven forbid anyone would praise a LOI team. At least we'll always have the likes of Legendz there willing to knock them and tell us they're not that good as everyone is saying and are just lucky that they got through 3 rounds to end up playing the top ranked team in the tournament.

[pineapple stu]

One final point about the errors for the goals (though I misssed the first goal) but aren't the errors a symptom of the extra pressure Dundalk are under in these games, rather than just simple unforced mistakes. That's what happens when you step up a level. They don't come under the same pressure in domestic games, so make less of those kind of mistakes.

Yeah, I'd agree with that alright.

The first goal was a bit of farting about - though Cunningham made a good point in analysis that it was like three Zenit players had set a trap if the free was taken short, which it was - but I thought the criticism of the second was a bit harsh; scuffed shots can be harder to deal with. But overall, one of the things that happens when you play better teams is that they force you into what seem silly mistakes. (The first Slovan goal against us in the Bowl last year was a good example)

[White Horse]

One final point about the errors for the goals (though I misssed the first goal) but aren't the errors a symptom of the extra pressure Dundalk are under in these games, rather than just simple unforced mistakes. That's what happens when you step up a level. They don't come under the same pressure in domestic games, so make less of those kind of mistakes.

100% correct.

Players can be a little lazy in their thinking in the LOI and get away with it. Dundalk had an awful habit of playing square balls and they have just about eradicated that from their game. The habit of playing short free kicks when the full backs are pushed up and the receiving player has no space is still a problem.

The thing about this level of football is that you cannot be predictable with your passing. Players are so mobile that they will anticipate these passes when in dangerous areas and press in numbers.

[swinfordfc]

Kenny has his players playing it out from the back ... there are good and bad points from this! Bad ... the two goals they give away last night by Gartland! The first one could/should be knock into the Zenit box as it was coming to the end of the half and the second Gartland never gave his midfielder a chance with his pass - some its ok to launch a ball upfield! However, the good point was Dundalk goal last night - it was expecting play out from the back and then it was tried to be play over the top but miss-directed but it was header onto Horgan path and he finished brilliantly. In fairest to Kenny, we are praising his style of play (I am enjoying it) but they will make mistakes doing it - the big problem is Gartland seems to be involved in all the mistakes recently (he at fault for 3 of the 4 goals against Zenit!)

[oriel]

As per UEFA.com Dundalk are still second. Two draws might even be enough for us to qualify as long as Macabi don't beat Zenit away. The best chance though is to beat AZ at home, that will put us on 7 points.

Then it's all to play for in the last game in Israel. I think regardless of the scores in the next matches, second place will go down to the last day anyway?

Fantastic display by Dundalk and just great to get it back level with Horgan's brilliant goal, mistakes keep leading to goals though, but at least we don't have to face Zenit again, and goal difference not too bad either after the two games against them.

We probably need Zenit to win their remaining games, but the obvious big one is to try and beat AZ in tallaght first, it's going to be difficult but I think we can do it.

[seand]

Still a great chance to progress and amazingly we're guaranteed to be in with a shout of progressing on Matchday 6. If Zenit keep winning we could go through with 1 win and six points. The problem with playing Zenit back to back in the middle is that they've now qualified so could play weakened teams against AZ and Maccabi giving them a chance of getting a result.

One more point for the coefficient though, pleeeeease, and we're pretty much guaranteed to be seeded in the Champions League.

edit: I think we could go through with 5 points if Zenit win their two games.... if we lose to AZ by 1 goal and draw in Israel Dundalk, AZ and Maccabi would all be on five points. In the 3 way head-to-head we'd all have 5 points and 0 goal difference. e.g. If we lost to AZ 2-1 and drew 1-1 in Israel we'd go through on goals scored in head-to-heads.

[seand]

And a quick look at the Champions League topscorers chart

1 Messi (Barcelona) 7
2 McMillan (Dundalk) 5

[legendz]

Heaven forbid anyone would praise a LOI team. At least we'll always have the likes of Legendz there willing to knock them

How does highlighting good European performances by LoI teams knock Dundalk?

[ger121]

How does highlighting good European performances by LoI teams knock Dundalk?

By insinuating Dundalk's acheivement is some what diminished, by the fact they aren't up against a seeded side in a 2 legs tie. You just can't compare one to the other. Different times and a different challenge. Like apples and oranges.

[legendz]

By insinuating Dundalk's acheivement is some what diminished, by the fact they aren't up against a seeded side in a 2 legs tie.

Au contraire Rodders! Simply highlighting the league has been well represented at this level of competition in the past.

[ToberonaTornado]

No harm to you Ledgenz but this stuff is getting very boring at this stage.You have an opinion and i appreciate that but this is getting silly and it's also boring the arse of me Get some new material together and see how that works for you.That 2nd album is always the hard one!

[JDsJocks]

Dundalk made a few mistakes over the two legs but this is Zenit St petersburg were talking about here, one of the best sides in Europe.

Some comment back about how its no different to other LOI sides in the past, eh any other team would have got whipped 5 or 6-0.

The experience they have gain from these games will stand to them for the rest of the group. AZ are no great shakes, hopefully Dundalk get the win, only fear is the lack of games up to it!!

[legendz]

No harm to you Ledgenz but this stuff is getting very boring at this stage.

Fair enough. Many people are getting caught up in the high of Dundalk's fine European run. You'll have to politely ignore my reminders that other LoI clubs have enjoyed similar success. I'm amused LoI people are bothered by it. It's an irritant for those who have a habit of dismissing the league.

[Yossarian]

The experience they have gain from these games will stand to them for the rest of the group. AZ are no great shakes, hopefully Dundalk get the win, only fear is the lack of games up to it!!

I don't think the lack of games will be an issue leading up to the AZ game will be an issue. It's only 2 and a half weeks and it will give time for recovery and to clear up a few niggling injuries. Anyway, AZ themselves play tomorrow and then only have one game before the Europa League match.

[Nesta99]

Fair enough. Many people are getting caught up in the high of Dundalk's fine European run. You'll have to politely ignore my reminders that other LoI clubs have enjoyed similar success. I'm amused LoI people are bothered by it. It's an irritant for those who have a habit of dismissing the league.

It is to do with LoI fans familiar with past achievements recognising that Dundalk's achievements have surpassed previous successes and are not similar. There have been fine results in the past but sporadic, a good few smash and grabs, collapses in a 2nd leg, the fading in the last quarter of the match. etc. Playing 12 games in Europe up until December, in a consistent, controlled and confident manner, and getting results, while winning the league again and a cup final to come is unique not similar to previous clubs 'runs' in Europe. Picking up co-efficient points in one season that the league has barely managed over a number of seasons even with occasional good results (even considering format changes). Again this is not my being defensive as a Dundalk supporter! It is because it is a unique achievement. Add in the way this run has captured the interest of national and international media, the way that the Irish sporting public has taken notice, that games have all sold out (ignoring the Ticketmaster messing with the Aviva). Also the constant repetition of the point you are making and in a manner that comes across as a 'this is no big deal clubs have done similar before' which is just not true as Dundalk have achieved a number of firsts for LoI (in the past ourselves too) on this run so how is it 'similar success'?

[Ezeikial]

It is to do with LoI fans familiar with past achievements recognising that Dundalk's achievements have surpassed previous successes and are not similar. There have been fine results in the past but sporadic, a good few smash and grabs, collapses in a 2nd leg, the fading in the last quarter of the match. etc. Playing 12 games in Europe up until December, in a consistent, controlled and confident manner, and getting results, while winning the league again and a cup final to come is unique not similar to previous clubs 'runs' in Europe. Picking up co-efficient points in one season that the league has barely managed over a number of seasons even with occasional good results (even considering format changes). Again this is not my being defensive as a Dundalk supporter! It is because it is a unique achievement. Add in the way this run has captured the interest of national and international media, the way that the Irish sporting public has taken notice, that games have all sold out (ignoring the Ticketmaster messing with the Aviva). Also the constant repetition of the point you are making and in a manner that comes across as a 'this is no big deal clubs have done similar before' which is just not true as Dundalk have achieved a number of firsts for LoI (in the past ourselves too) on this run so how is it 'similar success'?

I can't believe that you ended the post with a question!

[TonyD]

It is to do with LoI fans familiar with past achievements recognising that Dundalk's achievements have surpassed previous successes and are not similar. There have been fine results in the past but sporadic, a good few smash and grabs, collapses in a 2nd leg, the fading in the last quarter of the match. etc. Playing 12 games in Europe up until December, in a consistent, controlled and confident manner, and getting results, while winning the league again and a cup final to come is unique not similar to previous clubs 'runs' in Europe. Picking up co-efficient points in one season that the league has barely managed over a number of seasons even with occasional good results (even considering format changes). Again this is not my being defensive as a Dundalk supporter! It is because it is a unique achievement. Add in the way this run has captured the interest of national and international media, the way that the Irish sporting public has taken notice, that games have all sold out (ignoring the Ticketmaster messing with the Aviva). Also the constant repetition of the point you are making and in a manner that comes across as a 'this is no big deal clubs have done similar before' which is just not true as Dundalk have achieved a number of firsts for LoI (in the past ourselves too) on this run so how is it 'similar success'?

I agree with most of that. The only point about the difference between the past and now is that the group situation makes a difference and gives the chance for extra games. In the past, in a knocut situation Dundalk would have performed commendably against Zenith, but would still have gone out on aggregate. We still don't know how they will do in the second games against AZ and Maccabi. Of course they did win a couple of knockout rounds to get there, but then there was the safety net of the EL after losing the playoff to Legia.

Long winded way of saying it's hard to compare different eras and structure of competitions. I do believe that Dundalk in terms of strength and fitness alone are a good bit ahead of any previous LOI side.