I know I am jumping ahead here, but just hoping for the best.
Does anyone know when the draw for the play-offs will be? I remember for the last World Cup, we knew before the Holland match in September that we would play an Asian team in the play-offs, if we finished second.
Secondly, when will the FAI make up their mind (or announce) where the home leg of the play-offs will take place?. It's looking more and more likely that the home leg of the play-offs will not be in Dublin, but instead will be in Glasgow/Liverpool/Manchester/etc. Imagine around 40,000 people leaving these shores looking for flights/accommodation, etc. with maybe only three weeks to plan it not to mention looking for tickets.
Just a query, maybe someone can help???
I don't think that'll be possible this time because the best 2nd placed team qualifies automatically and that probably won't be known 'til after the last games. I assume the draw will take place fairly quickly after Wednesday.Originally Posted by harps1954
We're not arrogant, we're just better.
Expect there to be lots of daytrippers in that case.........
"The draw for the three play-off matches involving the remaining six European runners-up (to be played 12 and 16 November) will take place in Zurich on 14 October – two days after the final group stage matches are completed. "
http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/06/en/050915/1/4npf.html
I hope to god we are in that draw!
You, me and everyone else here second that!
The fight is won or lost far away from witnesses - behind the lines, in the gym, and out there on the road, long before I dance under those lights.
Muhammad Ali
Roy Keane is still a pri*k!
Except for those pill-popping optimistics among us who think we'll win the group!
Well -when optimism is the only show in town why not?Except for those pill-popping optimistics among us who think we'll win the group!
If we beat Switzerland by a goal more than they beat France -we top the group. It's not an altogether outrageously unlikely scenario.
" I wish to God that someone would be able to block out the voices in my head for five minutes, the voices that scream, over and over again: "Why do they come to me to die?"
it is casue there is no chance in this world of the swiss beating france
not a hope
Yeah? You could get 25/1 on Northern Ireland (nowhere near as good as Swiss) beating England (better than France) a few weeks back.
" I wish to God that someone would be able to block out the voices in my head for five minutes, the voices that scream, over and over again: "Why do they come to me to die?"
No Henry or Trezeguet and maybe not ZZ its more likely that the Swiss could beat France than we get a two goal win over the Swiss in my opinion. In fairness despite scoring early, the Swiss were the better team in our game against them in Basle.
I think the Swiss/France game will be very similar to ours against the French, it will be too very cautious teams and probably a mistake or bit of genius the difference.
Just to make matters a wee bit worse, I read today that the 3 play-off fixtures will be drawn with seeded teams based on current FIFA rankings. We are unlikely to be one of the three seeded teams and could face Spain, Czech Republic or (dare I say it) England in the play-offs if we get there. It would also mean that we would be at home first in the play-offs so definitely no chance of the game in Dublin with the All-blacks there that weekend.
The best run of results this weekend for us would be a victory in Cyprus and a 1-0 for Switzerland against France. A 2-0 victory over Switzerland next Wednesday would then qualify us for Germany, regardless of how France do in their final game.
Another interesting thought - Israel could very well be the only team in this group that hasn't lost a game and could still finish in 4th position (and will do so if the above run of results happen over the next week).
A reliable source has informed me that the home leg of the playoff if we get there will be in Cardiff.
Cue Irish Ferries biggest ever payday.
And they do have Boumsong...
Be just our luck that the Swiss do beat France, and we foul it up still..
Not doubting you, but Wales are playing Fiji in a rugby international on Friday 11th November, not so sure if everything could be ready for a soccer play-off within 48 hours (assuming we are at 'home' in the first-leg). Also, preparations wouldn't be ideal as the team wouldn't be able to train on the pitch prior to the game as it would be hosting a rugby international.
I still think if it comes to it, we should try to stay in this country. If not, I would prefer either Anfield or Parkhead. It would be a lot easier for the FAI to fill either of those stadiums with the Irish populations in Liverpool and Glasgow than it would be filling the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. Just a thought!
whats the odds if it is played in Glasgow the amosphere will be 100 times more electric than LR.
It certainly was for match against scotland with 2nd gen irish in the stand
Where did you read that about the decision to seed teams for the draw?
I think it was Paul Lennon who wrote it in the Star - can't remember exactly, but know that I read it in one of the papers yesterday.
Windsor Park, Windsor Park
City definetly have the best bands playing at half-time.
O'Bama - "Eerah yeah, I'd say we can alright!"
G.O'Mahoney Trapattoni'll sort ém out!!
Even if Poland win the group it looks like England will get through as the 2nd best team.
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