The Optimism Thread

**Jerry The Saint** · 11/10/2006, 1:42 PM

Originally Posted by Don Vito

If we lose - it's four years to our next major tournament.

Now that's optimism!

**padzer** · 11/10/2006, 1:43 PM

Its gonna be tough, but ye never know. If we put in the effort and get a few lucky breaks we could come away with a result. We cant be any worse than against Cyprus and with a sellout crowd behind the team they could come up with a goal. Its do or die tonight, time to stand up and be counted and if we were to nick an early goal the place would go nuts.

**eirebhoy** · 11/10/2006, 1:50 PM

Actually, on that Spain defeat to Cyprus:

"In 1998, Camacho took over from Javier Clemente in September 1998 after Spain were beaten 3-2 by Cyprus in a Euro 2000 qualifier as the coach for Spain's national football team. Honest, forthright and firm, he was a refreshing change from Clemente, who had an arrogant manner and mishandled the media."

I think whether we win or lose tonight Stan is going to stay on so we have to start believing. A win tonight, beat San Marino twice and we have 9 points. If Germany beat the Czechs and we beat Wales in Croker then we'll go ahead of the Czechs by 3 points (albeit they'll have a game in hand).

**Jerry The Saint** · 11/10/2006, 1:54 PM

Originally Posted by Tipp Townie

I'm always up for some optimism

Spain, started their Euro 200 qualifiers with a 3-2 defeat in Cyprus. Recovered and qualified.

Wales started their WC '94 qualifiers with a 5-1 defeat in Romania. Lost their 4th game 2-0 in Belgium. Still came within a hair's breadth of qualifying though.

England

lost 3 of their WC '82 qualifiers, all away 2-1 defeats to 'lesser' nations, including a humiliating loss in Oslo. But they recovered to qualify and had a half decent tournament when they got there too.

Basically, things look pretty bad now, granted. But whats the point in giving up until its mathematically over?

Don't forget our current rivals Germany - 1-5 defeat to bitter enemies England before WC2002 and they go on to qualify and finish runner-up in the finals!

I think this type of thinking is known as a syllogistic FAI-llacy (see also: Germany took a chance on making an unqualified former player their international manager; that worked out OK; Therefore Stan will turn out great lads, I'm telling ya!)

**Peadar** · 11/10/2006, 2:09 PM

Originally Posted by Tipp Townie

Spain, started their Euro 200 qualifiers with a 3-2 defeat in Cyprus. Recovered and qualified.

Things were different back then though.
No overpaid Prima Donna's in football way back in the year 200.

**The Swordsman** · 11/10/2006, 2:12 PM

Originally Posted by Schumi

Should that not read:

when we win tonight we will have 9 games left. We will qualify with 30 points!!!

You're not being optimistic enough.

I'm going to stand in the corner.

**aidz1** · 11/10/2006, 2:16 PM

if we can keep the game goalless for 30 mins, show pride and strength, and the crowd give the team their backing, then it'll take a huge effort by the czechs to turn us......

i am being hopeful.......

oh...and i'll grab a ticket outside with enough time to have a few pints

**endabob1** · 11/10/2006, 2:26 PM

Date------Home----------Away-------Heart-Head
Oct-11---Rep of Ireland v Czech Rep-----D--L
Nov-15---Rep of Ireland v San Marino----W--W
Feb-07---San Marino--- v Rep of Ireland-W--W
Mar-24---Rep of Ireland v Wales---------W--D
Mar-28---Rep of Ireland v Slovakia-------W--D
Sep-08---Slovakia----- v Rep of Ireland--D--L
Sep-12---Czech Rep--- v Rep of Ireland--L--L
Oct-13---Rep of Ireland v Germany------D--L
Oct-17---Rep of Ireland v Cyprus--------W--W
Nov-17---Wales------- v Rep of Ireland--D--D
Total points----------------------------19--12

With my most optomistic hat on I reckon we won't get 20 points from the group which probably means 4th and just preserving the status quo, with my realistic hat I reckon 12 points and 5th or 6th.