..off the top of his shoulder!Originally Posted by DeLorean
Ha ha!
I can't remember that Czech Rep miss at all, only Kilbane's goal and McShane playing "cat & mouse" with Koller (in his own words).
That goal against Georgia when we came back to win 2-1 at Croke Park was another Keane header actually, that's four anyway for Ireland at least.
The Czech miss was at the back post. He failed to anticipate the ball coming to him after the keeper missed the cross and instead of nodding it into an open goal he fluffed it. Can't remember if it was a fresh air or just a bad header. It was a very similar situation to Slovakia where it looked easier to score. Dunne missed a sitter straight after that too, very similar to his late miss in Stuttgart under Stan.
Because he didn't score very often with his head, he had to compensate with his feet which makes his scoring record remarkable. I am not sure what the "normal" ratio for a striker would be vis a vis headed goals against the rest of the goals, but his is around 5%. A weakness in his game no doubt but more than compensated by his tremendous finishing ability with his feet.
Forget about the performance or entertainment. It's only the result that matters.
Is Robbie Keane definitely retiring from international duty? I just read an article in the Independent that makes it seem as though he is.
"Whether or not Robbie Keane is involved for one last time, Ireland's record scorer and caps holders will be at Lansdowne Road for the occasion to say his goodbyes to the Dublin crowd he entertained over an 18-year stretch . The FAI are aiming to entice spectators along by slashing ticket prices to as low as €5."
http://www.independent.ie/sport/socc...-34921681.html
Martin O'Neill said at the cup draw earlier that he'd make an announcement on his future soon which seems to suggest he'll retire from internationals.
The Slovak chance is the only time I can remember feeling disappointed with a Robbie Keane effort on goal. That was such a big chance.Actually, humour aside, the only really bad headers I can remember were last minute chances against Czech Rep (1-1, days after Cyprus nightmare) and v Slovakia (0-0, home under Trap). Both important late result-changing misses, but also not least beacuase they gave TOWK plenty of "no big goals v decent teams" ammo
Here they come! It’s the charge of the “Thanks” Brigade!
The trouble is we are very short of decent strikers and he is still knocking them in the USA against teams that wouldn't be any weaker than some of the teams we'll be facing in the World Cup qualifiers. I think it would be premature but I don't think Robbie will listen to me. It's hard enough to get the wife to listen to me let alone one of our greatest players.
Forget about the performance or entertainment. It's only the result that matters.
Nothing on Robbie announcing his retirement?
Legend. Thanks for all the amazing memories. I was in Lansdowne when Robbie made his home bow against Argentina and you knew even then that this was a quality of striker that we had never had before. Where going up against the worlds best was where he felt comfortable. I was also there when he scored against Yugoslavia and, as well as being one of my favourite qualifier victories, he also scored a goal of great technique and with great confidence. A special player. One of the greats of the Irish game. Love the guy. Thanks for the memories Robbie.
I like high energy football. A little bit rock and roll. Many finishes instead of waiting for the perfect one.
Killer on Newstalk speaking about that Argentina game, amongst other things. They played the interview from after the game as well. Kilbane said the same as you Stu, that they knew that this guy was going to easily surpass the Irish goalscorer record. By that they were thinking maybe 25-30 goals, so even they didn't realise how many tap ins and penalties he was going to be handed on a plate at that stage.
I wasn't at either of those matches you mentioned, but I was there the night he broke the record against the Faroes, in what was my long overdue first Ireland game and my only time in the old Lansdowne Road (bar a Kings of Leon/Pixies gig!).
Let's give him the full ninety against Oman!
He's coming for you
He's coming for you
Miroslav Klose. . . .
He's coming for you
Last edited by DeLorean; 24/08/2016 at 6:42 PM.
Robbie arrived in the post '94 doldrums and became the player that made us believe again. Not just that we could get back to major tournaments, but that we could succeed. He was fearless, full of talent and fight, kind of obnoxious but in a good way.
Those early years were exhilarating with potential thanks to Robbie, Duffer et al. We really didn't have it any better.
Some people treated his sheer need for goals with a bit of disdain (penalties and tap-ins) but I just thought it was another sign of the steely selfishness all great strikers possess. And it wasn't like he was unhappy to help or guide younger players - I had my doubts when he started, but he proved himself a great captain too.
Over 18 years, 67 goals, so many great, great nights. Thanks Robbie. Thanks for goals, the hope, the belief, the great times. Don't think we'll ever see such a singular goalscorer again. Go easy lad.
Last edited by SwanVsDalton; 25/08/2016 at 12:01 AM.
Ou-est le Centre George Pompidou?
I knew there would be at least one person taking a daft potshot at me that completely missed the point of any perfectly valid criticisms I may have had of Keane.
Back on topic and away from the childishness, best of luck to Robbie. Not infallible but certainly the best striker Ireland will (likely) ever produce and definitely one of our top 10 players wherever you rank him.
What I remember from that game was Niall Quinn extolling Robbie's virtues. ....... the figure I remember was 50Killer on Newstalk speaking about that Argentina game, amongst other things. They played the interview from after the game as well. Kilbane said the same as you Stu, that they knew that this guy was going to easily surpass the Irish goalscorer record. By that they were thinking maybe 25-30 goals, so even they didn't realise how many tap ins and penalties he was going to be handed on a plate at that stage..
Niall probably thinks he said at least 70.
It's an excellent way for Robbie to retire v Oman and why not have Shay in goals for at least 45 mins?
From Robbie Keane's Facebook page.
Today, I am announcing my decision to retire from International football following the upcoming game with Oman on 31st August in the Aviva Stadium. It has been a wonderful journey for me to have played with the Irish national team for over eighteen years since I made my senior international debut back in 1998. I have enjoyed it all. It has also been a great honour, for both me and my family, to have been given the opportunity to captain my country for over ten years.
As a young boy growing up in Dublin playing football on the street I could never have imagined the path my life would take - it has exceeded my wildest expectations. I have been extremely lucky to have had the opportunity to play for and captain my country - it was my ultimate goal all those years ago and it has been, by far, my greatest achievement. I would never have believed all those years ago that I would get the opportunity to play for my country 145 times and to score 67 goals and through it all, I have never stopped chasing the next one!
I have been on the most incredible journey with the Irish team and fans over the last 18 years and words cannot express how proud I am to be Irish. Each and every time I put on the green jersey it is such an honour.
I have grown up playing for Ireland & look back at the 17 year old kid making his international debut, taken under the wing of Mick McCarthy & the FAI, and think of the person I am today and realise how playing for Ireland has been such a huge influence in my life. My teammates over the years, the backroom staff, managers, FAI and the fans became my second family. I always looked forward to meeting with the team - it became a home away from home no matter what part of the world I was living in. I have so many fantastic memories of days with the Irish team and have made so many friends both on and off the pitch over this time.
I have been very fortunate to play at major tournaments for Ireland over the years and I will cherish all of those memories but one in particular stands out - the 2002 World Cup and scoring the late goal in Ibaraki, Japan against Oliver Kahn. The atmosphere, the adrenaline & the buzz from the fans that night is something I will always remember.
I would like to thank all those who have supported me throughout my international career and who helped to make it all possible.
There are too many people to thank each personally but a few I must recognise.
- Thanks to my parents and my family for everything they have given me and who have always helped me throughout with their absolute support and advice.
- I would also like to acknowledge the guidance of my uncle, Noel Byrne, for encouraging me to convert into a striker at Fettercairn and to Larry Fox & Jem Loughran who looked after me so well at Crumlin United.
- Thanks to the coaches and managers I have worked with at all stages of my international career and who helped me develop as a player.
- To Mick McCarthy - thanks for taking a chance and giving me my international debut as a 17 year old and to all the International managers I have played for since then right up to the present day with Martin & Roy and the special backroom staff. Euro 2016 was a great experience for the team - we can look forward with a lot of confidence. I wish the team every success in the coming years and I look forward to joining the fans in supporting the boys in green - I will be singing alongside you loud and proud!
- I want to say a special thank you to the Irish fans who have always given me huge support and who rightly deserve all the plaudits they receive. They have been very much part of my international journey and of making it so special with their support & the wonderful memories – and they always pushed me to be my best. They are rightly described as the best fans in the world and a credit to our country. During my 18 years playing, they have always given me strength through the highs and lows in my life, particularly at the time of the death of my father, Robbie Snr., who was one of my biggest supporters and it really helped me through that difficult time - I will never forget this. I am looking forward to playing my final international game in Dublin at the end of August and getting a chance to thank them.
- Finally, I want to thank my biggest fans – my wife Claudine and my two sons Robert & Hudson who are always there for me on the good and bad days, for all their love and support. They play every game and kick every ball alongside me.
I had always hoped this day would never come and I will miss putting on the Ireland jersey and walking out to a sea of green but I am looking forward to the game against Oman & putting on the jersey and singing the national anthem one last time in front of the home crowd at the Aviva. It will be an emotional night for me but I will savour each and every last moment.
While this is the end of my international career, I hope to continue to play for some years yet. I love my time playing with LA Galaxy and intend to focus my energies on continuing my club football for a few more seasons.
Míle buíochas as ucht na hocht mbliana déag iontacha a bhí agam leis an bhfoireann. Bhain
mé sár taitneamh as gach nóiméad de.
Éire abú !
Robbie #coybig 🇮🇪
As a young boy growing up in Dublin playing football on the street...
I like high energy football. A little bit rock and roll. Many finishes instead of waiting for the perfect one.
'I've supported this street since I was a boy...'
Ah, we'll miss the old jokes after he goes. It's like he's been around forever. Truly, one of our greatest players.
Hello, hello? What's going on? What's all this shouting, we'll have no trouble here!
- E Tattsyrup.
Well I though it might be an appropriate time to see what the first post in this thread said:-
Not a lot has changed in those 12 years!!Two goals or not, what a god awful dispay from this man, I can't remember the last time he played well in a competetive international.
We need to find an instinctive striker from some where. give the lad at Sunderland a chance..
I shouldn't, but I'll bite - I wasn't talking about you, what I mentioned has been brought up by countless posters, commentators, columnists and onlookers for the last 10 years or so (at least). Just to be clear.
Admittedly it's not often TOWK, but I think we're on mostly the same page here re Keane.
Ou-est le Centre George Pompidou?
Funnily enough, the "lad from Sunderland" earlier said Robbie was the cleverest player he ever played with. I guess you have to be a lad from Sunderland or above to appreciate how good Robbie was.Well I though it might be an appropriate time to see what the first post in this thread said:-
Not a lot has changed in those 12 years!!
I do rather agree with this post from 2004 though.
Shut up you absolute Knob end!!!
Come back to us when you know something about international football...
What a F**kin W**k*r!!!
You wouldn't get away with that these days!
I've just noticed you're only around since 2010 Charlie, for some reason I always assumed you were one of the founding members.
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