World Ranking

[Lionel Ritchie]

I was joking when I said that Healy could be compared to Henry but sure enough EalingGreen attempted to do just that. Go back and read the post again you appear to have forgotten the jist of it pretty quickly .

Ah ...so when you're talking out your hole -you're joking It all makes sense now.

Look did you or did you not bring up Henry? Did you or did you not then claim a comparison with Henry is irrelevant?

Go back and read your own friggin posts for fecksake.

I made a couple of predictions one of which that Sweden would beat NI which was incorrect but hardly cocky and that NI would be brought crashing back down to reality soon enough which considering qualifying was still ongoing when I last checked and the last few results haven't been too kind to them (aren't they now third while they were first in their group when I made the prediction) hasn't been proven wrong yet and won't be either. Stick to the music.

You do know they weren't playing in any of those games that caused the drop from 1st to 3rd yeah? You do don't you?

[EalingGreen]

I made a couple of predictions one of which was that Sweden would beat NI which was incorrect but hardly cocky and that NI would be brought crashing back down to reality soon enough which considering qualifying was still ongoing when I last checked and the last few results haven't been too kind to them (aren't they now third while they were first in their group when I made the prediction) hasn't been proven wrong yet and won't be either. Stick to the music.

Yes, and your other prediction was that Liechtenstein would also "put us in our place". But well though our gallant opponents played, they couldn't manage it. Curious that you should avoid recalling that one, eh?

As for our falling from 1st to 3rd in our Group, that is simply because the other teams in our Group had recent matches whilst we didn't. If we win our game in hand at home to Liechtenstein in August (and I'm taking nothing for granted), we will go back to 2nd in the Group, a point above Spain (on the same number of matches) and six points above Denmark in 4th. (having played one game more than them).

But who knows, with our track record, we'll lose to Liechtenstein.

Then beat Spain. or Sweden. Again.

Still, it's more fun that way!

Onwards and Upwards!

[youngirish]

Then again, you seem to have a problem with anyone who disagrees with your opinions, especially one from "the North".

Will your campaign (i.e. ROI) have been as enjoyable? I'd be surprised if it turns out that way, even if I'd be pleased for you if it did.

I have no problem with the North insofar the fact I don't really care about your team or your country. It's you that has a problem with the ROI, which can easily be proven by a quick run over any of your posts on this board where you rarely (if ever) have anything positive to say about us. Alternatively if anyone is still in doubt take a glance at ourweecountry.com where you'll be seen to be in better company with some of the complete bigots that frequent that board. This is why I often dismiss your clearly tainted opinions (remind me again from your 4 hundered odd posts when you have ever said anything positive about us?).

As for you being pleased if we did well. Come on don't be so hypocritical and relax with the complete lies. It would eat you up inside if we went on to qualify for Euro 2008 and Darren Gibson passed to Tony O'Kane for him to flick it on for Michael O'Connor to score the winner in the final.

Find the post and show me where I claim Liechenstein would beat you? More made up rubbish. I think my words were Sweden would beat you if Liechenstein don't manage to do so first which is hardly a claim that they would definitely beat you (it was more of a joke actually), however I did think the Swedes would beat the North and they still will in the return fixture not that they are any great shakes either at present (and yes before you state the obvious they are probably better than us).

[EalingGreen]

I have no problem with the North insofar the fact I don't really care about your team or your country. It's you that has a problem with the ROI, which can easily be proven by a quick run over any of your posts on this board where you rarely (if ever) have anything positive to say about. Alternatively if anyone is still in doubt take a glance at ourweecountry.com where you'll be seen to be in better company with some of the complete bigots that frequent that board. This is why I often dismiss your clearly tainted opinions (remind me again from your 4 hundered odd posts when you have ever said anything positive about us?).

As for you being pleased if we did well. Come on don't be so hypocritical and relax with the complete lies. It would eat you up inside if we went on to qualify for Euro 2008 and Darren Gibson passed to Tony O'Kane for him to flick it on for Michael O'Connor to score the winner in the final.

Find the post and show me where I claim Liechenstein would beat you? More made up rubbish. I think my words were Sweden would beat you if Liechenstein don't manage to do so first which is hardly a claim that they would definitely beat you (it was more of a joke actually), however I did think the Swedes would beat the North and they still will in the return fixture not that they are any great shakes either at present (and yes before you state the obvious they are probably better than us).

My reaction to the ROI is quite straightforward. I'm not a fan (obviously), but neither do I wish the team or their supporters any harm, either. And if I reserve the supporter's traditional right to snigger when they or any other neigbouring team fcuk up (e.g England or Scotland), it is done in the full knowledge that I'll have to take it myself, in full measure, when (not if) the pendulum swings the other way.
Indeed, away from the rivalry which this reflects, I have on a number of occasions paid to watch the ROI play, both in Dublin and abroad. As a bit of a football nut, I have enjoyed these occasions, none more so than at Italia 90, when I cheered with the rest of my fellow Irishmen and women when David O'Leary scored that penalty. Of course, I was sad that my own team hadn't made what would have been their third consecutive World Cup Finals, but that didn't prevent me from being happy for those around me.
Then again, you'll probably accuse me of lying about that, as well. Que Sera Sera (as was sung at the time).

As for Our Wee Country, I am not that Board, nor is it me, so I'd prefer if you judged me on what I post, not others. In return, I will try to respond to what you post.

Speaking of which, when you contemplate the ROI qualifying for Euro2008/Gibson/Kane/O'Connor etc, is that another of your famous predictions? Because if it is, the state of my digestive system will be the least of my worries; I'll be able to afford a stomach transplant from my winnings from Paddy Power. Do you think I should combine it in a double to increase my odds? I quite fancy Shergar to win next year's Derby, possibly with Lord Lucan as jockey...

As for Liechtenstein's hopes re NI, what you posted was:
"You [Ealing Green] are so biased you no longer inhabit reality as far as football is concerned. Sweden the end of March will give you a reality check if Liechenstein don't manage to do it beforehand"
I'll give you one thing, though. Even if our winning in Liechtenstein was the definition of "reality", beating Sweden was "unreal"!

As for Sweden "probably" being better than ROI, I guess that I am "probably" older than you, as well.

Anyhow, as Lionel R pointed out earlier, isn't it time for your nap now?

[youngirish]

Ah ...so when you're talking out your hole -you're joking It all makes sense now.

You again? I think anyone with a basic grasp of reality would see that a comparison of Henry (widely recognised as the best striker in the world) and David Healy (a part time Leeds player who now reside in League 1) was a joke. Obviously you don't fall into the category above so I'll send you a special message next time accompanying my posts to explain terms like 'irony' and 'sarcasm'.

My reaction to the ROI is quite straightforward. I'm not a fan (obviously), but neither do I wish the team or their supporters any harm, either. And if I reserve the supporter's traditional right to snigger when they or any other neigbouring team fcuk up (e.g England or Scotland), it is done in the full knowledge that I'll have to take it myself, in full measure, when (not if) the pendulum swings the other way.
Indeed, away from the rivalry which this reflects, I have on a number of occasions paid to watch the ROI play, both in Dublin and abroad. As a bit of a football nut, I have enjoyed these occasions, none more so than at Italia 90, when I cheered with the rest of my fellow Irishmen and women when David O'Leary scored that penalty. Of course, I was sad that my own team hadn't made what would have been their third consecutive World Cup Finals, but that didn't prevent me from being happy for those around me.
Then again, you'll probably accuse me of lying about that, as well. Que Sera Sera (as was sung at the time).

As for Our Wee Country, I am not that Board, nor is it me, so I'd prefer if you judged me on what I post, not others. In return, I will try to respond to what you post.

Speaking of which, when you contemplate the ROI qualifying for Euro2008/Gibson/Kane/O'Connor etc, is that another of your famous predictions? Because if it is, the state of my digestive system will be the least of my worries; I'll be able to afford a stomach transplant from my winnings from Paddy Power. Do you think I should combine it in a double to increase my odds? I quite fancy Shergar to win next year's Derby, possibly with Lord Lucan as jockey...

As for Liechtenstein's hopes re NI, what you posted was:
"You [Ealing Green] are so biased you no longer inhabit reality as far as football is concerned. Sweden the end of March will give you a reality check if Liechenstein don't manage to do it beforehand"
I'll give you one thing, though. Even if our winning in Liechtenstein was the definition of "reality", beating Sweden was "unreal"!

As for Sweden "probably" being better than ROI, I guess that I am "probably" older than you, as well.

Anyhow, as Gspain pointed out earlier, isn't it time for your nap now?

Older possibly but definitely not wiser. Didn't you agree at the time with my prediction that Sweden would beat NI from my recollections? As for some of your own you tipped both Slovakia and Wales as far as I remember to get something from their Croke Park games didn't you?

You also regularly post sh*te about the Republic on ourweecountry.com whatever you state here. A recent thread you started was titled 'Stan's Comedy Tour to the US' which was basically an outlet to pass derogatory comments about our team.

Anyway I'm tired proving you wrong (see points above) and must retire because unlike some on here (you in particular) I really do have things to do in work. I'll be back to laugh at you come November when the groups are in their completed form.

Who's Gspain? Your imaginary friend?

[EalingGreen]

Didn't you agree at the time with my prediction that Sweden would beat NI from my recollections? As for some of your own you tipped both Slovakia and Wales as far as I remember to get something from their Croke Park games didn't you?

You also regularly post sh*te about the Republic on ourweecountry.com whatever you state here. A recent thread you started was titled 'Stan's Comedy Tour to the US' which was basically an outlet to pass derogatory comments about our team.

Anyway I'm tired proving you wrong (see points above) and must retire because unlike some on here (you in particular) I really do have things to do in work. I'll be back to laugh at you come November when the groups are in their completed form.

Who's Gspain? Your imaginary friend?

Re predictions, you were the one who confidently predicted "Sweden would give us a 'reality check' if not Liechtenstein" and you were wrong on both counts. Had you asked me, my cautious prediction would have been a narrow victory in Vaduz and a possible draw v Sweden, though none of the six possible permutations would have surprised me. Then again, I don't go round telling everyone what will happen even to my own football team, never mind someone elses.

As for ROI v Wales and Slovakia, if you check my posts I said that although it could go either way, I thought ROI were just favoured to win at home, and would do well to get a draw away. So far so good.
As regards Slovakia, I can't remember exactly what I posted (if anything), but whilst I felt them a better team than Wales, I doubt if I ever said they'd win or even draw in Dublin. (Check my posts if you like - if we don't hear from you on this, I'll assume my recall is correct)

As for my posts re. the ROI on OWC, feel free to quote specific examples of what I've written, I'm quite happy to answer for them. As for the ROI's recent US Tour, I didn't make one single derogatory comment on that thread. Instead, I opened it merely to query why none of the (NI-born) players with disputed "eligibility" had been included. Was it injury/unavailability/coincidence (seems it was, btw), or was there concern amongst the FAI as to their status? Considering just how many withdrawals there had been of senior players, I thought it strange they didn't bring along Kane/O'Connor/Gibson etc.
As for the title - "Stan's Comedy Tour to the US", that was an allusion to the fact that (afaik) Stan Laurel first came to prominence in the USA following a Comedy Tour of the States, where he also met Oliver Hardy. And Staunton is nicknamed "Stan" after Laurel, after all.
But if it makes you happy, I'll apologise both to you and him for the grievous offence caused by this reference. After all, it's not as if ROI fans are ever less than 100% positive about your esteemed manager, is it?

P.S. I posted "GSpain", rather than "Lionel Ritchie" by mistake (corrected before I noticed your taking me up on it). Enjoy your little "victory" over that one, I'm sure it will give you a warm glow all the way to Novemeber, when I hope we both get what we wish for. And deserve.

[Cymro]

Let's be honest Wales a year or so ago hammered you at home after all didn't they though you forget to mention such things. Also Iceland beat you 3-0 fairly recently at home didn't they? Btw I've noticed you aren't half as cocky now than you were a couple of months ago when the North were (amazingly) sitting at the top of their group. You'll be less so after the away trips to Spain and Sweden.

We didn't really hammer them, all three of our last meetings have been fairly close. Ironically the one we won was arguably a worse performance than in Cardiff where we had 70% of the ball but because we conceded two silly goals couldn't win it.

The last meeting we had even though we were minus a lot of good players NI edged the best of it (not that much of it was that great) in a 0-0 draw.

[EalingGreen]

We didn't really hammer them, all three of our last meetings have been fairly close. Ironically the one we won was arguably a worse performance than in Cardiff where we had 70% of the ball but because we conceded two silly goals couldn't win it.

The last meeting we had even though we were minus a lot of good players NI edged the best of it (not that much of it was that great) in a 0-0 draw.

Agree that all three meetings were close, Cymro. Indeed, the only point I'd disagree with is your summary of the Cardiff game. It may be true that you had 70% of possession, but that was only because that ludicrous Italian referee sent off two of our players to your one in the first half. Not only that, but our two players were our two best: David Healy and Michael Hughes.
I thought that our backs-to-the-wall performance made for a thrilling game, and had the ref given the most blatant of penalties late on, when Tony Capaldi was clearly fouled inside the box, we probably would have won it. Had we done so, it would have been at least as deserved as your 3-2 win in Belfast (imo).

Either way, two out of three of these encounters produced cracking matches which perhaps augurs well for the Celtic Cup, if it ever gets off the ground.

[livehead1]

In case you've forgotten:
Liechtenstein 1 v 4 NI
NI 2 v 1 Sweden

David Healy scored 5 goals in those two games, to take his tally to 9 goals in 6 Euro2008 matches - the highest scorer in the Tournament to date.

As for Healy and Henry, obviously there's no comparison between the two as players - as evidenced by Barcelona paying £18 million for Henry just now. It is interesting, however, that whilst Henry has scored 39 goals in 92 matches for France (= 1 goal every 2.4 games), Healy has notched 29 in 56 for a much inferior team (= 1 goal every 1.9 games).

At that rate, I wonder how many he'd score for a truly crap team like ROI?

two fantastic results for a side with limited resources, and i say that with the greatest respect.

however the difference between healy and henry is that healy is a pile of wa*k who has never scored in the premiership whilst henry is a world superstar who holds the all time scoring record for one of the top sides in europe. that aside, i see your point!

[Qwerty]

The success of NI recently is interesting, I saw the NI v Spain game last year, actually I watched it twice. My take on this is NI have clearly improved, they are a very modest team with some very weak links but they do retain possession well, they have been lucky and the teams that lost to them like Spain and England did so becuase they thought it would be an easy game and that they could get a result without moving out of 1st gear, so really NI are benefiting from their years of wretchedness.

I don't understand Healy but he keeps knocking them in, he can do no wrong.

I don't think they will qualify but at least they have got some good results, much better than ours by any measure.

[Stuttgart88]

they have been lucky

I'm not for a second suggesting the win was all down to luck, but in the Spain game I recall Raul(?) missing a sitter from only a few feet out followed almost immediately by the Spanish defence inexplicably all missing a routine long kick by Taylor allowing Healy to score the winner (expertly).

Fine margins and all that. We could have squeezed a win home or away to France for example. Reid hitting the post, Morrison fouled in the box, Barthez' elbowing O'Brien, O'Shea's shot...

The fact is that regardless of which way the marginal outcomes go, NI is now frequently competitive against very good sides, something which we can be but we're equally capable of utter garbage.

Let's see how we acquit ourselves in September & October.

[Cymro]

Agree that all three meetings were close, Cymro. Indeed, the only point I'd disagree with is your summary of the Cardiff game. It may be true that you had 70% of possession, but that was only because that ludicrous Italian referee sent off two of our players to your one in the first half. Not only that, but our two players were our two best: David Healy and Michael Hughes.
I thought that our backs-to-the-wall performance made for a thrilling game, and had the ref given the most blatant of penalties late on, when Tony Capaldi was clearly fouled inside the box, we probably would have won it. Had we done so, it would have been at least as deserved as your 3-2 win in Belfast (imo).

Either way, two out of three of these encounters produced cracking matches which perhaps augurs well for the Celtic Cup, if it ever gets off the ground.

Don't forget we were down to ten men because he sent off Savage. Whenever I discuss this game with NI fans they always conveniently forget that.

That ref was a muppet though.

I don't remember the late penalty appeal for Capaldi, so can't really comment. We were dire that day (in terms of finishing our chances) though, truly awful, so you probably did deserve the win. Just.

[EalingGreen]

The success of NI recently is interesting, I saw the NI v Spain game last year, actually I watched it twice. My take on this is NI have clearly improved, they are a very modest team with some very weak links but they do retain possession well, they have been lucky and the teams that lost to them like Spain and England did so becuase they thought it would be an easy game and that they could get a result without moving out of 1st gear, so really NI are benefiting from their years of wretchedness.

I don't understand Healy but he keeps knocking them in, he can do no wrong.

I don't think they will qualify but at least they have got some good results, much better than ours by any measure.

Always interesting to hear an objective view and I wouldn't disagree with your summary. Certainly, we are a modest team (with much to be modest about, I should add!).

That said, our recent relative success has been no fluke. Essentially, there have been three key elements. The first is (was) Sanchez. From the very start, he looked at the players available to him, settled on a playing style that would suit them best, and required his players to conform to it. Anyone who wasn't prepared to go along with this was out on his ear - regardless of ability or reputation.
But all those who went along with it benefited enormously from the consistency and support which Sanchez and his system gave them, so that even mediocre players (to start with) improved significantly during his 3 1/2 years.
Consequently, we became first a team that was now hard to beat and subsequently, a team that was confident enough to go out and win games. It is notable that in our two most recent big wins (Spain and Sweden), we went behind both times, but never lost our nerve.

The second factor was Healy. Now I'll be the first to admit that there's a lot he can't do, so that he relies more than most on his teammates. Indeed, it is this need to have the team built round him which probably explains why he's not playing in the Premiership.
But if you give him a chance, he's as good a finisher as there is in the whole of the English game (and I don't say that lightly).
Sanchez quickly cottoned onto that, and so built a team the whole point of which is to get the ball to Healy at every opportunity.
Subsequently, Healy has never let us down, scoring 21 goals in 27 caps under Sanchez. And the amazing thing is, these goals aren't just against pushover teams, or in friendlies; neither are they all of a type. As his hattrick v Spain demonstrated, he does tap-ins, set-pieces, one-on-ones, long range or close in, penalties, even the odd header.

And the third factor is the Green and White Army. I know there's a lot of ****** talked about "12th Man" and feel-good factor etc, but too many of our opponents have remarked on the difficulties of coming to play on a dark Wednesday night at Windsor for it to be a total myth. And don't our boys know it, too!

Of course, who knows how we'll do under the new manager. But even if we fail to reach recent highs, I doubt if we'll fall back down into our previous lows, if for no other reason in that the players whose confidence had previously deserted them under McIlroy now know that they're decent enough (if never world-beaters) and further, there are a few talented youngsters emerging who know no fear.

Consequently, I feel we've a reasonable chance of finishing third in our Euro2008 Group and being seeded Fourth for the draw for WC2010. Which, considering we were seeded 6th (and ranked 124 in the world) when Sanchez took over, is highly respectable (imo).

[EalingGreen]

As someone said, these Rankings may be a joke, but don't we all enjoy a laugh now and again...

http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/ra...llranking.html

[RogerMilla]

as i've said before these rankings are far from a joke , NI are ahead of us as they are doing far better than us comparably. England are perennial qualifiers and deserve to be where they are. I havent given up hope of qualification for the Euro tournament but would certainly hope that we are third seeds for the South Africa Qualifiers.

[youngirish]

As someone said, these Rankings may be a joke, but don't we all enjoy a laugh now and again...

http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/ra...llranking.html

They are a joke. Your constant regurgitating off them every few weeks when no meaningful games have been played in months just shows how desperate you are for that little bit of success that your national team has failed to deliver for over two decades. I didn't see you listing them a few months ago when we were ahead of you (funnily enough just after the last set of qualifiers when they possibly did matter a bit).

I'll bring them up again in a couple of months after your next few away games.

Fulham to be relegated.

[eirebhoy]

They are a joke.

Why is that? Just because friendlies are included? Friendlies are worth 40% of qualifiers and most teams do actually want to win these games. I think 40% is fair enough.

[youngirish]

Why is that? Just because friendlies are included? Friendlies are worth 40% of qualifiers and most teams do actually want to win these games. I think 40% is fair enough.

No a number of reasons all of which I mentioned earlier in this thread.

1. Friendlies are included which is a nonsense even if they only were weighted at 4% nevermind 40%. Look at the teams we put out in America. A large number of our starting 11 wouldn't have even been in our squads for competitive games. Brian Kerr was the God of freindlies but couldn't win a competitive game to save his life.
2. They are pointlessly updated far too regularly making them more of a joke than they already are.
3. Teams that have a couple of good wins are boosted to ridiculous rankings irrespective of how bad they have been beforehand or are likely to be again.
4. Northern Ireland are in the top 30.

Number 4 alone should be enough of an indicator.

[eirebhoy]

Fair points actually. I just think people are too quick to write them off because of the old FIFA rankings which were rubbish.

[gustavo]

No a number of reasons all of which I mentioned earlier in this thread.

1. Friendlies are included which is a nonsense even if they only were weighted at 4% nevermind 40%. Look at the teams we put out in America. A large number of our starting 11 wouldn't have even been in our squads for competitive games. Brian Kerr was the God of freindlies but couldn't win a competitive game to save his life.
2. They are pointlessly updated far too regularly making them more of a joke than they already are.
3. Teams that have a couple fo good wins are boosted to ridiculous rankings irrespective of how bad they have been beforehand or are likely to be again.
4. Northern Ireland are in the top 30.

Number 4 alone should be enough of an indicator.

Northern Ireland are there because they have beaten teams that were a lot higher up than them in the last 2 years so it makes sense that a rise in the rankings was in order for them