Ireland "Football" team vs. Cyprus - Post Match Discussion

[Soko]

Because it's called supporting a football team. A real fan stays to the end, regardless of the score, or how sh!t it is.

If I went, I would have only stayed to boo

[Dallasirish]

stan should do the right thing and resign. Delaney needs to be forced out. He is the root of the problem. Unless there is a change we will not be going to any tournaments any time soon. We will be the most talented warm up fixture for major tournaments available.

The Irish fans and players deserve a world class manager! Staunton has had a campaign to prove that he is everything but world class. Why should we have to put up with this Shi+e because of one MUPPETT. The welsh game needs to be used as a means to show the peoples feelings towards Delaney. Otherwise these gut wrenching feelings of despair and disapointment are all ahead of us for a long time to come. Have never felt such a lack of hope in the national side before ever!!


What odds would you get on Mc claren, tosack and Stauton getting handed their notices at the end of this campaign. Paddy power is all the excitment i have left!

[Kivlehan]

The next cheif exec and/or managers first 2 phone calls should be to Mick McCarthy and Roy Keane. I think it is quite clear they are the 2 people who know where the problems lie, and the people and problems that caused Saipan, are the people and problms that have caused this.

I assume you are not knocking Keane and McCarthy by saying this and that you are saying that the same people at FAI who created the conditions that led up to and into Keane and McCarthy's dispute are the same who are responsible for the disaster that is the Euro 2008 campaign. If so, I agree 100% with your sentiment.

While Stan needs to go, it is clear the problems go above him and right at the top. As many are saying, firing Stan alone is pretty much worthless since the root cause of the bad decisions will still be in place. Executive management at FAI should be cleaned out. Develop a task force with actual successful Irish football managers/coaches/executives to select the new manager and set other issues right. This task force would include Niall Quinn, Roy Keane, Mick McCarthy, Liam Brady, etc. True, this is a group of people who have personal disputes but if you said, gentlemen, Ireland needs your help to set this right, please spend a couple days a year in meetings on setting Irish football right. Topics would include: picking a manager for the national team, setting general best practices into place in terms of training, conditioning and other preparations, making the League of Ireland a better product, improving the Irish youth football system and more. These gentlemen could be well compensated for their time. They could function like a board of directors for a corporation, meeting semi-annually and help make sure management stays on the right course.

[sonofstan]

How about the lads who had a "Delaney Out" banner confiscated because " ...you can't have anything negative towards the FAI",

Just an idea, but, while Delaney can send in security to protect his fragile ego at Croke park, he can't very well do it in every stadium in the country; Drogs v Cork on Friday is on RTE, as are the two FAI cup semis next weekend - a few Delaney Out banners at each?

[Réiteoir]

Because it's called supporting a football team. A real fan stays to the end, regardless of the score, or how sh!t it is.

Sure you'd know about following utter garbage mypost

[drinkfeckarse]

4tothefloor is right in saying they can't stop any protests in Cardiff. I would love to see as many banners as possible.

"ENOUGH IS ENOUGH"
"STAN & DELANEY OUT"

[Row Z]

Think thats a great idea about Banners at any televised eircom league game. Something has to be done. Surely the FAI have to take into account the majority of fans feelings on the subject of THEIR national team. Or at least the mgr should take stock and see that he hasnt got the support of the nation and do the honourable thing.
how comfortable did the Cypriots look on the ball last nite?made us look like amateurs.

[Dotsy]

I wasn't bothered when Cyprus scored, wasn't bothered when Ireland scored. I'm going to Wales and I think it'll just be a match for protest.

Describes my feelings perfectly. THe performance up to the goals sucked whatever enthusiasm I had out of me. I can't describe the anger I feel towards that wa**k*r Delaney and the rest of the FAI for allowing this to happen.

[Dublin12]

The booing was good and deserved until we scored and I couldn't understand alot of people jumping around like we had just scored in the last minute of the WC final against Brazil and then it was back to the booing. clap clap..clap clap clap.. clap clap clap clap ..Ireland

[Dotsy]

The booing was good and deserved until we scored and I couldn't understand alot of people jumping around like we had just scored in the last minute of the WC final against Brazil and then it was back to the booing. clap clap..clap clap clap.. clap clap clap clap ..Ireland

I'm guessing it's because most people still support the team and the players and most of the booing was aimed at Stan and Delaney.

[G-Man]

Describes my feelings perfectly. THe performance up to the goals sucked whatever enthusiasm I had out of me. I can't describe the anger I feel towards that wa**k*r Delaney and the rest of the FAI for allowing this to happen.

first game I hadnt travelled to in a long while, and when they scored I didnt budge or feel anything, much the same for our goal. I was even wondering why so many people were celebrating like they were, but sure I suppose if there it was at least something to shout about. Just feel so drained from it all and as if it doesnt give a cr@p anymore. I genuinely felt sorry for Staunton last night. He doesnt know what he is at, and he shouldnt have taken the job, but at the end of the day he is a decent sort but is just totally inept at his job. He shouldnt be there. Dunphy et al eluded to that last night too, and could see they were genuinely sympathetic to him after hearing his interview.

[paul_oshea]

Of course all of this is irrelevant as Stan is staying on, and worst of all that féckless muppet, the mothership of ineptitude, Oscar Wilde is still atop his Ivory Tower at the FAI

edmundo, that is the best line i have ever read on this site. All hail.

Your post in general is spot on too.

[elroy]

Spineless disorganised performance from the team, dont think any player emerged from the game with an ounce of credibility except maybe finnan and given.

This campaign has seen three of the worst results in living memory, wheres the progresss- there is none!!
Lets analyse the campaign:
1: Germany away, solid performance, at times over ran and never troubled the germans. Fortunate goal but signs of encouragement.
2: Cyprus away - one of the very worst nights in Irish football.
3: Czech Rep, best performance of the campaign, took the lead only to throw it away after. If everyone hadnt been in severe shock after the previous game, no one would have been happy with the draw. opportunity lost
4: San Marino, good if unimpressive win.
5: San Marino - one of the very worst nights in Irish football.
6: Wales and Slovakia - two wins but on reflection, two poor performances, with the slovakia game slightly better. In hindsight both opposing teams had chances to equalise - narrow wins.
7: Slovakia - Great start, which slowly deteriorated at the game wore on, baffling substitutions resulting in a late goal conceded.
8: Czech Rep - over ran for the first half hour, have a decent 30 mins after until the sending off. Not the worst performance of the campaign by any means but never looked close to getting the required win.
9: Germany - solid performance, however were the Germans that bothered seeing as the already had qualified. Bit like the czech home game, opportunity lost for a good home win.
10: Cyprus - one of the very worst nights in Irish football.

After that brief summary, how anyone can say there has been progress throughout the campaign is beyond me. From the first time in years, we were out of the runnning with 3 games to go. Yes new players have been blooded etc but there the positives end, the team lacks direction and organisation which is essential in a team of Irelands ability. Ireland do not have many top class players but we have always had a spirit and organisation to do ourselves proud and more often than not punch above our weight. This team is without doubt underperforming.

I do think we are missing quality players in key positions - ie CM, that we used to have in previous years, but we are not playing to our strengths and using what we have. Our strikers had nothing to work with last night - against Cyprus! This team has consistently failed to impress throughout this campaign and last night illustrated how devoid of ideas, plans, direction, organisation.......this team is.

Please for the sake of Irish football let this not continue anymore, I saw plenty of young kids there last night watching on, would you want to come watch Ireland again after that? No way, not only is the current team being destroyed, the future for Irish football is at stake as well. These kids dont remember the glory days that we were lucky to experience. If we dont sort our house out and quickly, we may be in the doldrums with the 4th and 5ths seeds for a long time to come. I wish I had an answer, the obvious thing is to sack the manager, but this time we need an experienced organised manager to replace him, not another set of false empty promises.

[Noelys Guitar]

Spineless disorganised performance from the team, dont think any player emerged from the games with an ounce of credibility except maybe finnan and given.

This campaign has seen three of the worst results in living memory, wheres the progresss- there is none!!
Lets analyse the campaign:
1: Germany away, solid performance, at times over ran and never troubled the germans. Fortunate goal but signs of encouragement.
2: Cyprus away - one of the very worst nights in Irish football.
3: Czech Rep, best performance of the campaign, took the lead only to throw it away after. If everyone hadnt been in severe shock after the previous game, no one would have been happy with the draw. opportunity lost
4: San Marino, good if impressive win.
5: San Marino - one of the very worst nights in Irish football.
6: Wales and Slovakia - two wins but on reflection, two poor performances, with the slovakia game slightly better. In hindsight both opposing teams had chances to equalise - narrow wins.
7: Slovakia - Great start, which slowly deteriorated at the game wore on, baffling substitutions resulting in a late goal conceded.
8: Czech Rep - over ran for the first half hour, have a decent 30 mins after until the sending off. Not the worst performance of the campaign by any means but never looked close to getting the required win.
9: Germany - solid performance, however were the Germans that bothered seeing as the already had qualified. Bit like the czech home game, opportunity lost for a good home win.
10: Cyprus - one of the very worst nights in Irish football.

After that brief summary, how anyone can say there has been progress throughout the campaign is beyond me. From the first time in years, we were out of the runnning with 3 games to go. Yes new players have been blooded etc but there the positives end, the team lacks direction and organisation which is essential in a team of Irelands ability. Ireland do not have many top class players but we have always had a spirit and organisation to do ourselves proud and more often than not punch above our weight. This team is without doubt underperforming.

I do think we are missing quality players in key positions - ie CM, that we used to have in previous years, but we are not playing to our strengths and using what we have. Our strikers had nothing to work with last night - against Cyprus! This team has consistently failed to impress throughout this campaign and last night illustrated how devoid of ideas, plans, direction, organisation.......this team is.

Please for the sake of Irish football let this not continue anymore, I saw plenty of young kids there last night watching on, would you want to come watch Ireland again after that? No way, not only is the current team being destroyed, the future for Irish football is at stake as well. These kids dont remember the glory days that we were lucky to experience. If we dont sort our house out and quickly, we may be in the doldrums with the 4th and 5ths seeds for a long time to come. I wish I had an answer, the obvious thing is to sack the manager, but this time we need an experienced organised manager to replace him, not another set of false empty promises.

Good post. And spot on.

[OwlsFan]

Looks like Scotland, Wales, Norn Iron and England all will not qualify along with us and like us will probably finish third or worse. I think all their Football Associations should resign en masse along with their managers.

[Stuttgart88]

Now now Owls fan, less of that.

Scotland out up a gallant effort and may well still do it. I'd bite your arm off to be in their shoes now. Wales never had a chance in this group and i've no idea whether the FAW is doing a good job or not.

Norn Iron have given it a good shot. They're done their status in the game the world of good.

We have been a bloody disatster in this campaign and the fault lines from the top of the FAI down are there for all to see.

[bigmac]

Given 8 - Did everything asked of him (again) and played a lot more quick ball to his full-backs and wingers.
Finnan 6.5 - Got done for pace once or twice and left the Cypriots through in the first half from that quick free-kick when he couldn't decide whether to follow his man or play offside and half tried to step up. The one time he linked up with Keogh he put in a decent cross. (Gets a bonus half point for being there to score)
O'Shea 7 - Amazingly, one of his better games for Ireland. Talked a lot to the people around him and tackled well. Was the only one covering back when Hunt gave the ball away and the Cypriot tried to lob Given.
McShane 6 - Looked a bit lost at times but gave 100% as always.
Keogh 4 - Out of position, can't be doing anything for his confidence, lots of space down his flank but he never looked like he knew how to exploit it. Several times he played the ball to Finnan and should have turned looking for the ball over the top into space.
O'Brien 5 - Was fine when he did his job but shown up badly when he tried/had to do Reid's job - too many passes went astray.
Reid 5 - Mixed bag. Lots of poor balls, but still the only person on the pitch delivering quality passes. His awareness was far above his execution last night.
Hunt 5 - 100% effort, didn't play well by his own admission, two balls that he failed to control on the sideline in the second half epitomised the performance really. Along with Keogh, the crossing was abysmal. Missed a good headed opportunity.
Keane 6 - lots of effort again. His running won several throws and corners and he defended well from the front. One header missed (so did Doyle and Hunt) and at times looked like he was trying too hard. Never really linked up with Doyle to any great effect. It's still not a coherent partnership.
Doyle 5 - Slightly anonymous game. Put a header straight at the keeper but didn't really get a sniff after that.

Subs
McGeady 6 - Did a Hunt when he came on and started to run at the defenders a bit more. Good cross for the goal, but one good cross in 45 minutes is not a good return. Ran sideways a lot and the strikers not alive to passes.
Miller 5 - Meh.. didn't do much noticeable. Looked like he was getting in the way and had no clear instructions from the bench.
Murphy - Pushed Doyle out on the right where he looked relatively dangerous but never got a chance himself.



The main things that struck me were

• lack of movement off the ball
• woeful crossing
• very slow passing - everyone needed 3 or 4 touches, especially when switched across the back 4
• no attacking threat from full-backs - the one time Finnan got forward gave us the only chance of the first half.
• lack of footballing build-up - the tactics seemed to be "give it to a wide man, let him beat a defender and put a cross in" - surely we could have kept the ball a bit better and been more patient.

[WembleyGreen]

A shambles yet again! Absolute dross, so much for Keanes "revenge for Nicosia" nonsense. It's fairly obvious from that display last night that these players have either lost the will to play for Stan or are just plain un-interested in playing for Ireland? I find it hard to believe that the players don't want to play for their country so I have to conclude that they don't want to play for Stan. After last night I really can't see how we can go into the WC qualifiers with this set up. It's bad enough being out of the running 3 games left but to out by so many points is telling and with 3 points picked up from a possible 12 that's just not good enough and certainly does not represent progress as the FAI and Delaney are trying to spin. This is woeful, this squad may not be blessed with 'world class' players and in truth many are average to say the least but they should be doing better than they are and we had a tiny glimpes of what they can do when they are 'managed' and motivated. I fear for our International future if this is allowed to continue, we are now in serious danger of being 4th seeds for the WC and lets face it under Stan that's going to mean one thing 'disaster' The FAI who appointed Stan have put Irish football on the road to oblivion and commercial suicide. Nobody is going to want to pay big money to watch or be associated with a bunch of bottlers and losers and if that idiot Delaney can't see the writing on the wall then someone within the FAI needs to develop a set of balls and ram it home to him pretty fast because there's only so much people will take before they walk away and judging from the numbers walking out of Croker last night that scenario is already under way!

[youngirish]

Felt sorry for Cyprus. They deserved a win and Ireland needed a defeat. The sooner this jokeshop regime ends, the better.
On another note, the attendance showed up 'the best fans in the world' cliche as pure fantasy. It was like watching a GAA game at Croker as there were so many empty seats at the start (were there slow barman operating in the boozers around Croker?) and thousands poured out before the end (Jayze, Mick, we could get an extra pint in if we left now!).
Proper fans stay till the final whistle. Part-timers leave early.

Proper fans should do what needs to be done and boycott games irrespective of privileges lost as only then may this farce be finally brought to an end. Yes proper fans keep going to the games and giving the FAI your money and follow our country further into the abyss (impossible as we are at rock bottom already and have been for about a year now) while having the occasional moan on here. That's the way to change things alright.

As for Stan f**k him being a loyal servant to his country. Any good he may have done as a player has been long since undone with his stubborn refusal to step down from a job he so clearly is unable to perform. If he had any loyalty for Ireland and the fans he would have resigned over a year ago after those pathethic performaces to the Dutch and the Cyrpiots.

He's an arsehole of the highest order.

[co. down green]

Absolute shambles last night, No drive or determination, no fighting spirit, no organisation, control or game plan.

That's the managers fault.

What's worse, is our young players are being severley damaged by this. Mcshane, O'Brien, Keogh etc.. are having the confidence kicked out of them by Staunton's inability to grasp the basics of management.

Words fail me.