Slovakia vs. Armenia

**Colbert Report** · 03/09/2011, 1:20 AM

Slovakia are massive favourites to win at home Tuesday. I think this is the key fixture left in the group, if Slovakia win it then we'll need incredible luck to pip them for second.

**DannyInvincible** · 03/09/2011, 1:34 AM

I think Slovakia could be more likely to drop points away to Macedonia, so maybe it's not so crucial. Our own fixture on Tuesday is the big one really. Two points from these two games just isn't enough. The difference now from before the Slovakia game is that I think we have to go all-out for a win in Moscow or I fear another cul-de-sac. That might suit us, like it did in Paris. If we draw, there's a huge chance we'll finish third, level on points with Slovakia and Russia. Qualification is still within our own hands now and if we win on Tuesday, we're off to the finals irrespective of how Slovakia or Russia do in their other games, just so long as we beat Andorra away and Armenia at home. Simples. Well, maybe not... but that's what we have to be aiming for.

**SwanVsDalton** · 03/09/2011, 1:37 AM

Big time DI. Have to go for it now. I'm extremely interested to see how Trap responds to it.

**DannyInvincible** · 03/09/2011, 1:58 AM

I think I'd rather feel pride in this team that they went out for a victory with the aim of topping this group in Moscow, took it by the scruff of the neck, gave it their all and lost, rather than go through another lacklustre draw which really keeps minimal hopes alive of making at best another play-off at which we'll probably only stumble yet again. I don't think that's a knee-jerk response or whatever, nor do I think it reckless/foolish to view this game as an all-or-nothing affair. It really is that crucial. To even just feel deserving of a place in the finals, I think going out to win this is what we have to do.

**bwagner** · 03/09/2011, 9:31 AM

u cant win with no midfield guys...we can bluff and bluff and scrap draws galore or the odd win but we simply will not beat russia with the midfield we have...no hope

**DannyInvincible** · 03/09/2011, 10:37 PM

Am I correct in thinking that this game kicks off at 7:15PM our time on Tuesday evening?

**Colbert Report** · 04/09/2011, 3:39 AM

Originally Posted by DannyInvincible

Am I correct in thinking that this game kicks off at 7:15PM our time on Tuesday evening?

Russia vs. Ireland is on at 4:00pm Irish time
Slovakia vs. Armenia is on at 7:15 pm Irish time
Macedonia vs. Andorra is on at 7:00 pm Irish time

**Hibs4Ever** · 04/09/2011, 8:03 AM

Originally Posted by Colbert Report

Slovakia are massive favourites to win at home Tuesday. I think this is the key fixture left in the group, if Slovakia win it then we'll need incredible luck to pip them for second.

Their games at home to Russia and away to Macedonia are much tougher than this

**Noelys Guitar** · 04/09/2011, 12:50 PM

Armenia already hammered Slovakia so why would this not be at least as tough a game as the games against Russia (who Slovakia beat away) and Macedonia (who Slovakia beat at home)? I was chatting with a few Armenian's on Friday night about their game and they believe they can still clinch the second spot. Might be pie in the sky but they believe they can still qualify. I wouldn't put my pre-foreclosure property on Slovakia winning on Tuesday. Whose going to score their goals?

**holidaysong** · 04/09/2011, 12:57 PM

Is Slovakia vs. Armenia on Setanta or anything? I remember them showing key games involving our group rivals in previous campaigns.

**BonnieShels** · 04/09/2011, 1:11 PM

Had a quick look there. Nothing on Setanta 1 or Setanta Ireland. SI are showing England v Wales live.

**Sullivinho** · 04/09/2011, 1:15 PM

Originally Posted by Hibs4Ever

Their games at home to Russia and away to Macedonia are much tougher than this

Yeah, I'd arrange the scale of difficulty in the order of 1. Russia (h), 2. Macedonia (a), 3. Armenia (h) on Slovakia's behalf and wish them the worst of luck.

Originally Posted by holidaysong

Is Slovakia vs. Armenia on Setanta or anything? I remember them showing key games involving our group rivals in previous campaigns.

Can't see anything on their TV listings but no doubt there'l be streams to be had, not least in this very thread.

**holidaysong** · 04/09/2011, 1:18 PM

England vs. Wales in on UTV / ITV1 anyway so it's a pity they aren't showing the Slovakia game instead.

**BonnieShels** · 04/09/2011, 1:22 PM

Originally Posted by holidaysong

England vs. Wales in on UTV / ITV1 anyway so it's a pity they aren't showing the Slovakia game instead.

I reckon their concern is advertising revenue rather than our qualification chances.

**Cymro** · 04/09/2011, 5:05 PM

Obviously the commercial lure of Gary Speed's boys has proved irresistable for them.

**IsMiseSean** · 05/09/2011, 8:35 PM

This isn't a banker for Slovakia, Armenia still have a playoff place to play for.
After watching our home performance against Slovakia I'm sure they'd fancy their chances in Dublin...

**Noelys Guitar** · 05/09/2011, 10:35 PM

Mkhitaryan the Armenian midfielder was brilliant against Slovakia in the home game. Ran the show and scored a great goal. I'd be happy to have a player of that quality playing for us in midfield. Hopefully he runs the show tomorrow night and Armenia win or draw.

**ArdeeBhoy** · 06/09/2011, 12:12 AM

Originally Posted by JGKyne

This isn't a banker for Slovakia, Armenia still have a playoff place to play for.
After watching our home performance against Slovakia I'm sure they'd fancy their chances in Dublin...

There is no way Armenia will come 2nd in our group...

**zero** · 06/09/2011, 12:23 AM

i think there are a few surprises left in this group - i reckon armenia will take a point off either slovakia or us. we created very little against them away and i can see a similar situation in dublin.

for all that slovakia knocked the ball around nicely against us they lack a decent front man. holosko got the nod v us but wasn't a major threat. vittek doesn't have a great record either, bar a good world cup.

it may all be academic in any case depending on results tomorrow.