Should be on the RTE Player
Is this France game available to watch online?
Should be on the RTE Player
Thank you
Armenia beaten 4-0 by Italy and are already out of the running for the semi finals. 1-1 between Spain and Portugal.
Norway - Czech Republic finished 0-0, with the report saying Norway were the better team.
Pichal picked up his second booking in two games, so is suspended for the game against Ireland on Sunday.
O'Connor, Afolabi and Hodge are carrying yellows from the first game
From what I'm seeing of Afolabi so far, I think he will have a long career for us as a number 9. Excellent control and varied movement short, deep, narrow and wide. Turn of pace and willing to take men on.
1-0 France, goal was coming and deserved
Would expect France to play a weakened team vs Norway, giving Norway a good chance to win and go through, regardless of Ireland beating Czech Rep or not
Felt the five subs rule done us there, the French had plenty of quality to bring in off the bench, we didn't with all the missing players. You could see our defence tiring a bit in the 10 minutes leading up to the goal. Need to try and beat the Czechs now and hope for the best. A draw might even do if France beat Norway by a couple. Worry is France can rest a few now after the two wins.
Agree, he has been the main positive from this tournament. He should be able to take his pick of a number of clubs for next season. He looks ready for first team football, hopefully he will get the chance. Hodge was good first game, average today. Kind of player who could disappear once he’s up against men, unless he increases his physical stature. Reminds me of Willo Flood, but different type of player. I wouldn’t be overly excited by him at this stage, let’s see where he is in 2 years time
https://youtu.be/nKPciAEoxOE
Interview with Joe Hodge. He seems happy he's with us. Skip to 3:20.
Willo flood was a bag of energy and bustle but his technique never seemed top level. Hodge reminds me Stephen Ireland when he was breaking through with that ability to take the ball under pressure or on the half turn and find a pass.
Hopefully city move him out to holland next summer to progress him along. He could do with a bit of a late growth spurt alright but that engine and burst of acceleration combined with that technique and game awareness is a lovely combination.
One thing I find amazing watching him is when we lose the ball he manages to change into a defensive stance and move into a defensive position earlier than anyone. He seems to see where we are over-loaded, split that and then squat into a position.
Have heard plenty of negativity around about these lads. But overall, you’d be pretty encouraged I feel. We’re playing against the best teams in Europe and I can’t imagine anyone has as many withdrawals as we’ve had. The fact that probably 18 of our preferred 20 ply their trade outside Ireland leaves us at a unique disadvantage when a tournament is played outside a FIFA window. Clubs are far more receptive to requests from their home FAs and if those lads were being called up for England, I’d say half of them would be allowed to play. The fact Conor Coventry wasn’t released by West Ham is a disgrace considering he didn’t make their preseason squad. In the tournament, there are 5 2002 born players, 4 of them are playing for Ireland. And when 2000 and 2001 are exceptional years for young Irish players, it speaks volumes. Using just lads who weren’t involved in the tournament for whatever reason, you could create a side like this:
Bazunu
Gaston, Collins, Sobawele, Connell
Bolger Coventry
Obafemi Parrott Connolly
Idah
And that’s leaving out the likes of Knight, Smallbone, Okoflex, Johansson, Doherty, Ferry, Kilkenny.
As for the lads who are there: Afolabi has looked fantastic. For guys playing two age levels up, Hodge and Everett have done very well. McEntee has looked commanding. Lyons never seems to get beaten. Reghba is also a handful. He was up against a very good fullback and held his own. Maher made some great saves and clearly has potential. Lee O’Connor is doing an admirable job playing out of position.
None of these players are the finished product and at 16-19, you wouldn’t expect them to be. But across the board, there’s potential there. A win against the Czechs and they’re most likely through. Considering the circumstances, that’s a very respectable position to be in.
Afolabi can take his pick of clubs after this tournament. So impressive. Lovely goal to put ireland 1-0 up vs Czech. Still 0-0 in other game
Brilliant Afolabi, brilliant. Honestly not sure what he's missing. As I said for France game, the man can come short or long. Has beautiful control. Is very strong and fast. And can finish.
I think a great outcome from this tournament would be if he signed up with a good German side.
Goal for Czechs. 1-1. We still go through once we don't lose and Norway don't win. Our goal difference is superior to both of these.
Hopefully it won't go to that. 2-1 to us. Barry Coffey. We are now 2 points ahead of Norway.
O'Connor and Afolabi out of next round with yellows anyway I think. Makes life very, very difficult.
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