Russia v Republic of Ireland - Tuesday, 6th September 2011 - Euro 2012 Qualifier

[christo]

A few things to consider... We've never lost an away game under Trap. Russia will be missing midfield all-rounder Igor Denisov. And Malafeev, their goalie, has a shot-stopping technique that gives me the impression he'd be more suited to back-row volleyball.

On that basis, I think we'll lose only 2-0.

I have the same impression of the keeper, he's just as bad as the Macedonian keeper so shooting on sight would be a good policy. Watching Macedonia cut through Russia's midfield on Friday makes me feel a bit safer with Whelan and Andrews not much though but they'll need a big game.

I'm hoping McGeady will show some of his potential he's been hiding for the last 7 years as well

[Kingdom]

------------------Malafeev-----------------

Anyukov - Ignashevich - V Berezutski -Zhirkov
McGeady -----------Doyle--------------- Duff

-------------------Arshavin-----------------
--------------------Keane------------------
-------------Shirokov - Semshov------------
--------------Whelan---Andrews------------
--Zyryanov---------------------Kerzhakov---
---Ward--------------------------Kelly
-----------------Pavlyuchenko--------------
-------------------Dunne------------------
--------------------O'Dea------------------

[Kingdom]

Aside from last friday, when he clearly wasn't fit, Aiden McGeady, statistically and observationally, has been our best offensive threat throughout a competition where we top of our group.

[pineapple stu]

What stats show that?!

How many crosses has he put in? How many goals has he scored? How many of those were as a result of a crap keeper? How many assists has he?

McGeady's ridiculously over-rated, I think. Yes, he can skip by a player, but he's got practically no end product whatsoever.

[CraftyToePoke]

i did. Which makes me feel really great about myself

I'm not looking for sympathy. I feel terrible. These things are not exactly black and white.
She feels terrible. I feel terrible. We're both miserable.

Always better, if there has to be triggering, to have been the triggeree than the triggered though, Fixer.

[BonnieShels]

Good to see tha FAI have come a long way.

[Real ale Madrid]

Comiserations to you Fixer82 but I'm not sure we should really be discussing relationship issues on this thread - this is an important game after all.

I mean what next ? - foot.ie posters discussing thier "feelings" on the eve of Shamrock Rovers v Rubin Kazan.

- people evoking difficult childhood memories the week of the FAI cup final ?

Just be careful thats all I'm saying......

[Mad Moose]

Good afternoon all,

Help with later coverage required if at all possible. I wont be able to see it live and been in England I'm not sure I could watch an online feed. I can get all the LoI games and highlights but not sure about an away International. Missed the Slovakia game (lucky me by all accounts) though listened online.

Any thoughts and help appreciated.

[CraftyToePoke]

Comiserations to you Fixer82 but I'm not sure we should really be discussing relationship issues on this thread - this is an important game after all

You also cannot rule out the karma beast here, if Fixer has acted fairly, with pureness of heart, it shouldnt impact on us, but if he has not then an Irish loss later could have been on the cards for him due to this, thus making it all his bloody fault. This is my main concern.

[Noelys Guitar]

Came across this as well:



It's footage from our 1986 World Cup qualifying game in the Luzhniki Stadium against the USSR in October of 1985. We lost 2-0 but Seamus McDonagh had a good game in goals pulling off some impressive saves.

Great find DI. Was looking for this game the other day. Not so unlike todays game. It was our last throw of the dice in regards to having a realistic chance of qualifying. But we gave our usual away performance of that time. Never looked like winning and capitulating as soon as the opposition scored. Hand was getting some serious stick at that stage (especially from Dunphy).

[Crosby87]

Come on what one single woman can tame Fixer? Was bound to happen. He's a man of great and varied taste. Caged birds accept eachother, but it is flight they long for.

I notice from watching the Open this last week that the Russian girls never ever smile. I wonder if Arshavin ever smiles. I guess I will see soon.

[Charlie Darwin]

I think Robbie could have a field day against Arshavin if he drops deep. I wonder if he's been put there so Andrews can't kick him.

[Noelys Guitar]

Don't underestimate the pressure on Russia. They are top of the group but in many ways they have even more to fear than us. They still have to go to Slovakia plus they also failed to qualify for the last world cup. We have to try exploit that. Very important Doyle, Keane, McGeady and especially Duff don't let them settle at the back. Everything seems to start with Zhirkov at left back. Much more important player for Russia than Arshavin.

[thischarmingman]

Radio commentary for this one available online, in the UK? I'm stuck at work.

[koneinc]

Radio commentary for this one available online, in the UK? I'm stuck at work.

RTE radio is available internationally ---> http://www.rte.ie/radio/index.html

[thischarmingman]

RTE radio is available internationally ---> http://www.rte.ie/radio/index.html

Cheers.

[koneinc]

No problem, I managed to swing a half day so I'll have a pint for you down Kilburn way

[Spudulika]

0-0, or at best/worst 1-0. If Ireland lose we might as well give up playing football. Russian media are slaughtering Advocaat again, toerag Karpin is trying to whip up a storm of hate against McGeady (which will help his position in Spartak - he's claiming McGeady delayed his comeback for Ireland and thus cost the scum a place in the Europa League, meanwhile he's trying to flog him). Only a handful of tickets left (less than 700 according to kassir.ru) , almost 1,000 Irish fans officially, half that again unofficially. Around 50,000 tickets gone. Zenit-Spartak mass fight was interrupted as blue shirted fans pulled off Moscow bound trains and buses since 10am, OMON have a massive presence in Komosomol Square and have been arresting known hooligans all week. Quiet atmosphere in Moscow, was out at Luzhniki and there are already Russian fans gathering.

Roll on 7pm!

[tetsujin1979]

Is Zhirkov suspended for Russia?

[Wolfie]

Well, the more things change, the more they stay the same.

When have we ever made things easy on ourselves in a qualifying group?

The nature of how we play will result in us producing a limited amount of clear chances. However, as Stuttgart says, - WE WILL CREATE CHANCES against Russia.

The point is, we need to be ruthless in converting these limited chances when they present themselves.