Republic Of Ireland Euro 2012

[salty]

Ireland avoided another disaster in the Faroes by winning 4-1. Considering how awful they were against Germany this was a decent performance and at least keeps us alive until the spring. 2 early 2nd half goals after a scoreless 1st half put them in the driving seat. Faroes got one back when Ireland seemed to go sleep for a period but a fortunate og put us 3-1 ahead again and in control. Several teams have struggled here in the past including Sweden so it was pleasing to see.

McCarthy who was unavailable for the Ethe Euros was one of the best players. Interestingly Wilson and Coleman played significant roles. Both were omitted from the Euro 2012 squad and there is a widespread view that Trap seems to be unaware of several players playing in the Premier Division.

We are never going to be world beaters but at least we would like to be competitive against the high and mighty.

[spongeman]

Why were these players not introduced to the first team sooner ? Why did he put on Cox last night ? Why did Long come on so late ?

Will he leave ?

So many questions.

Brazil here we come !

[salty]

Why were these players not introduced to the first team sooner ? Why did he put on Cox last night ? Why did Long come on so late ?

Will he leave ?

So many questions.

Brazil here we come !

A decent 0-0 result in Stockholm keeps us in the hunt for runners up spot in the group. Everyone accepts that Germany are the almost certain winners of the group. It was easily the best performance by Ireland since qualifying for Euro 2012. We need to make it count and win on Tuesday against Austria at home. This is far from a certainty especially given the continuing erratic selections of Trappatoni. Hopefully he will see some sense and include McCarthy again. I would like to see far more of Holohan also.

[salty]

A last minute equaliser deprived Ireland of 2 important points in the group. The warning signs were obvious for most of the 2nd half as the Austrians dominated and were very close on a number of occassions.

The most infuriating aspect was Trappatoni's reluctance to make changes. The obvious move was to bring in Holohan who has the ability to hold the ball and pass instead of pumping a series of mindless balls forward which inevitably led to another Austrian attack.

While we are not out of it yet we now would need to beat Sweden at home and Austria away. Thanks to the 6-1 hammering by Germany our goal difference is way inferior to our opponents. So it is long odds on getting runners up spot and facing a playoff. I think most Irish supporters would be happy to be rid of Trappatoni at this stage. The word is that the FAI preference to replace him whenever is Brian McDermott.