The Football Thread

[astfgyl]

Tough oul draw for Chelsea in the next round.

I think they're using their league form to lull Madrid into a false sense of security.

Anyway, thought Todd Boehly's reaction to fans outside after the Everton draw was funny

"Fucking shit game"

[Pagan Saviour]

Well, here we are at the beginning of another campaign for Kenny. I think on the whole he's probably lucky to still have the gig, he has had more than his fair share of bad luck but there has also been some calamitous performances too with the usual behind the scenes drama resulting in speculation and backroom staff coming and going.

I really like what he's trying to do and seeing young players being blooded in that can actually string a couple of passes together is certainly more appealing to watch. The performances against the likes of Portugal, Serbia Ukraine for example have been admirable but we're failing to grind out results against the poorer teams. That last campaign was over before it begun, and the nations league was very frustrating.

There are no "poorer" teams in this group, it could be grim reading in terms of points at the end of this qualifying process. The thing is, I don't think there's anyone out there that has the passion for the job that Kenny clearly has. People mention Hughton and so forth but that's moving backwards.

[astfgyl]

As usual, it'll be the hope that kills me.

I'll watch it anyway

[The Butcher]

They are trying bless their souls. We've gone from launching balls forward to passing balls sideways...seems to be no in between..can we just for once...not be too predictable?!

[Hellyeah]

Actually the first ireland game in a long time which I'm enjoying. 
But christ who is that doing the commentary, sounds about 12.
Annoying.

[Ollkiller]

The gulf in class between both teams shows how good a performance that was by Ireland. What a save from that Collins header at the end.

[astfgyl]

Very very unlucky

    

[Caomhaoin]

Actually the first ireland game in a long time which I'm enjoying. 
But christ who is that doing the commentary, sounds about 12.
Annoying.

Stephen Kelly and Maloney. Utter shite, get Hamilton back in there.

Great effort from the boyz.

[Circlepit]

The last 20 mins in particular made me feel like they could really have the grit and ability to it.
Not the predicted massacre.

[astfgyl]

The traditional moral victory but this one hurt

[Ollkiller]

Stephen Kelly and Maloney. Utter shite, get Hamilton back in there.

Kelly's voice is turgid. Not even gonna start on Maloney. Hamilton, oh you sexy dulcet toned bastard. Led us through our youth. Rte you bastards. Bring him back.

[Hellyeah]

Yeah Hamilton was the best. Unfortunately he has been banished to the bowels of lyric FM.
Back to the match, if we can keep that energy and determination into future matches we'll be OK.
Dare I say we may have turned a corner. Hope so. Time will tell.

[Caomhaoin]

Yeah Hamilton was the best. Unfortunately he has been banished to the bowels of lyric FM.
Back to the match, if we can keep that energy and determination into future matches we'll be OK.
Dare I say we may have turned a corner. Hope so. Time will tell.

RTÉ sports punditry used to be the envy of the anglophone world. Proper characters, Hook, Bill, Dunphy, Brady, Brolly, Spillane, O'Rourke, Anthony Daly, Loughnane,Tom McGurk. The sky and ITV cunts took a leaf out of our book and this gimp head of sports at RTÉ has assembled a parade of boring bastards with nothing to say. Sadlier is a bit mental so he's half worth watching, but the new dynamic youthful panels? Nearly as bad as the ads.

If we can exploit the weaknesses in the Dutch side and turn over the Greeks, who knows?

[Pagan Saviour]

Good match, did themselves proud. But it'll be the games in June that will prove if we've made progress at all. Should be looking at 4 points minimum. That Greek fixture in the heat does not sound appealing one bit.

[Circlepit]

When Damien Duff is a member of the panel I feel like I'm watching somebody trying to force out a large shit.
He is so do dour, zero charisma and just plain beige.

Shay Given whilst being affable seems just happy to be there.
The blonde fella that was on last night.....

It's not much better on Virgin.