The Football Thread

[The Butcher]

It's just a shame when we qualified for the Euros in 2012 that A we got a dreadful group with two of the eventual finalists and B He went with the same tactics.

Yes that draw was indeed disastrous but yes 100% what was frustrating was his selections/repeating same tactics post qualification. Could never warm to O'Neill, he would get so tetchy with interviews, over the most inane questions too 

Our counter attacking ain't bad the past few games - the mixing it up more suits us better, just we lack leadership (obviously the skill/quality) in midfield and players having more of an instinct to try take a shot themselves. Draw is on tomorrow. I dunno if this is because of the past 2 games but I don't think I'd be too upset at getting any 1 of those 4 from pot 2.

[Pagan Saviour]

28 minutes to the draw - no matter what happens it's exciting. Just hope we can put in another decent performance and at least put it up to whoever we get

[Ollkiller]

So Czechia away. And if we beat them Denmark or North Macedonia at home. About as good as draw as you could get.
It's the hope that kills ya 😆

[Pagan Saviour]

After reviewing the Campaigns - Czech was my preferred option. Won't be easy, and you never know what way the other game would pan out. Dane's likely on paper - we owe them one the arrogant cunts. I know they stuffed us 5-1 that one time but the other 3 games in the run up to that one were all draws, one of those nights. But the way they went on afterwards you'd swear they were Brazil.

[Emphyrio]

Without counting chickens just yet, I'd love to batter Denmark.

[DISRUPTER]

Shels sign James Norris on a permanent deal from Liverlool. He was fuckin class on loan. Absolutely delighted

[Pagan Saviour]

20 odd sleeps now til the play-off.

Anyone got any feelings on it? Personally I think it'll be a tall order to replicate the heroics of the last two games. I wish these games would've taken place in November. There's been a slew of injuries since then, and the form of some of the regulars has been questionable. Collins especially - hasn't gotten a start in the last few then comes on the other week to gift Brighton a goal.

On the other hand Kelleher playing every week, Azaz playing well and Parrott has still been banging them in.

[Emphyrio]

I'm not hugely confident. And there's been loads of talk that it's almost a mere formality and more concerned with the cost of flights down the line. It'd be typical Ireland to have those previous heroics and then it all fall apart. It's the hope that kills you. But who knows, Parrott might step up again.

[Pagan Saviour]

This time next week it'll all be over.

I'm feeling mixed about the squad announcement. Azaz is playing very well (Scored again the other night) Same for Parrot. Collins though has had a rough spell, dropped from the team, comes back gives away a howler. A lot of the players have had good game time but then it's also littered with players that are potentially injured which I think is alarming ; Idah, Lawal, Brady and then players with zero game time like Ogbene who's also back from injury. I think I would've preferred other names there. I'd give Coleman a pass because he's got the special sauce.

Maybe this has always been the way, I'm sure they'll give it a good go. Not impossible but it'll be tough.

[Ollkiller]

Manning is playing well at Southampton as well so id have him starting before Brady at left back. Chances are 50 50 id say. I think the team turned the corner the last 2 games and are confident now which makes a huge difference. Probably Azaz left wing, but id stick him in the middle of the park like the last 20 mins against Hungary where he caused havoc.
Tbh we should play 4 2 3 1 with him in No 10 to get the best out of him.

[Pagan Saviour]

Spot on with all that. I listened to a podcast on RTÉ there with a Czech journalist who gave some insight into their mood etc. They're bemoaning the lack of a midfielder that can change the game too, have like us had some embarrassing results - lost 2-1 away to faroe then some petulance and in fighting with a changing of manager too, so maybe some of those things might give us an edge

[Ollkiller]

C'mon you Boys in Green. Its the hope that kills ya 

[Circlepit]

Fuck it all the way to the moon.

[The Butcher]

Fucking cruel. Fucking no brains in a few of those players, lack of discipline cost us hugely.

[Pagan Saviour]

We were coasting and gave away a cheap cheap peno which threw them a bone, in my opinion that's what cost us