Ireland squad for the Bulgaria game (1 Viewer)

[dAndAn]

Was at the game on Friday and Leon Best is shite, thats for sure. Too slow & direct. His running off the ball was far too laboured for someone with something to prove. Folan has alot more to offer.

Mcgeady, when he came on, again, ran around like a spa, but gave no real penetration. Hunt should start Saturday.

Foley & St Ledger look very promising for the future. Didnt think much of Lawrence except for he's built like a wrestler.

Andrews was the stand out player for me. Always looking for the ball and his distribution was much better than previous games.

 

[Cormcolash]

So you do this, and then, when you land, you roll about on the ground until the referee gives you the penalty

 

[Jerry Twig]

Finally some good news -
McShane doubtful for Bulgaria game


http://www.irishtimes.com/sports/soccer/2009/0604/1224248068416.html

 

[Cormcolash]

It's okay, looks like it'll be O'Shea out right with St.Ledger in the middle with Dunne so we wouldn't have McShane fucking things up anyway.

 

[kevin gallen]

why not play st ledger right back rather than break up a solid CD partnership? Heard its to do with Petrov but seems a bit risky. This game will end 1-1.

 

[Unicron]

why not play st ledger right back rather than break up a solid CD partnership? Heard its to do with Petrov but seems a bit risky. This game will end 1-1.

Not sure about that idea. As far as I know St. Ledger hasn't played regularly at fullback since he was at the posh, despite breaking up the Dunne, O'Shea axis I think it's a better idea to pick players in positions that they're comfortable playing in.

 

[Moods For Mallards]

Yes, he'll stick O'Shea at right full and that's the right call.
I think that established partnerships are less important in our relatively impoverished situation than having one experienced, reliable performer who can guide or lead a younger partner in as many areas of the field as possible.

I really can't see us picking up anything from this game. Hope I'm wrong.

 

[Richie]

Can't gift them as much posession and time on the ball as we did in the Dublin match, or we'll be murdered.. The fact that it's more or less must-win for Bulgaria might work in our favour, if we manage to avoid conceding early on and hit them on the break wherever possible. Bulgaria are missing a couple of first choice defenders and their defence seemed to be their weakest point anyway. Hopefully Whelan and Andrews have adjusted well enough to their international roles at this stage that they won't be totally overrun\bypassed like they were in some of the earlier games. Hard to be too optimistic, given our appaling record of actually winning away games against decent sides and our worse record in partisan Eastern European capitals, but a draw would do just fine here.. going to be tense though.

 

[Cormcolash]

My opinion on the game: We're fucked
I expect Bulgaria to come away with at least a 1 goal win, unless our defence performs heroically. Trapittoni should get Dunne in the dressing room before the match, and show him the video of Paul McGrath playing Italy in the 94 World Cup, and just say "You do that today"

 

[Jerry Twig]

I'm very nervous about midfield, as usual, but a draw is very doable. They are really not up to much - three decent footballers and eight basically shit ones.
A draw would be grand. It's amazing to think that we haven't beaten a quality side away in a qualifier since 1987!!

 

[CinnamonBoy]

Their defence is their weak point and I expect Duffer to run them ragged tonight, he's in good form.

0-1

Go on Ireland!

 

[quackster]

hopeful for a draw (and an away win against decent team some time before i die)

 

[Richie]

The Bulgarians don't think they'll have much trouble with us apparently:
http://soccerrepublic.eircom.net/News/bulgariabuoyantaheadofclashwitheasyireland.aspx

"I will love it if we beat them, love it!" etc..

COME ON IRELAND!

 

[Cormcolash]

I'm very nervous about midfield, as usual, but a draw is very doable. They are really not up to much - three decent footballers and eight basically shit ones.
A draw would be grand. It's amazing to think that we haven't beaten a quality side away in a qualifier since 1987!!

And if we do happen to win tonight, we still won't have beaten a quality side away in a qualifier since 1987

 

[CinnamonBoy]

And if we do happen to win tonight, we still won't have beaten a quality side away in a qualifier since 1987

This away thing bugs me. Draw away and win at home against the top sides is the mantra I believe in. Who gives a toss if we don't beat these savages tonight as long as we qualify.

 

[Jerry Twig]

And if we do happen to win tonight, we still won't have beaten a quality side away in a qualifier since 1987

Touché baby

 

[Jerry Twig]

This away thing bugs me. Draw away and win at home against the top sides is the mantra I believe in. Who gives a toss if we don't beat these savages tonight as long as we qualify.

Why does it bug you? Your mantra is fine, but have you enjoyed the thrill of Ireland beating a good team away? It's a good feeling, and it's been a while, is all I'm saying.
Anyway, my mantra is aim to beat your nearest rivals home and away and kill the fucking thing off.

 

[7 - No tomorrow]

Richie Dunne's out.

 

[Froog]

Richie Dunne's out.

 

[Froog]

he's back again lol