Rep. of Ireland v Sweden - WCQ - K/O 7.45Pm

Drogmal

People calling for our top goalscorer to be dropped are unrealistic. Keane is the main goal threat we have, hopefully through McCarthy, McClean and Long we can get him a bit of service. Happy that Dunne is playing games this season, hopefully him and O Sheas experience can deal with Ibra, I'm sure he would love nothing more to play against an inexperienced player like Clarke. We are better set up to play away under Trap so the most likely way I can see us qualifying is if we get at least a draw tonight and then nick a win in Austria.

Banjaxed82

As far as scoring goals in big games go, St. Ledger is quite a loss.

MD1990

The_Kew_Tour wrote: »

The same Pilkington who pulled out of so many squads it was embarrassing.

Hoolahan I'll give you that although some people seem to make him out to be Messi.

Pilkington had Patellar Tendinitis
its a very niggling injury which can last for a long time

G.K.

If you were to drop Keane, though I'm not convinced you should, I'd bring in Pilkington, move Walters up top.

Andersonisgod

The_Kew_Tour wrote: »

The same Pilkington who pulled out of so many squads it was embarrassing.

Hoolahan I'll give you that although some people seem to make him out to be Messi.

I don't think anyone makes him out to be Messi, rather I think some people recognise that he is a technically proficient footballer, not a very common thing in the Irish squad, IMO he's technically the best player Ireland have, and some people, myself included would like to see our best players play.

Amirani

I'm a big fan of Hoolahan, always have been. I think it's the right call tactically in not starting him tonight though. We're unlikely to have enough of the ball in the right sort of areas for Wes to be effective. I think he can definitely make a contribution when the game gets stretched a bit later on.

tigger123

LuckyLloyd wrote: »

I watched the LA Galaxy away to Vancouver and Donovan got a peach of a goal after a couple of minutes. Keane was being double marked and had a ball played into him fast and he laid if off perfectly for an on rushing Donovan with one touch. Great awareness and deftness of touch.

Long has 16 goals in his last 66 league appearances. Can't finish. We'll need to score to win, Keane is our best chance of that. Same as it ever was.

Long's finishing isnt up to standard yet, Keane has to start.

Kingp35

As regards Keane, you need weigh up whether you want a goalscorer in the team that offers very little from general play and is mostly anonymous or whether you want an extra midfielder who is involved in the play and offers a lot more in general but is unlikely to score.

Personally against the bigger teams I would have Keane on the bench and bring him on in the second half if needed. His complete lack of defensive qualities and the fact he doesn't offer much from general play negates the fact he might pop up with a goal.

I would start him against the smaller teams though.

aindriu80

I hope we can win tonight but a draw won't surprise me.

Paul Tergat

Robbie Keane scores goals. To get points in these games Ireland are going to require goals. The comments on Keane from a large percentage of Irish fans are embarrassing.

Gringo180

Paul Tergat wrote: »

Robbie Keane scores goals. To get points in these games Ireland are going to require goals. The comments on Keane from a large percentage of Irish fans are embarrassing.

Madness to think they would rather play Long up top instead of Keane, I couldn't give a rats if he didn't do a tap for most of the game and nicked the winner, Keane is there to score goals and given half a chance that's what he will do unlike Long or Walters who need a whole host of chances to find the net.

vicwatson

What was the story with Joey O'Brien? Was with the squad, left due to injury, played for the Hammers on Saturday against Stoke and then (wasn't in Barcelona last night)........is he back in the squad?

Kingp35

The problem is that Keane won't play up top, trap will expect him to drop into midfield and he is terrible at playing that role, especially against the big teams, which is why people have a problem with him playing.

bohsfan

vicwatson wrote: »

What was the story with Joey O'Brien? Was with the squad, left due to injury, played for the Hammers on Saturday against Stoke and then (wasn't in Barcelona last night)........is he back in the squad?

I believe he is taking the international window as a chance to have surgery on an ongoing injury problem.

Amirani

Kingp35 wrote: »

The problem is that Keane won't play up top, trap will expect him to drop into midfield and he is terrible at playing that role, especially against the big teams, which is why people have a problem with him playing.

Very true. Trap always uses Keane poorly IMO.

ShooterSF

Kingp35 wrote: »

As regards Keane, you need weigh up whether you want a goalscorer in the team that offers very little from general play and is mostly anonymous or whether you want an extra midfielder who is involved in the play and offers a lot more in general but is unlikely to score.

Personally against the bigger teams I would have Keane on the bench and bring him on in the second half if needed. His complete lack of defensive qualities and the fact he doesn't offer much from general play negates the fact he might pop up with a goal.

I would start him against the smaller teams though.

If you want a 3rd midfielder whichis a fair argument, then why does Long get ahead of Keane when you need your lone striker to get you goals?

Kingp35

ShooterSF wrote: »

If you want a 3rd midfielder whichis a fair argument, then why does Long get ahead of Keane when you need your lone striker to get you goals?

That's a fair point, either would be ok by me as long as we played a 5 man midfield.

yabadabado

Seems to be a huge Swedish crowd over . Temple Bar is packed.
Anyways 1-0 tonight, Dunne header.

Andersonisgod

ShooterSF wrote: »

If you want a 3rd midfielder whichis a fair argument, then why does Long get ahead of Keane when you need your lone striker to get you goals?

Heis quicker, he brings more energy, he is younger, he is far more likely to cause a problem to their centre backs than Keane and of course he is playing at a higher level than Keane week in, week out.

wonderfullife

McClean strikes me as a confidence type winger in the Downing mode. When he's good, he's very good. At all other times he leaves you feeling in need of a face-palm.

Hopefully Trap showing confidence in him inspires him tonight.

I'm really liking our right side. I know Walters is a bit of a workhorse and slightly limited, but that should free up Coleman a bit more to rampage on. It's a huge relief to a full back to know the man ahead of you will run his bollix off.

Also think McCarthy will be buzzing with his recent move.

I think we'll get the win we need. This Swedish side is far from the vintage years of Brolin, Dahlin and the rest. Even with Ibra in it. we should have won away to them and see no reason we cant turn them over tonight.

I'll go for a very optimistic 3-1.

The_Kew_Tour

Nerves are starting to creep in not overly optimistic. God we need to win and bad.

Corholio

Paul Tergat wrote: »

Robbie Keane scores goals. To get points in these games Ireland are going to require goals. The comments on Keane from a large percentage of Irish fans are embarrassing.

While I dont agree with some of the hate for Keane, you also have to look at how a team performs with him, not just the fact he 'scores goals'. The ball is gonna come back a lot more with Keane up there, he can be totally anonymous in games at times, don't think anyone can deny that, his legs are gone half way through. Being anonymous in that way brings greater pressure on the midfield.

Not saying Keane should definitely be dropped, just offering an explanation as to why sometimes people think he shouldnt play. Instead of people offering snide remarks in the vain of ' how dare you say he shouldn't play, you need your head checked' etc etc.

Amirani

The_Kew_Tour wrote: »

Nerves are starting to creep in not overly optimistic. God we need to win and bad.

A lot of people are saying a draw would be alright. I disagree, a win is needed, badly.

Win tonight and we're in the driving seat for going to the playoffs, anything else is a let down. No reason why we can beat this crowd in Lansdowne.

Getting seriously psyched now. COME ON THE ****!

SirDelboy18

ShooterSF wrote: »

If you want a 3rd midfielder whichis a fair argument, then why does Long get ahead of Keane when you need your lone striker to get you goals?

Shane Long is considerably better in two aspects of his game which are needed when playing with 1 striker in our system - holding the ball up, and aerial ability. He is either better or evenly matched in most other areas other than his finishing (which is pretty good still).

Could not have Keane on the pitch in the hope of getting a goal when he will offer so little to the team in general play. This has been proven over and over again when he has been the obvious weak link in bigger games, all the way back to the Euros.

The_Kew_Tour

NiallSparky wrote: »

A lot of people are saying a draw would be alright. I disagree, a win is needed, badly.

Win tonight and we're in the driving seat for going to the playoffs, anything else is a let down. No reason why we can beat this crowd in Lansdowne.

Getting seriously psyched now. COME ON THE ****!

Agree.

No excuses. We fooked up against Austria now we have to win tonight.

Basically if we don't win we require results going our way along with having to beat Austria.

No excuses now. It's time to deliver.

Paul Tergat

Corholio wrote: »

While I dont agree with some of the hate for Keane, you also have to look at how a team performs with him, not just the fact he 'scores goals'. The ball is gonna come back a lot more with Keane up there, he can be totally anonymous in games at times, don't think anyone can deny that, his legs are gone half way through. Being anonymous in that way brings greater pressure on the midfield.

Not saying Keane should definitely be dropped, just offering an explanation as to why sometimes people think he shouldnt play. Instead of people offering snide remarks in the vain of ' how dare you say he shouldn't play, you need your head checked' etc etc.

Ireland need a goalscorer - Robbie is exactly that.

The way I see it Ireland arent going to create much either playing 4 or 5 in midfield (the quality isnt there and the style of play wont allow it) so chances won't be plentiful. Robbie will finish a much higher percentage than any other Irish player.

TheDoc

I think people predicting too much with their hearts here rather then their head.

Dunne has been out of competitive games for nearly 8 months, has had two games for QPR. Might be up to speed with training, but his match fitness surely leaves alot to be desired, coupled with O'Shea looking rather bleak lately, Long probably having his head in the clouds considering he was due to leave WEst Brom and now he is looking like he surplus to requirements there, and Keanes form being less then impressive as of late.

Can't see anything pass a Sweden win. Depends on what type of Zlatan shows up, if it's the not that bothered one, we might have a chance. If its a Zlatan realising the irish CB's are pretty weak right now, I'm sure we are in trouble.

TheDoc

Paul Tergat wrote: »

Robbie Keane scores goals. To get points in these games Ireland are going to require goals. The comments on Keane from a large percentage of Irish fans are embarrassing.

I think that is a bit harsh, of course he is our leading goalscorer, but all too frequently since he was made captain he drops deeper trying to play the no.10 role, which to be fair he is not any good at, nor ever was. So why he is doing it was always beyond me.

He is a good finisher and should be hanging on the last man, letting others do the ground work.

All too frequently we try a quick break or lash a hopeful cross in and Keane isn't anywhere in sight.

I think the comments on Keane are confusing in a sense that I don't think its clear if he himself is doing this, or the manager has him doing it. If the manager is asking this, raises questions as to why people like Hoolihan isn't doing it. Acting as a no.10 and then dropping in as a third central midfielder when not in possesion, like he does for club.

I've always had Keane for Ireland in the category of Nani at United, really good return but most often then not incredibly frustrating and tends to show a complete inept at understanding his role (comparison is based on that, not a skill or ability comparison)

NaiveMelodies

SirDelboy18 wrote: »

He is either better or evenly matched in most other areas other than his finishing (which is pretty good still).

Pretty good? Average at best mate.

Banjaxed82

Sweden are yet another 2nd seed team that we will give far more respect than they deserve. Like Slovakia and Bulgaria before them, they are being made out to be something they're not, and all because we're prepared to sit back.

Go forth and attack and I wouldn't be in the least surprised to see their defence go to piss.

wonderfullife

TheDoc wrote: »

I think people predicting too much with their hearts here rather then their head.

Dunne has been out of competitive games for nearly 8 months, has had two games for QPR. Might be up to speed with training, but his match fitness surely leaves alot to be desired, coupled with O'Shea looking rather bleak lately, Long probably having his head in the clouds considering he was due to leave WEst Brom and now he is looking like he surplus to requirements there, and Keanes form being less then impressive as of late.

Can't see anything pass a Sweden win. Depends on what type of Zlatan shows up, if it's the not that bothered one, we might have a chance. If its a Zlatan realising the irish CB's are pretty weak right now, I'm sure we are in trouble.

he's had 3 games for QPR.

1-0 wins away to Bolton and Leeds. 1-0 home win against Ipswich.

Incidentally the common denominator there is zero.

Panthro

Dunne is going to run the show at the back tonight!:D
He's going to be interviewed after and he'll say "Ibra?"
Boom.

Paul Tergat

TheDoc wrote: »

I think that is a bit harsh, of course he is our leading goalscorer, but all too frequently since he was made captain he drops deeper trying to play the no.10 role, which to be fair he is not any good at, nor ever was. So why he is doing it was always beyond me.

He is a good finisher and should be hanging on the last man, letting others do the ground work.

All too frequently we try a quick break or lash a hopeful cross in and Keane isn't anywhere in sight.

I think the comments on Keane are confusing in a sense that I don't think its clear if he himself is doing this, or the manager has him doing it. If the manager is asking this, raises questions as to why people like Hoolihan isn't doing it. Acting as a no.10 and then dropping in as a third central midfielder when not in possesion, like he does for club.

I've always had Keane for Ireland in the category of Nani at United, really good return but most often then not incredibly frustrating and tends to show a complete inept at understanding his role (comparison is based on that, not a skill or ability comparison)

I think Keane is being asked to play that role to try help out with midfield. Im sure he would prefer to be hanging around the box only looking for goals. Could of course be wrong.

Lashing in a hopeful cross cannot really be used against Keane - it should be more measured play but the players arent good enough imo for that.

Can't agree at the Nani comparison at all but that isnt for this thread.


Would love to see Ireland grab the win tonight.

Handy11

Nervous now. Talked to a few Swedes. They're nervous too. Draw just won't suit either team.

COYBIG!

Neeson

Can see Ireland going to rot. Think qualification is out the window. Perhaps Robbie's last time in an Ireland shirt? Most definitely his last start anyway.

SlickRic

on my way to the Aviva now. nerves are setting in but hopefully a couple of pints will help.

I'll hopefully be commenting in here on a fantastic win later.

enjoy it everyone!

Johner

Hoping we nick it, but I really fancy the draw here.

TheMilkyPirate

COYBIG!!

burrenguy

COYBIG!!
:P

BNMC

Lots of Clare supporters in Dublin already.

Huge game

Chancer3001

is there a way to watch the RTE boys online??

Chancer3001

Chancer3001 wrote: »

is there a way to watch the RTE boys online??

aertv

Chancer3001

you are the man

aramush

Watching that Austria goal still hurts

ctrl-alt-delete

Looking forward to this, excited and nervous in equal measure.

Time to go for it, full house needs to be taken advantage of, get a good start and above all be positive and make use of the positive players in that team.

A defeat will be a disaster, a draw useless, COYBIG!

irishfeen

Anyone notice Dunphy's jacket looking a bit mad in HD

Agueroooo

Every game is critical but there is always one game that has that little bit more crucial feel to it, and this is it.

I dont know why but I feel weirdly confident. This game will all come down to character.

happyoutscan

Fingers crossed and think we can win it, wouldn't put money on it though. 1-0 Ireland.

desaparecidos

Nice HD sound effects of Bill blowing his nose