FAI...June 2024 Friendlies v Hungary and Portugal

[shark]

Realistically what chance has either Irish side winning a play off,and by some miracle,if they do,what chance have they of avoiding embarrassment in the finals next year?

Ah, there are a lot of average sides from Central America, Asia and Africa that play in the World Cup.  Both the Irelands are punching above their weight based on population, Gaa culture and infrastructure.

Exactly. The group stages of the World Cup can have some pretty awful sides.

As for the playoffs, yes Italy would be a long shot. But after that? Portugal could win their group so may not be in playoffs, and Croatia may not make playoffs either. Nothing to fear from the rest.

[MW]

Northern Ireland lose and could be in trouble might have to rely on a draw between us and wales

If we only lose by 1 goal, we're in the play-offs, as Greece couldn't catch us. If we lose by more than one, Greece overtake us.

In that scenario, a draw between Wales and the Republic would see us through, as indeed would a Republic of Ireland win by less than 3 goals.

Hopefully, fingers crossed, we wrap it up today though. Could even be done before we play, if Scotland fail to beat Slovenia.

[MW]

Realistically what chance has either Irish side winning a play off,and by some miracle,if they do,what chance have they of avoiding embarrassment in the finals next year?

Did you watch the Euros last year, Tony?

[T Fearon]

Yes.They were shit overall.Portugal won,says it all

[MW]

 Both Irish teams aquittee themselves well though, no?

What more would the World Cup offer to fear?

[shark]

Yes.They were shit overall.Portugal won,says it all

Exactly. And the World Cup average standard is even lower. You've contradicted yourself.

[T Fearon]

At the Euros North of Ireland won one out of four games,three of which they failed to score in.Ireland beat a disinterested Italian B team to qualify.

They would both struggle to avoid bottom place in their groups in the World Cup,not that it matters as they will be the weakest teams,and dream draws for the other six,in the qualifier play offs,should they even get there

[shark]

At the Euros North of Ireland won one out of four games,three of which they failed to score in.Ireland beat a disinterested Italian B team to qualify.

They would both struggle to avoid bottom place in their groups in the World Cup,not that it matters as they will be the weakest teams,and dream draws for the other six,in the qualifier play offs,should they even get there

They avoided embarrassment though (which is what you originally said they would struggle to do at a World Cup) ,and gave their fans something to celebrate.

Every European team will have an excellent chance of making the last 16. That is achievement for either of the football teams on this island.

[JPGJOHNNYG]

At the Euros North of Ireland won one out of four games,three of which they failed to score in.Ireland beat a disinterested Italian B team to qualify.

They would both struggle to avoid bottom place in their groups in the World Cup,not that it matters as they will be the weakest teams,and dream draws for the other six,in the qualifier play offs,should they even get there

You do realise the world cup is full of even worse teams and the proposed expansion to 40 will only make it worse. Time for world qualifying tired of the likes of Mexico and USA being gifted qualification because their confederation is horse shit and oh for the crack lets give concacaf even more spots - farce. The irish teams should do an australia and switch confederation lol although martin would probably still park the bus and cough up possesion against the turks and caicos islands

[T Fearon]

The Euros were expanded,hence the reason why both Irish teams were there.Neither France or Portugal will be next or near a World Cup Final.

Both Irish sides wouldn't stand a chance against Iceland for example,so I think they would be wasting their time at World Cup Finals,not,sadly,that I expect either of them to be there anyway

[JPGJOHNNYG]

The Euros were expanded,hence the reason why both Irish teams were there.Neither France or Portugal will be next or near a World Cup Final.

Both Irish sides wouldn't stand a chance against Iceland for example,so I think they would be wasting their time at World Cup Finals,not,sadly,that I expect either of them to be there anyway

There are only a few top international teams hence why some ordinary teams can go on a run. France and portugal may not win it but almost certainly will get to QF or even SF. Outside of the european teams who have you got - Brazil ,argentina if they make it. Dont believe me then look at pretty much every previous world cup were about 6 of the last 8 are European.

[Syferus]

France probably have the deepest squad in world football at the moment. They'll be there or there abouts again next summer. The best teams in Europe are always the best in the world, except for occasionally Brazil or Argentina. And in the case of the later, they're in bother to even quailify.

[BennyCake]

At the Euros North of Ireland won one out of four games,three of which they failed to score in.Ireland beat a disinterested Italian B team to qualify.

They would both struggle to avoid bottom place in their groups in the World Cup,not that it matters as they will be the weakest teams,and dream draws for the other six,in the qualifier play offs,should they even get there

You do realise the world cup is full of even worse teams and the proposed expansion to 40 will only make it worse. Time for world qualifying tired of the likes of Mexico and USA being gifted qualification because their confederation is horse shit and oh for the crack lets give concacaf even more spots - farce. The irish teams should do an australia and switch confederation lol although martin would probably still park the bus and cough up possesion against the turks and caicos islands

Parking the bus or not, we can all go to the Caicos Islands for a match! Wherever that is. But sounds exotic.

[Itchy]

Scotland 1 up, Slovenia don't look interested.

[JPGJOHNNYG]

Scotland 1 up, Slovenia don't look interested.

Not conceded at home all thru qualifying until now balls