FAI...June 2024 Friendlies v Hungary and Portugal

[Itchy]

They need a win against either Switz or Denmark to qualify.
They wouldn't deserve to qualify otherwise with 3 wins against Georgia and Gibraltar and 3 draws.

If they would have beaten Georgia and drawn with Denmark and Switzerland twice then they would have been 2nd and in a league if you come 2nd you deserve to be 2nd.

[seafoid]

They need a win against either Switz or Denmark to qualify.
They wouldn't deserve to qualify otherwise with 3 wins against Georgia and Gibraltar and 3 draws.

If they would have beaten Georgia and drawn with Denmark and Switzerland twice then they would have been 2nd and in a league if you come 2nd you deserve to be 2nd.

Unfortunately they didn't .
They could beat Switzerland with a jammy last minute goal from a long ball.
Switzerland have a problem conceding last minute goals.

[lurganblue]

I'd be amazed if Ireland got something away to the Swiss but strange things do happen.  I think we saw enough to know Connolly should be starting the next game.  I don't think we should persist with McClean either but I doubt that will change.

[rodney trotter]

Kasper Schmeichel got man of the match on Saturday v the Swiss . Switzerland were 3-1 up against Denmark earlier in the group and threw away the lead.
They looked the better team for long spells against Ireland in Dublin, Ireland will do well to get a draw.

[BennyCake]

The best Ireland can hope for is another 0-0.

[An Watcher]

Don't see how anyone can question McCleans place in the team. Him and Duffy have been Irelands best players for the last 2/3 years.
I would be looking for more from the likes of Jeff Hendrick who has never got near to the form of the Euros a few years back. Also, where is Robbie Brady? One of our main men.

[Hound]

Don't see how anyone can question McCleans place in the team. Him and Duffy have been Irelands best players for the last 2/3 years.
I would be looking for more from the likes of Jeff Hendrick who has never got near to the form of the Euros a few years back. Also, where is Robbie Brady? One of our main men.

Hendrick and Hourihane both have bags of ability, but rarely show it! Hourihane put in a brilliant whipped cross early in the game (Egan hit the post) and then every other set piece was absolute muck.  You're really wishing them to do well but literally Whelan outplayed the both of them and he was mediocre.

McClean has limited ability but great heart and workrate. Gives the ball away a lot. He's extremely predictable, so easy enough to defend against.

Brady plays for Burnley reserves!

[seafoid]

https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/international/swiss-must-improve-mental-strength-against-ireland-says-petkovic-1.4049337

Denmark goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel was to the fore in the 1-0, producing a string of saves before and after Poulsen's winner.
His father, Peter, had encouraging words for Sommer afterwards, predicting that the Swiss would join his native Denmark as the two qualifiers from to the pool for the Euros.
"Switzerland will win against Ireland," said the former Manchester United custodian.
"I have seen Ireland play and they are so bad. "

[lurganblue]

Don't see how anyone can question McCleans place in the team. Him and Duffy have been Irelands best players for the last 2/3 years.
I would be looking for more from the likes of Jeff Hendrick who has never got near to the form of the Euros a few years back. Also, where is Robbie Brady? One of our main men.

If you want to be a team that can keep the ball for a while then McClean cant play.  Cant fault the lad's work rate and desire.

[Itchy]

Don't see how anyone can question McCleans place in the team. Him and Duffy have been Irelands best players for the last 2/3 years.
I would be looking for more from the likes of Jeff Hendrick who has never got near to the form of the Euros a few years back. Also, where is Robbie Brady? One of our main men.

If you want to be a team that can keep the ball for a while then McClean cant play.  Cant fault the lad's work rate and desire.

The reason Hourihane and Hendrick look so poor is down to the stifling tactics, asking lads to play for a draw against Georgia FFS.

[BennyCake]

Things are bad when you take a 35 year old Glenn Whelan out of retirement.

[Baile Brigín 2]

Don't see how anyone can question McCleans place in the team.

Really? The lack of end product maybe?

[seafoid]

Things are bad when you take a 35 year old Glenn Whelan out of retirement.

https://youtu.be/ZwMVMbmQBug

[From the Bunker]

Things are bad when you take a 35 year old Glenn Whelan out of retirement.

He never retired, he was just dropped!

[Itchy]

Don't see how anyone can question McCleans place in the team.

Really? The lack of end product maybe?

McClean was poor enough the last day but he still put more balls into the box than the two on the other wing and no one says anything about them?