FAI...June 2024 Friendlies v Hungary and Portugal

[weareros]

It's hard to compare Denmark to the likes of Belgium/Italy/Spain/France (did we lose that one?), much closer to us on the rung than any of those sides.

I'd be looking at each team's strengths and weaknesses rather than an arbitrary grouping of a country with their regional neighbours. That's a bit like worrying about Wicklow being near Dublin in football.

Ah I don't think so. Our only successes in playoffs have come against Iran, Estonia and Bosnia. The Danes will be a cut above that. I'd put them on par with the Belgium and Turkey teams we lost out to, but we are weaker. Very surprised with the confidence. Seems to be based on them losing at home to Montenegro, who they still beat away. We'd do well to beat Montenegro.

[An Watcher]

Well put it this way then, if we drew any of the others we'd definitely be screwed as the Danes were the weakest top seed.  They would have been hoping for the Greeks no doubt.  As someone said earlier a 50/50 call

[Wildweasel74]

Denmark no where near the ability of the belgiums

[imtommygunn]

Not even close.

[BennyCake]

Belgium are wayyyy overrated.  They've done nothing of note in recent years.

[Capt Pat]

Belgium are wayyyy overrated.  They've done nothing of note in recent years.

Belgium were beaten 3-1 by Wales at the Euros, but i fancy them to set the record straight in Russia. They will get to the semis and finish third.

[BennyCake]

Belgium are wayyyy overrated.  They've done nothing of note in recent years.

Belgium were beaten 3-1 by Wales at the Euros, but i fancy them to set the record straight in Russia. They will get to the semis and finish third.

Getting to the semis don't mean they'll beat anyone of note. Turkey/Korea 2002, Sweden 1994 anyone?

[Avondhu star]

If the Republic doesn't qualify at least we will be spared Facebook entries of gobshites serenading babies or helping some **** of a Russian fix a puncture

[Syferus]

If the Republic doesn't qualify at least we will be spared Facebook entries of gobshites serenading babies or helping some **** of a Russian fix a puncture

You're a sad man if that really bothers you.

[Asal Mor]

If the Republic doesn't qualify at least we will be spared Facebook entries of gobshites serenading babies or helping some **** of a Russian fix a puncture

Or cleaning up for the boys in green, though it seems we only clean up when there's a chance of going viral.
https://www.google.ie/amp/s/www.joe.ie/amp/sport/cardiff-ireland-wales-603434

[Esmarelda]

If the Republic doesn't qualify at least we will be spared Facebook entries of gobshites serenading babies or helping some **** of a Russian fix a puncture

How about if the Russian was a nice fella?

[Fat Angry Motorist]

"FIFA - known for its diplomatic approach to many issues - has sparked a reaction by its decision to Irish-ify Northern Ireland for the World Cup play-off draw."

I hope this was tongue in cheek from the Bel Tel's FB page.

[Cunny Funt]

Anyone here have any luck purchasing presale tickets this morning?

[Main Street]

Denmark no where near the ability of the belgiums

The original reference was to the strength of the Belgian team in that 1997 WC play off.

These play offs are naturally stiffer than the Euro 2016 play offs which were contested by 3rd place teams, Our opponents B&H were the top seeds then.
I think we did well to get Denmark, they'll be favourites but not by much and naturally O'Neill will be out to reduce the technical ability deficit. O'Neill's record against the odds in the crunch games, is very good, however this current team is about the weakest play-off team since 1997.

[Boycey]

Anyone here have any luck purchasing presale tickets this morning?

Logged in at 11 on the dot, was on the move and lost coverage at exactly that moment and wasn't able to try again til about twenty past at which time I got a tough luck message