[gosplan]

Drawing pol or ukr wouldn't be any huge help in terms of getting out of the group. We'd still need one giant result to progress like a win vrs Greece or Sweden or someone.

[Dotrel]

The Irish tradition of drawing against everyone from the best to the worst isn't going to work this time. We are going to have to end this 11 year run and at least beat someone if we hope to progress.

[Zebra3]

Originally Posted by gosplan

Drawing pol or ukr wouldn't be any huge help in terms of getting out of the group.

I disagree.

Strongly.

[Eathrin]

Originally Posted by gosplan

Drawing pol or ukr wouldn't be any huge help in terms of getting out of the group. We'd still need one giant result to progress like a win vrs Greece or Sweden or someone.

I'd go as far to say that our hopes of progression lie first and foremost with drawing Poland or Ukraine.

[Man.UnitedLad]

I dont think Poland or Ukraine would be as easy as everyone is making out. Yes they are obviously a better draw than Spain/Netherlands, but often the hosts do very well in these tournaments. South Korea in the 2002 World Cup is a prime example. The hype in a country can really lift a team, its rare to see the hosts flop tbh.

That said, obviously they're an easier draw than Spain or Netherlands however!

[Collie D]

Originally Posted by Kidchameleon

Actually we have a 1 in 16 chance, same as Spain, Germany and the same chance Greece had in 2004

I'll take those odds on Spain and Germany and give you the same on Ireland.

Originally Posted by Man.UnitedLad

I dont think Poland or Ukraine would be as easy as everyone is making out. Yes they are obviously a better draw than Spain/Netherlands, but often the hosts do very well in these tournaments. South Korea in the 2002 World Cup is a prime example. The hype in a country can really lift a team, its rare to see the hosts flop tbh.

That said, obviously they're an easier draw than Spain or Netherlands however!

Switzerland and Austria flopped in last Euros..Switzerland finishing bottom with three points gained in last match against a weakened Portugal who were already guaranteed top spot and Austria getting one point against the bootom side which incidentally was Poland. Belgium failed to qualify from the group when they hosted it in 2000. Although that said as far as I know these were the only three hosts not to make knock-out rounds in either the Euros or World Cup.

For what it's worth I'm hoping for Poland as I don;t fancy Spain/Germany and don;t want to travel to Ukraine. Then England and not too pushed about third seed but Greece would be nice.

Another big hope for the draw is that there's no arsing about by Platini and a bunch of Polish/Ukrainian folk dancers and they just pull a few balls from pots.

[SuperEagle]

Originally Posted by Collie D

Switzerland and Austria flopped in last Euros..Switzerland finishing bottom with three points gained in last match against a weakened Portugal who were already guaranteed top spot and Austria getting one point against the bootom side which incidentally was Poland. Belgium failed to qualify from the group when they hosted it in 2000. Although that said as far as I know these were the only three hosts not to make knock-out rounds in either the Euros or World Cup.

South Africa were another.


Can't wait for the draw. I have a feeling we'll draw England.

[mr.noobie]

My dream group
Poland
England
Greece

what it will end up as...
Holland
Germany
Portugal

[Seaneh]

Originally Posted by Phoenix Park

I'd rather draw Italy than Russia.

I wouldn't, they've been in great form since Parandelli took over.

They spanked Spain not long ago.

[Boskowski]

Wouldn't be all 'no hope' about Spain. Sure they'd be doing what everyone else will be doing, park the bus and get a few breaks which may end in some decent set pieces. And Ireland would be rather good at that.

[Dotrel]

Originally Posted by Boskowski

Wouldn't be all 'no hope' about Spain. Sure they'd be doing what everyone else will be doing, park the bus and get a few breaks which may end in some decent set pieces. And Ireland would be rather good at that.

Just because we do it doesn't mean we're that good at it. Estonia and Armenia both scored soft goals against us of late.

[tolosenc]

Originally Posted by Dotrel

Just because we do it doesn't mean we're that good at it. Estonia and Armenia both scored soft goals against us of late.

Both were poor goalkeeping by Shay, though, in games where he was a virtual spectator otherwise.

I'm not as afraid of Spain as I am of Germany or Holland. Spain will allow teams to get the bus parked (which'd suit us), Germany and Holland won't.

[YayaBanana]

Really really really hope we get drawn in Group A with Poland, it would make travelling over there easier and it would be the easiest of the 4 top seeded teams imo.

After that I don't really care who we draw, we want to be in the Euro's to compete against the best sides and on our day we can give any team in Europe a good game, and I know the lads will lift there game when it is really needed.

[darkman2]

Poland or Ukraine plz. After that I don't really mind.

[YayaBanana]

Draw is on a 5pm tomorrow, coverage starts at 4:30pm on SSN.

Get Poland and avoid Germany and I'll be happy, is that too much to ask?!