[briany]

Originally Posted by stooge

A classic case of agree to disagree

One of the reasons the Czechs had so much possession was the failure of the Irish midfield to get close when the opposition had the ball. Whelan was the only player who seemed to continually close down while Andrews always seemed to be marking space and letting the Czech have time and space on the ball. You just cant afford to do that against good teams. Also, I feel Whelan kept the ball moving a lot quicker than Andrews, who seemed to want too many touches. However, I'll give you the fact that closing down from Andrews set up the goal. It was surprising (and good) to see him close down so far up the pitch. But it did make me me wonder why he waited 85mins to do it!

Some positives though, like Mccleans debut, a decent enough centre back show in the absence of Dunne and not a lot of chances conceded bar the mistake for the goal. Fearful and hopeful for the Euros and as you say, despite some reservations...."In Trap we trust"

Yeah the Czechs had a lot of position but when have Ireland played a half decent side under Trapattoni and commanded the lions share of position and for all the faults that Trapattoni may have, can we not assume he's noticed this? We know that the team can get on the ball but obviously they are being instructed not to do so to an extent in favour of the rigorous defense, playing to the wings, fighting for long balls etc. This is what we're going to see at the Euros, there's no doubt about it so we have no choice but to get behind it because god knows how long it'll be before Ireland qualifies for another finals so I for one don't want to entertain too much negativity in the build up. You might get the sad situation where posters here and elsewhere will be happy to see Ireland's system get shown up at the euros, hoping for failure and I think that would be wrong because Ireland's tournament won't be just about the quality of the football, it's about the buzz going through the country as well and the good feeling that creates. I don't care if Ireland play anti football if they can by some miracle go far. Don't forget that Ireland's most successful finals consisted of four full time draws and a loss but because they went far, the country was electrified.

The worst case scenario is that Trap's system does get shown up and we get a hate campaign against him in the media which will fuel calls for him to resign. Such a situation would paint the country, it's fans, as ungrateful for what he has done for the team (rekindled a team spirit, qualified the team for a major finals, defensive shape). Who might we get to replace him and where'll the anti-Trap brigade be if that manager turns out to be a dud? Probably nowhere to be found or criticizing the man they previously championed.

[Father Damo]

Originally Posted by CiaranC

The chap is a good player, unlike 95% of that stadium tonight Ive seen him play well in the flesh several times. I wish him well. My issue is not with McClean, its with the gob****es supporting Ireland, standing ovations based on sky/newspaper hype - embarassing.

Who gives a sh1te if you seen him in the flesh? Are we supposed to be impressed? Does it make you more of a football expert than the "95%"?