Republic of Ireland General Discussion Thread 2026

Didn't the last Portuguese manager try to phase Ronaldo out of the squad during the last World Cup?

I have a vague memory of him being benched for a quarter final.

I assume a part of Martinez getting the job was having Ronaldo’s approval, with Ronaldo looking for someone who would guarantee he would be involved up to WC26.

But he’s long past it at the top level. Hes still a top finisher and in unreal shape for his age, but he hasn’t been able to run at the level required for years. His ego is far too big to accept that though so as long as someone like Martinez is involved to pander to him he’ll probably stick around for the Euro campaign.

We’ve had so many years of debate on here over what’s possible, how should we play, why are we so uncompetitive, etc. Last night was the essence of the debate for me: have a good game plan, execute it well and put bodies on the line at the back. We CAN compete.

Best performance since O’Neill, and best result too. It’s a huge ask on Sunday, we all know that, but this is the kind of result you can bring into the next Nations League / Euro Qualifying process. I think it’s also really important to get to the last game for the first time since 2020 qualifying. Small bits of actual progress for the first time in forever. Delighted.

Did Ireland's new President Catherine Connolly attend the Ireland v Portugal game last night!

100% win record as president. Michael D. was holding us back.

there’s a total of sixteen teams for 4 spots -12 runners up and 4 nations league entrants. so it’s a one legged semi final and final to qualify.

Too early to worry about that though!

Its not 2-legged, it's 2 ties, i.e. semi-final and final.
It'll be the 12 group runners-up and 4 Nations League winners. So 16 teams for 4 places.
There are no guaranteed particpants as yet. (EDIT : Albania definitely one of the 16).

But reasonably certain that the teams will include Poland, one of Denmark or Scotland, Turkey, Bosnia, Italy, Wales, Czech Rep, Hungary or Ireland, Slovakia or Northern Ireland, Iceland or Ukraine.

I’d imagine Kelleher saved 5, are you sure you’re not getting confused with Kelleher only had one good save to make equating to he only had one save to make

I don't think it's a coincidence to see an uptick in performances and results since Seamus Coleman came back into the team. But for a 90th minute goal conceded in Portugal (when Seamus had come off in the 86th minute) we'd be unbeaten in the three games with 7 points.

We haven't conceded when he's been on the pitch.

Basically we're in a quarter final now and have to win three games. Hard to see it happening but think I'd rather be in our position of having to win than Hungary who might be unsure how to approach it.

On a side issue, will they ever fcuk off playing freed from desire at matches. Something like the song below would be far better.

That's interesting. I didn't realise they had also done this for the world cup play offs. Thought it was only for the Euros.

Too early to be thinking about it, yes. But maybe one off games against seeded teams will suit us better than 2 legs.

I’d wonder how the game would have went if Portugal started this guy. Portugal’s midfield was a little dainty for our direct tactics. They underestimated our threat and got punked.

I can't find any link to my favourite Apres Match sketch "But We Drew" which was a cover of Only You by The Flying Pickets.

A perfect summation of the Irish team in my lifetime.

here you go! A classic