Republic of Ireland General Discussion Thread 2026

What a difference 24 hours can make. We've experienced heartbreak in many different forms at this stage, not sure where this one ranks yet but really thought we had that game won at 2-0, it was hard to accept that we were out two hours later.

But I have to admit I'm feeling more optimistic today certainly that our last few playoff defeats. Most importantly for me it feels like the interest in the national team is back after almost 8 or 9 years of indifference or apathy towards them. November was unbelievable and the Hungary game was truly one of the best moments we've had, there was so much excitement going into last night and the country really bought into it again. I think it's reminded us all of the impact this team can have on the country. It's going to be hard watching the world cup knowing we could've been there but we have to keep the ball rolling and keep this upward trajectory ahead of a home Euros in 2028.

He set up Parrots goal against Hungary besides that rubbish

Reminds me of Aidan McGeady tbh

Fantasy land stuff. Czechia are not going to the WC. 2 bad bad teams

Practice makes perfect but it goes out the window under pressure. If it didn't we wouldn't watch sport. It would just be flawless athletes performing as expected.

Roll it down the middle. I thought after 3 well taken penalties the last 2 lads should have gambled down the middle. Guaranteed on target and chances are it goes it. Browne's head was completely gone so no way he'd have thought about the situation logically.

When Ireland get a few results and get a bit of momentum you'll find these kind of 'fans' crawl out of the woodwork.

They're basically the type of fan who watch the premier league only and cry like a spoiled baby if their team loses. Calling this Ireland side bottlers or calling the players useless just shows their lack of knowledge on the national team and the sport in general.

Worldclass armchair supporters.

True, you wont find them at the match in the Aviva next Tuesday.

We have to consider that while we might get Euros by default if others do the job, we are only guaranteed to play in Dublin if we do it ourselves, qualifying and not playing at lansdowne would be a disaster.

Had forgotten he missed a penalty v Slovakia. That really should have played a part in the decision making. He may have ended up taking one later anyway but he really shouldn’t have been one of the first 5 to take one given the Slovakia missed penalty.

I think Collins or O’Shea should have stood up and just hit that one hard.

Ken Early taking no prisoners in the IT this morning and he's right. Been too much bullsh!t about the "growth of the team". We beat a disinterested Portugal and a cursed Hungary side who should have won.

https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/2026/03/28/ken-early-we-must-admit-irelands-shortcomings-and-accept-life-as-a-giant-cockroach/

What we saw on Thursday was back to square one pre-November stuff with this team against a side who were there to be beaten and who played worse than Armenia did home and away.

One fortuitous penalty and an OG saw us 2 - 0 up and we just didn't have the ability to see it out.

Now we are off doing the usual Irish pride glorious defeat thing when very few seem to be saying the team failed.

You could understand it against a team like France maybe but not against the rabble that beat us on Thursday.

Agree but also based on the game they were the worst team we've played in the qualifying round too. They were worse than Armenia and Hungary on Thursday (I know on paper that's not the case but just the game itself). Really frustrating.

The squad had 2 training sessions between meeting up and the game.

It wouldn't have made any difference.

HH has been asking for a sport physiologist since he took over and the FAI can't get funding. That is something that would make a difference in such a tight schedule

You can tell some people are happier we lost so they can start their usual shtick of berating the team and ignoring context. So predictable.

as sean o shea said " when im practising frees in kenmare i pretend im in croke park and when im in croke park i pretend im in kenmare"