Rep. of Ireland vs Poland - March 29th 2015 (RTE2/19:45)

newballsplease · 28-03-2015 10:27am

Ferris_Bueller wrote: »

If we don't beat Poland on Sunday then I'd imagine the best we can hope for is a play-off spot. I agree with Mr. Nice Guy that a win here would be one of the biggest results we've achieved in a long time, this game really could go either way, after getting 7 points from the first 3 games I was confident that this team could do well, but the Scotland game has really got me worried, that was not a match we should have lost and if we play like we did that night we can forget about getting a result.

The biggest result we have achieved in a long time hasnt been such a long time to be fair.... A point away to Germany was a massive result.

tonycascarino · 28-03-2015 10:56am

Too much hype surrounding Poland who are certainly beatable. Germany battered them, got 22 shots on target against them. Poland got 6 on target & had one of those flukey nights & somehow managed to win. Scotland could just as easily have beaten them in their own backyard. They will be missing their first choice full backs & their replacements are not that great. Their tricky winger Grosicki is also a loss for them. They can definitely be got at defensively. Confident we can do it.

Meglamonia · 28-03-2015 12:42pm

Well lads, been trying for tickets all week to no avail. What's be best bet at this stage?

Don't really wanna hang around the stadium for them sunday evening.

Left Back on the Bench · 28-03-2015 2:03pm

stiffler123 wrote: »

Got last minute tickets to this, hopefully we nick a win. I'd like to see:

Forde
Coleman O'Shea Clark Wilson
McGeady Meyler McCarthy Brady
Walters
Keane

Brady is worth his place for his set pieces alone, also he is less of a headless chicken than James McClean.

Is Brady not out injured?

Shanotheslayer · 28-03-2015 3:15pm

Kirby wrote: »

You don't base a decision like that off of one game....you base it off the entire campaign.

If we don't qualify at the end of the campaign, then you sack him.

And then what? You expect us to get out of a group with Germany/Poland/Scotland in it? Lol. If we get out I'll be amazed.

Ferris_Bueller · 28-03-2015 5:16pm

Rumours going around on twitter and YBIG that Martin O'Neill might play a 3-5-2 formation, with O'Shea, Wilson & McShane as the starting centre backs. Probably the best formation we could use to suit the available players, but could be very risky trying it for the first time in such a big game, would imagine the Hull players will have a higher chance of starting if we use this formation as they use it week in week out, hence McShane getting the nod ahead of Clark.

I'd say he will play at least one of Meyler or Quinn, possibly both. McCarthy is guaranteed to start but after that I wouldn't think anyone from midfield or up front is guaranteed a game. Would love to see this team but don't think Hoolahan will start:

Forde

McShane--O'Shea--Wilson

Coleman

Brady

McCarthy---Whelan

Hoolahan

Walters

Keane

TheCitizen · 28-03-2015 5:16pm

Speculation that MON will go with a 3-5-2 tomorrow. He used to deploy 3-5-2 for Celtic in big European games and it worked spectacularly well on occasions. 3-5-2 could get more out of Seamus Coleman - probably our best player. If it's Robbie Brady on the other side that would be a bold move for this match.

TheCitizen · 28-03-2015 5:18pm

Ferris_Bueller wrote: »

Rumours going around on twitter and YBIG that Martin O'Neill might play a 3-5-2 formation, with O'Shea, Wilson & McShane as the starting centre backs. Probably the best formation we could use to suit the available players, but could be very risky trying it for the first time in such a big game, would imagine the Hull players will have a higher chance of starting if we use this formation as they use it week in week out, hence McShane getting the nod ahead of Clark.

I'd say he will play at least one of Meyler or Quinn, possibly both. McCarthy is guaranteed to start but after that I wouldn't think anyone from midfield or up front is guaranteed a game. Would love to see this team but don't think Hoolahan will start:
Forde
McShane--O'Shea--Wilson
Coleman
Brady
McCarthy---Whelan
Hoolahan
Walters
Keane

It'll be Richard Keogh in central defense and McGeady where Hoolahan is if he goes with 3-5-2. Also I think Given might start.

tigger123 · 28-03-2015 7:16pm

I'm not sure the nation will be be able to cope if MON plays 3-5-2.

TheCitizen · 28-03-2015 7:23pm

Some very strange comments on this thread.

Ranchu · 28-03-2015 7:23pm

A few posters here must be bitterly disappointed with McCarthys fitness.

briany · 28-03-2015 7:25pm

tonycascarino wrote: »

Too much hype surrounding Poland who are certainly beatable. Germany battered them, got 22 shots on target against them. Poland got 6 on target & had one of those flukey nights & somehow managed to win. Scotland could just as easily have beaten them in their own backyard. They will be missing their first choice full backs & their replacements are not that great. Their tricky winger Grosicki is also a loss for them. They can definitely be got at defensively. Confident we can do it.

It's about as simple as this - If Ireland sit back, Poland will get on the ball and grow in confidence. Bulgaria were beatable, Slovakia were beatable, Austria were beatable and even maybe Sweden were beatable in past tournaments, but Ireland allowed themselves to be dominated by each one because Ireland either just weren't interested in, or just weren't capable of, playing a constructive game and retaining possession.

It doesn't matter how 'average' a team is, Ireland actually have to come out and play and show some ambition to take control in order to take advantage of that. If they don't, they're always going to be in for a rough night.

There are times when it's necessary to sit back and absorb pressure, like v. Germany, because Germany are always going to be a side who can hurt you and have the pace to hit you with a stinging counter, but knocking the ball long and hoping for a fortuitous knockdown is a tactic that even at the best of times and with the best practitioners requires at least as much luck as skill. It's not a tactic to hang your hat on across the board. OK, Poland may be beatable, so go out there and BEAT them. Don't hope victory comes by way of serendipity and favorable wind direction.

noodler · 28-03-2015 7:42pm

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Why all the negativity? We've had one bad result, v Scotland, and even that was hardly a catastrophe, we were away. I expect us to be a lot better at home and to beat Poland. And hopefully Roy won't releaIjse a book or get involved with a fan on the eve of the match.

We haven't really played well yet I suppose. Last twenty versus Germany aside perhaps.

It would be so deflating to lose. Couldn't see us recovering. Hopefully the atmosphere is better tomorrow then it has been, Aviva has been like a morgue since we moved in.

noodler · 28-03-2015 7:44pm

Ferris_Bueller wrote: »

Rumours going around on twitter and YBIG that Martin O'Neill might play a 3-5-2 formation, with O'Shea, Wilson & McShane as the starting centre backs. Probably the best formation we could use to suit the available players, but could be very risky trying it for the first time in such a big game, would imagine the Hull players will have a higher chance of starting if we use this formation as they use it week in week out, hence McShane getting the nod ahead of Clark.

I'd say he will play at least one of Meyler or Quinn, possibly both. McCarthy is guaranteed to start but after that I wouldn't think anyone from midfield or up front is guaranteed a game. Would love to see this team but don't think Hoolahan will start:
Forde
McShane--O'Shea--Wilson
Coleman
Brady
McCarthy---Whelan
Hoolahan
Walters
Keane

That's a bold formation and indeed personnel when you look at the wing backs.

obezyana · 28-03-2015 10:16pm

It hurts me to be so negative about the Irish team but I think we might just loose this one and if so its bye bye for the rest of the campaign. I hope not but the way the team have played so far things are not good. Even when Trap was involved I always stayed positive and I like the O Neill/Keane partnership but maybe the team is just not up to making us happy anymore

28-03-2015 10:33pm

obezyana wrote: »

I like the O Neill/Keane partnership but maybe the team is just not up to making us happy anymore

Not a fan, would probably be happier with O'Neill on his own tbh, but if we lose or scrape a draw, we will limp through the rest of the campaign. A win or even a draw with a good performance is essential.

obezyana · 28-03-2015 10:36pm

Deleted User wrote: »

Not a fan, would probably be happier with O'Neill on his own tbh, but if we lose or scrape a draw, we will limp through the rest of the campaign. A win or even a draw with a good performance is essential.

Indeed. A win with a good performance could do the team wonders

How great would that be........Its time it happens.

ShakerMaker91 · 28-03-2015 10:47pm

looking toward to the game tomorrow night 4 of us heading up for it I genuinely think we can beat the Poles but it will be a slog

newballsplease · 29-03-2015 12:52am

Poland have 2 'dodgey' wing backs playing tomorrow, especially the left back Jakub Wawrzyniak. Coleman could have a field day against him. So im hopeing !

homerjay2005 · 29-03-2015 12:59am

I'd take a draw tomorrow but the reality is we need all 3 points, it's a huge game.

Milik is the player to watch,he I their danger player. Going to be 15,000 polish fans there I reckon.

Unearthly · 29-03-2015 10:55am

Mr.Nice Guy wrote: »

I think the statistic still holds that we haven't beaten a team ranked above us in a competitive game since the victory over the Dutch in 2001, nearly 15 years ago.

Wow I remember during Brian Kerr's reign that stat was going around. Depressing that it is still active

Bobeagleburger · 29-03-2015 10:59am

I'd be surprised if we beat Poland today tbh. Hope I'm wrong

briany · 29-03-2015 12:12pm

Unearthly wrote: »

Wow I remember during Brian Kerr's reign that stat was going around. Depressing that it is still active

It's probably quite a unique and distinguishing stat (not in the way you might want though) for a European side who's been to two major tournaments since that game.

Meglamonia · 29-03-2015 12:33pm

Where would be the best pubs today where the fans would be?

Think it will be a big night at the aviva for us, 2-1 ireland.

Copper_pipe · 29-03-2015 12:34pm

Bookies have Poland @ 2/1

iDave · 29-03-2015 12:59pm

briany wrote: »

It's probably quite a unique and distinguishing stat (not in the way you might want though) for a European side who's been to two major tournaments since that game.

Even more annoying when you consider NI have beaten Spain England and Russia in that timeframe.

briany · 29-03-2015 1:02pm

iDave wrote: »

Even more annoying when you consider NI have beaten Spain England and Russia in that timeframe.

Hmmmm. Ireland's middling mediocrity or NI's big wins, paired with baffling losses to minnows which nullify the big wins? Hard to choose.

Wacker The Attacker · 29-03-2015 1:04pm

briany wrote: »

It's about as simple as this - If Ireland sit back, Poland will get on the ball and grow in confidence. Bulgaria were beatable, Slovakia were beatable, Austria were beatable and even maybe Sweden were beatable in past tournaments, but Ireland allowed themselves to be dominated by each one because Ireland either just weren't interested in, or just weren't capable of, playing a constructive game and retaining possession.

It doesn't matter how 'average' a team is, Ireland actually have to come out and play and show some ambition to take control in order to take advantage of that. If they don't, they're always going to be in for a rough night.

There are times when it's necessary to sit back and absorb pressure, like v. Germany, because Germany are always going to be a side who can hurt you and have the pace to hit you with a stinging counter, but knocking the ball long and hoping for a fortuitous knockdown is a tactic that even at the best of times and with the best practitioners requires at least as much luck as skill. It's not a tactic to hang your hat on across the board. OK, Poland may be beatable, so go out there and BEAT them. Don't hope victory comes by way of serendipity and favorable wind direction.

Quick question here. Do you think Bulgarian, Swedish, Slovakian, Austrian and Polish fans viewed Ireland as beatable before they played us.

Backstreet Moyes · 29-03-2015 1:06pm

Any team news yet?

Wacker The Attacker · 29-03-2015 1:08pm

Looks likes two fairly evenly matched squads.

Robert Lewandowsky may have provided us with a little spur when he declared that it was Scotland and not us that were Polands real contenders.

http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/lewandowski-sees-scots-not-irish-as-main-rivals-for-runners-up-spot-291235.html

He may have changed his position though in the mean time.

ricero · 29-03-2015 1:29pm

A nervy 2 1 win for us. Long first goalscorer.

tigger123 · 29-03-2015 1:36pm

We need to win today.

I half heard something on a sports bulletin mentioning a 3-5-2 ... is that still on the cards?

kfallon · 29-03-2015 1:39pm

Please God just let us win, we need to win tonight!

newballsplease · 29-03-2015 2:40pm

tigger123 wrote: »

We need to win today.

I half heard something on a sports bulletin mentioning a 3-5-2 ... is that still on the cards?

Seems like it will. Coleman and brady as wing backs with a back 3. Oshea wilson and keogh/mcshane afaik

Shanotheslayer · 29-03-2015 2:41pm

Wacker The Attacker wrote: »

Quick question here. Do you think Bulgarian, Swedish, Slovakian, Austrian and Polish fans viewed Ireland as beatable before they played us.

I'd say most teams view us as beatable

tigger123 · 29-03-2015 2:44pm

newballsplease wrote: »

Seems like it will. Coleman and brady as wing backs with a back 3. Oshea wilson and keogh/mcshane afaik

It'll be an interesting evening so, hope it works! COYBIG!!!

fryup · 29-03-2015 3:12pm

weird having a game on a sunday night,,,,just can't get up for it, seems wrong

weldoninhio · 29-03-2015 3:13pm

Meglamonia wrote: »

Where would be the best pubs today where the fans would be?

Think it will be a big night at the aviva for us, 2-1 ireland.

The Bath on Bath Avenue is normally good craic on match days.

29-03-2015 3:14pm

briany wrote: »

Hmmmm. Ireland's middling mediocrity or NI's big wins, paired with baffling losses to minnows which nullify the big wins? Hard to choose.

Considering we've been to the Euros I know what I'd choose.

weldoninhio · 29-03-2015 3:17pm

I wouldn't have McShane in a B, C, or D international squad. Huge liability.

What's happened with Westwood?? I know he was injured for a long time, but surely he's twice the keeper Forde is? Given is too old and should have retired gracefully.

noodler · 29-03-2015 3:27pm

weldoninhio wrote: »

I wouldn't have McShane in a B, C, or D international squad. Huge liability.

What's happened with Westwood?? I know he was injured for a long time, but surely he's twice the keeper Forde is? Given is too old and should have retired gracefully.

What would that be based on?

Regarding McShane, I haven't actually seen him play myself since he was in the EPL so it'd be deceptive of me to comment on his form. I did like Keogh in the Scotland game though.

Aenaes · 29-03-2015 3:30pm

weldoninhio wrote: »

What's happened with Westwood?? I know he was injured for a long time, but surely he's twice the keeper Forde is?

Is this going to crop up again? Forde has established himself as No.1 and rightly so in my opinion.

For all his supposedly superior talent, Westwood needs to start showing it.
One of the main arguments was Westwood was a Premiership goalkeeper but now he's in the Championship, same as Forde.

JoeCole26 · 29-03-2015 3:38pm

Anyone know if they will be selling alcohol in the premium section this evening? Other times I've been up there where for friendlies and they were,thanks

weldoninhio · 29-03-2015 3:43pm

Aenaes wrote: »

Is this going to crop up again? Forde has established himself as No.1 and rightly so in my opinion.

For all his supposedly superior talent, Westwood needs to start showing it.
One of the main arguments was Westwood was a Premiership goalkeeper but now he's in the Championship, same as Forde.

Forde is on his way to League 1 and has conceded 64 goals so far this season.

Since signing for Wednesday Westwood has been immense and has saved them time and time again. He is also 5 years younger than Forde, so would be a solid foundation to build on for the future.

Forde has done well in goals, but of there is a better player available he should play.

Aenaes · 29-03-2015 3:53pm

weldoninhio wrote: »

Forde has done well in goals, but of there is a better player available he should play.

Agreed. There just doesn't seem to be any at the moment.

Westwood didn't really impress when playing for Ireland. Forde has been solid in every game.

It was basically a straight choice between Westwood and Forde, Trapattoni and O'Neill both chose Forde.

Kingp35 · 29-03-2015 3:54pm

JoeCole26 wrote: »

Anyone know if they will be selling alcohol in the premium section this evening? Other times I've been up there where for friendlies and they were,thanks

Yeah they will, my season ticket is for the Premium section and they always have the bars open.

weldoninhio · 29-03-2015 4:02pm

Aenaes wrote: »

Agreed. There just doesn't seem to be any at the moment.

Westwood didn't really impress when playing for Ireland. Forde has been solid in every game.

It was basically a straight choice between Westwood and Forde, Trapattoni and O'Neill both chose Forde.

Westwood has played at a higher lever. Has conceded 40 goals this season compared to Fordes 64, in the same league.

Westwood concedes 1.3 goals a game
Forde concedes 1.6 goals a game.

Paully D · 29-03-2015 4:27pm

It's no secret O'Neill isn't a big fan of Westwood because of something that happened a few years ago.

When at Sunderland, Simon Mignolet suffered a quite serious facial injury and Westwood was playing in his place while he was recovering. However, a couple of months later before a game against Manchester City over the festive period Westwood told O'Neill that he wouldn't be available to to play as he had flu. This meant that Sunderland either had to throw a kid in to the deep end or rush Mignolet back with a mask protecting his face. Mignolet agreed to come back and play, Sunderland won the game 1-0, but O'Neill was reportedly very unhappy with Westwood over it. He wouldn't play again for O'Neill until he played in a Capital One Cup game early the next season.

I'm not saying the above is the reason why Westwood isn't the Ireland #1, but it could possibly be.

listermint · 29-03-2015 4:40pm

Any team announced yet?

WallyGUFC · 29-03-2015 4:42pm

Forde has done nothing wrong in an Ireland jersey apart from a loose kick or two and doesn't deserve to be dropped.

I'll be interested to see what formation we go with. Seemed to be suggestions of a 352 at the press conference. Does anybody think this is feasible? To be honest it's a must-win, can't be banking on beating these away and Germany at home. Will go for (and certainly take) a scrappy 1-0 but not too confident.

Rep. of Ireland vs Poland - March 29th 2015 (RTE2/19:45)

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