GREAT WIN FOR IRELAND AGAINST THE WORLD CHAMPIONS: That was an incredible last night for the Irish against Germany and a great performance by the boys.
I was on Irish radio yesterday before the game and I really believed that they could win but if they won, it was going to be a 1-0 win. I was lucky enough to play in some of the games where we beat the big Nations. When we beat Spain in Dublin, Italy in the World Cup, England in the European Qualifiers in ’88, I was on those teams. And then they beat Holland to qualify for the World Cup, again in Dublin and the thing that connects all those results is that they won 1-0 in all of them.
What the most pleasing thing about last night though, is how the kept themselves in the game. One of the worst things you can when you’re playing one of the top sides is go behind and have to chase them and that’s when those great teams will tear you apart. It’s inevitable that, at some times, you’ll have to survive some hairy moments but last night, they did so well to keep with the German’s.
Shane Long, that was a great goal that he scored last night but I really think that he has been one of the big disappointments. He’s a solid £12 million player but he’s on the bench for us and for his club. Why is a player of his quality on the bench?
He’s been in and out of teams with Reading, with Southampton and with Ireland. Shane should be one of the first players on the Irish teamsheet but now he has a chance. Now he’s got a great chance to show how good he is and to say to Martin O’Neill and Roy Keane that he is capable of replacing Robbie Keane up front. He’s a good player, he’s able to head the ball, he’s got a lot pace, he’s got a great ability to strike the ball and he’s got the heart of lion. He should not be getting left off the team. Now is his time to show them what he’s capable of and he started to do that last night.
Looking ahead to Poland, I think Ireland can go there and get a result. One thing though is that I don’t think there will be a draw. There is too much at stake for both teams and I think they will both be attacking each other and it should be a good game.
Ireland need to be able to get in front inside the last 30 minutes. This is when they should be trying to put the game away and this is when they do it best.
Poland had a tough encounter yesterday against Scotland and they had to pull out all the stops to get a late equaliser. Now they have to go and face a strong Irish side on the back of one of their biggest wins. Ireland will be full of confidence and belief and belief is a massive thing in football.
I just hope that there aren’t any injuries this morning because those guys never stopped last night and I’d be a little afraid that the game may have taken a bit out of them. The other thing that could happen is that if we hit 60 minutes and it’s still a draw, Poland might park the bus and try to hold on to a point, but I don’t think that will happen. I think Ireland will be in front at that stage and I really hope they win.
At 4.5, I’m definitely going with the Irish to take home another big result.
NORTHERN IRISH PARTY MAY HAVE AFTER EFFECTS!
Also on Sunday, Finland take on Northern Ireland after their big win last night which secured qualification for them.
I’ve been in that situation before when you qualify for a big championship and it’s the first time for many years, or ever in our case. There is always a massive party, lots of celebrations and I can’t imagine those guys would want to be getting themselves ready for a match on Sunday.
It’s likely that they had today off but Finland have nothing to lose in Sunday’s game and they may have a clearer head than the Northern Irish lads!
Finland can’t qualify but they have a new manager so they’ll be looking for players to impress for their next phase of matches and qualifiers and they may just be a bit more up for the match.
TAKE SPAIN AT EVENS AGAINST UKRAINE
Spain look to be a great price to beat Ukraine on Monday. This group is almost tied up with Slovakia playing this evening and I don’t think they will be able to do enough to get a playoff spot so on Monday, Ukraine are going to know for certain what they have to do.
Spain should be able to beat Ukraine with the strength that they have. Silva may not even play because they’ve got so many alternatives and they’ll have too much for them. They’ll win this evening against Luxembourg and then beat Ukraine on Monday.
BOSNIA CAN TAKE A BIG SCALP WITH WALES
On Saturday, Bosnia play Wales and I think this is set up for a Bosnian win with Wales having to go play another game next to ensure qualification.
There is more going here for Bosnia. Both are set to qualify but Wales have to beat Andorra next week and that is a really nice cushion for the Welsh to have but Bosnia need the win and it’s a tough game for Wales.
Wales only need the points in their last game which is at home and to be playing the team with no points and bottom of the group knowing that you’re qualified is a dream draw. I don’t see Wales going to Bosnia putting in a hard game and risking an injury so I think this is one for Bosnia to take.
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