Sports Banter.

COME ON IRELAND!!!

So disappointed. Not that we are better than Croatia in any way shape or form. I think my pre-tournament hatred of the decision to play John O'Shea ahead of Steven Kelly is rightly justified.

He can't defend. He can't attack. He looks so fucking awkward.

The most tilting "footballer" I've ever and most likely will ever see.

Give me Paul McShane any day - and that says a lot!

Originally posted by MarkQuick
I hate to say it but the AB's 2nds would beat all NH test teams. Wales are not the team that everyone makes them out to be, not when you have a 10 such as Preistland. To be brutally honest, I cant see IRE/WAL/ENG winning a single test between them.

The England match was the typical mind-numbingly, smash it up the middle and boot it long affair, with rugby occasionally threatening to break out. At my count in Eng's starting 15 there were 2 Safa's, a Samoan and a Kiwi.

How can this be? Until the our respective Unions address the issue of overseas players, I cant see the any NH team wining a test series in the SH. Take Ulster for example, with the addition of a couple of talented Safas and a decent Kiwi prop, they make the final of the Heni!

Surely with the amount of registered professional players in the English game, there most be a talent pool big enough to be able to select 15 home grown players? I'm not being a typical xenophobic Brit, but there is something badly wrong. The whole junior/academy set ups, need to be looked at, we need to start a fresh and maybe, just maybe, we can begin to produce players who can run the ball, whilst thinking on their feet!

Now that the weekend is over i have to agree with that now.How miserable that is.Obviously Ireland won't win a test but i had higher hope for Eng and Wales.In fairness to the English management team Mark they are just picking who is available.Not sure i would have a problem with it for Ireland but we don't have such a big player pool.Brought us huge success for the football team years back but it does dampen the whole thing.

We could be in for some hidings over the next few weeks and i guess it's back to the drawing board for the home nations.Long term strategies and all that but don't think we will ever catch up with our SH friends.

Originally posted by HollyMichelle
So disappointed. Not that we are better than Croatia in any way shape or form. I think my pre-tournament hatred of the decision to play John O'Shea ahead of Steven Kelly is rightly justified.

He can't defend. He can't attack. He looks so fucking awkward.

The most tilting "footballer" I've ever and most likely will ever see.

Give me Paul McShane any day - and that says a lot!

Better team won no doubt.Understand the John O'Shea thing but i'm more annoyed with only seeming to have Plan A and playing a style of football of yesteryear.Yes it brought us to a big tournament but just gets destroyed by teams who are significantly technically better.McCarthy and McClean are the future but will Trap ever fit them in i'm not sure.Not far off my prediction last night of 3-0 and can see us shipping 4 or 5 against Spain.

Good luck to England tonight.Low expectations for this tournament is the best thing that could have happened for ye.Not sure about winning against France but def see them qualifying for q/fs.Match up with Croatia there would be great to watch.

Originally posted by 1984ioc

Originally posted by HollyMichelle
So disappointed. Not that we are better than Croatia in any way shape or form. I think my pre-tournament hatred of the decision to play John O'Shea ahead of Steven Kelly is rightly justified.

He can't defend. He can't attack. He looks so fucking awkward.

The most tilting "footballer" I've ever and most likely will ever see.

Give me Paul McShane any day - and that says a lot!

Better team won no doubt.Understand the John O'Shea thing but i'm more annoyed with only seeming to have Plan A and playing a style of football of yesteryear.Yes it brought us to a big tournament but just gets destroyed by teams who are significantly technically better.McCarthy and McClean are the future but will Trap ever fit them in i'm not sure.Not far off my prediction last night of 3-0 and can see us shipping 4 or 5 against Spain.

Good luck to England tonight.Low expectations for this tournament is the best thing that could have happened for ye.Not sure about winning against France but def see them qualifying for q/fs.Match up with Croatia there would be great to watch.

Another thing... why Simon Cox and not McClean or Stephen Hunt? Cox got destroyed on the left - he is too small and got overpowered too easily. Damien Duff has also past it and that's not going on yesterday's performance. He doesn't carry any real threat going forward.

Don't get me wrong - he has been a brilliant servant but he is too far past his Internantiol sell by date IMO.

Originally posted by HollyMichelle

Another thing... why Simon Cox and not McClean or Stephen Hunt? Cox got destroyed on the left - he is too small and got overpowered too easily. Damien Duff has also past it and that's not going on yesterday's performance. He doesn't carry any real threat going forward.

Don't get me wrong - he has been a brilliant servant but he is too far past his Internantiol sell by date IMO.

Trapps reasoning was that he is a striker even though they had him on the left.Completely agree though.Even if he didn't want to go with the inexperienced McClean then Hunt would have been a much better replacement.He is a dogged player who gets in the oppositions faces.Duff is also not the player he was.Lacking the pace of old.You could even put him into the centre to facilitate another winger on the pitch.

Think what worries me the most Gary is how will Trap operate once the qualifications for the next WC begin.I mean if he sticks to his old players and system then i don't know if i can bring myself to watch such dour football when we have so much more talent on the bench or not in the squad.We have been found out and Spain will destroy us.I still think our best chance for a point is against Italy.

And another thing Gary.We stood off the Croatians for most of the game and that was why one of the goals was scored when John O'Shea backed off and allowed the cross.If we are going to use tactics of old then let us get at the other team,be in their faces and basically hack the fuck out of them.That's what made us so hard to beat all those years ago.Something that Hunt is good at and what Keane demanded from his players when he played.

Cliffs:

Feel fucking sickened.

The ireland game - Well it's all been said, poor performance, bad substitutions (IMO), some pretty shocking defending from a supposedly defensive side.
However we had a stonewall penalty turned down on 60 minutes when it was 3-1 that might have got us back in the game.
On a lighter note was anyone else watching the game on rte ? Dunphy and co absolutely hilarious again.

Originally posted by 1984ioc
And another thing Gary.We stood off the Croatians for most of the game and that was why one of the goals was scored when John O'Shea backed off and allowed the cross.If we are going to use tactics of old then let us get at the other team,be in their faces and basically hack the fuck out of them.That's what made us so hard to beat all those years ago.Something that Hunt is good at and what Keane demanded from his players when he played.

Cliffs:

Feel fucking sickened.

On a positive note - We HAVE to go for it vs. Spain and Italy now. Draws are no good so hopefully Trap takes of the shackles and let's the lads play football. Don't think the talent is there but there's nothing to lose.

Originally posted by pyure
The ireland game - Well it's all been said, poor performance, bad substitutions (IMO), some pretty shocking defending from a supposedly defensive side.
However we had a stonewall penalty turned down on 60 minutes when it was 3-1 that might have got us back in the game.
On a lighter note was anyone else watching the game on rte ? Dunphy and co absolutely hilarious again.

Yeah, blaming it all on bad luck and bad refereeing. Yes - it was a penalty. But the foul on Ward? They put so much emphasis on it. Happens in every game and they're not seen by refs/linesmen

#Buildabridge

Originally posted by HollyMichelle

Originally posted by pyure
The ireland game - Well it's all been said, poor performance, bad substitutions (IMO), some pretty shocking defending from a supposedly defensive side.
However we had a stonewall penalty turned down on 60 minutes when it was 3-1 that might have got us back in the game.
On a lighter note was anyone else watching the game on rte ? Dunphy and co absolutely hilarious again.

Yeah, blaming it all on bad luck and bad refereeing. Yes - it was a penalty. But the foul on Ward? They put so much emphasis on it. Happens in every game and they're not seen by refs/linesmen

#Buildabridge

Watching the game there was some good points to take away for Ireland. Just got to put it behind now and go for it on Thursday.

Spain is a hard game no doubt but after watching the Italy game the other day I would be optimistic.

Originally posted by pswyatt

Originally posted by HollyMichelle

Originally posted by pyure
The ireland game - Well it's all been said, poor performance, bad substitutions (IMO), some pretty shocking defending from a supposedly defensive side.
However we had a stonewall penalty turned down on 60 minutes when it was 3-1 that might have got us back in the game.
On a lighter note was anyone else watching the game on rte ? Dunphy and co absolutely hilarious again.

Yeah, blaming it all on bad luck and bad refereeing. Yes - it was a penalty. But the foul on Ward? They put so much emphasis on it. Happens in every game and they're not seen by refs/linesmen

#Buildabridge

Watching the game there was some good points to take away for Ireland. Just got to put it behind now and go for it on Thursday.

Spain is a hard game no doubt but after watching the Italy game the other day I would be optimistic.

I recognise that word but haven't seen or heard it in Ireland for a few years now pswyatt.Brain finds it too hard to grasp i'm afraid.

Singing Jelavics praises all year and knew he would get a goal against us.Can't wait to see him next year in the premier league.One of the signings of the season imo considering ye paid 6 lousy million for him.

Been reading Moyes articles in the Sunday Times the last few weeks.Great reads every time.If only sports journalists were all like him.Predicted the England France game to a t and he knows his stuff.I actually don't see him leaving Everton for a long time but i would really like to know how he would do with a big budget.

Happy with the result and performance yesterday Mark?Actually a tough group now considering Ukraine won.England's record against Sweden is woeful and also ye now have to play the hosts whose confidence will now be sky high.

As for the fellow below,as they say,take a bow son,take a bow.

Originally posted by 1984ioc

Originally posted by pswyatt

Originally posted by HollyMichelle

Originally posted by pyure
The ireland game - Well it's all been said, poor performance, bad substitutions (IMO), some pretty shocking defending from a supposedly defensive side.
However we had a stonewall penalty turned down on 60 minutes when it was 3-1 that might have got us back in the game.
On a lighter note was anyone else watching the game on rte ? Dunphy and co absolutely hilarious again.

Yeah, blaming it all on bad luck and bad refereeing. Yes - it was a penalty. But the foul on Ward? They put so much emphasis on it. Happens in every game and they're not seen by refs/linesmen

#Buildabridge

Watching the game there was some good points to take away for Ireland. Just got to put it behind now and go for it on Thursday.

Spain is a hard game no doubt but after watching the Italy game the other day I would be optimistic.

I recognise that word but haven't seen or heard it in Ireland for a few years now pswyatt.Brain finds it too hard to grasp i'm afraid.

Singing Jelavics praises all year and knew he would get a goal against us.Can't wait to see him next year in the premier league.One of the signings of the season imo considering ye paid 6 lousy million for him.

Been reading Moyes articles in the Sunday Times the last few weeks.Great reads every time.If only sports journalists were all like him.Predicted the England France game to a t and he knows his stuff.I actually don't see him leaving Everton for a long time but i would really like to know how he would do with a big budget.

Happy with the result and performance yesterday Mark?Actually a tough group now considering Ukraine won.England's record against Sweden is woeful and also ye now have to play the hosts whose confidence will now be sky high.

As for the fellow below,as they say,take a bow son,take a bow.

Relived more than happy! I thought we were in for a hiding, but we actually matched France for the first 50-60 minutes. They looked tired in the second half, which is a worry. Do you know the odds for 3 draws?

As for Ireland, I thought you were a little unlucky. Caught cold for two of the goals and I'm sure Jelavic, should have been given offside. All this second phase nonsense, just makes a farce of the offside rule. He was offside when they had the first shot and if standing in front of Given 8/9 yards out, isn't interfering with play, what is? Still, it was another great one touch finish and he'll look good in red next year...

Also, Trap made some weird subs/team selections as well, where was McClean? and as for O'Shea? Zinedine Kilbane, must be dusting of his boots!

Sheva, still a class act, two great finishes.

Originally posted by HollyMichelle

On a positive note - We HAVE to go for it vs. Spain and Italy now. Draws are no good so hopefully Trap takes of the shackles and let's the lads play football. Don't think the talent is there but there's nothing to lose.

The whole country knows that Gary except a certain Trapatonni.I have been very accepting of him and recognise that he has done well with a limited group of players and we come from a small country so can't expect too much but if he doesn't change things around or have a go against Spain then my support for him is well and truly gone.I miss the teams of old who would just harass the feck out of other teams to they folded.

Originally posted by MarkQuick
[
Relived more than happy! I thought we were on for a hiding, but we actually matched France for the first 50-60 minutes. They looked tired in the second half, which is a worry. Do you know the odds for 3 draws?

Ye did well alright for long periods Mark but it's that problem that these islands have is when they concede they just sit back and let teams come at them.Would have loved England to have pushed forward more and put France under massive pressure.That's when the French crumble.Easier said then done.

Don't know the odds of 3 draws but i do know the odds of Ireland not to score another goal for the tournament

Lumped it on the corner handicap yesterday of the English game.Over 9 corners was very nice at evens.With the French wide players and tactics i had great feeling about it and reached 10 corners by 65 mins.Need a successful betting tournament this time around.

Originally posted by 1984ioc

Originally posted by MarkQuick
[
Relived more than happy! I thought we were on for a hiding, but we actually matched France for the first 50-60 minutes. They looked tired in the second half, which is a worry. Do you know the odds for 3 draws?

Ye did well alright for long periods Mark but it's that problem that these islands have is when they concede they just sit back and let teams come at them.Would have loved England to have pushed forward more and put France under massive pressure.That's when the French crumble.Easier said then done after.

Don't know the odds of 3 draws but i do know the odds of Ireland not to score another goal for the tournament

Lumped it on the corner handicap yesterday of the English game.Over 9 corners was very nice at evens.With the French wide players and tactics i had great feeling about it and reached 10 corners by 65 mins.Need a successful betting tournament this time around.

True, I would have loved to have seen the 'Ox' with more of the ball, he could have the same effect as Owen in 98. I thought Gerrard could have done better with Nasri's shot, he bottled it a bit.

I'm having terrible betting tournament so far, I backed the draw last night and that's my only winning bet so far!

Good point for England yesterday. France had possession but thought they lacked ideas in front of goal.

Oxlade-Chamberlain had a few moments of class which was good to see. I'll be happy when Rooney is back though as I think we may have created a few more chances with him on the ball.

@1984ioc

It's been a great tournament for strikers so far and Jel is one of the top boys no question. Shevchenko - 2 of the best headers I've seen for a while, pure quality.

Like I said, there is definitely reason to be optimistic as Italy and Spain were average at best. The beauty of football hey!

Originally posted by pswyatt
@1984ioc

It's been a great tournament for strikers so far and Jel is one of the top boys no question. Shevchenko - 2 of the best headers I've seen for a while, pure quality.

Like I said, there is definitely reason to be optimistic as Italy and Spain were average at best. The beauty of football hey!

Well we seem to do much better when we are under alot of pressure for some reason but with Spain going to have 70%+ possession then it is some ask to get the result needed tonight.Will need that bit of luck tonight and have to remember that Switzerland beat them in the group stages of the World Cup.Pretty annoying that our tournament could be over after 2 games and not even a sweat in the last game is now the likely outcome.At least we can take comfort in beating the All Blacks in the next rugby test to make up for it

Very sad to see Redknapp leave Spurs.Thought they were the perfect pair to be honest and can only see this work out worse for Spurs.Don't see Van der Vaart and other big players staying now.What a crazy few months for Redknapp and where the hell will he go now.Could even be the end of his career as can't see him join a mid-table type of club or anything.Moyes being tipped by a few already to take over but the man just seems so loyal i can only see him take the United job should Ferguson ever leave.

Originally posted by 1984ioc
At least we can take comfort in beating the All Blacks in the next rugby test to make up for it

I think your chances are getting better.. because you've had so many injuries the NZRU have allowed you to take a couple of guys from Super Rugby that are coming off contract at the end of the season anyway:

http://www.allblacks.com/news/20756/Super-rugby-to-rescue-IRE-injury-woes