The Republic of Ireland Gear Up for France
Not yet, Trapa. Hope is alive and well.
The Republic of Ireland and France will face each other in the first leg of their competition for a place in South Africa in 2010 tomorrow at Croke Park in Dublin.
Being that it’s my birthday and I’m Irish by heritage, I think it’s only fitting that fate allows for the Republic to push on.
And Gaffer Giovanni Trapattoni has named his lineup to face the French….
GK- Shay Given(Manchester City)
Right Back- John O’Shea (Manchester United)
Left Back- Kevin Kilbane (Hull City)
Central Defense- Sean St Ledger (Middlesbrough) and Richard Dunne (Aston Villa)
Flanks- Aidan McGeady (Celtic) and Damien Duff (Fulham)
Central Midfield- Glenn Whelan (Stoke) and Keith Andrews (Blackburn)
Striking- Robbie Keane (Tottenham) and Kevin Doyle (Wolves)
It’s not a shabby lineup by any stretch but when you consider the Anelka-Henry strikeforce and Sagna-Gallas-Abidal-Evra back four, The Republic may need to rely on the Luck of the Irish.
Since 1930, Ireland have qualified 3 times for the World Cup: 1990, in which they reached the quarter finals, and 1994 and 2002, in which their tour ended in the second round.
My fingers are crossed for 2010….Come on Eire!
It’s the same team that lead for most of the game against Italy (current world champions) in the last group game. Still not sure what Andrews brings to the team and Duff is very hit and miss at times but still optimistic. Confident John O’Shea can do well against Henry. In Shay Given and Robbie Keane we have two world class players. Fingers crossed, come on Ireland!
did McGeady start against Italy…I can’t remember? It’s as positive a side as his squad selection will allow him to put out – fingers crossed for tomorrow night! One French team has already fallen in Croker this year, be nice to make it a brace!
Simple fact is Ireland were not good enough on the night
and robbie keane world class?? give over!