World Cup - Montenegro Away 0-0. Wed 10 Sept 2008

Montenegro 0
Republic of Ireland 0



"I think the result is fair. I knew before the game that the opponent was very, very hard"
Giovanni Trapattoni settles for a point

World Cup - Georgia Away 2-1. Sat 6 Sept 2008

Georgia 1 Rep of Ireland 2
Doyle
Whelan

3 points on the road to South Africa.....!

Ireland 1 (Keane) Colombia 0 Craven Cottage

Great to keep the clean sheet and win! That was important.

We have a real need to pass the ball simply. It's amazing how top players struggle with that. England were the same the other night. I'm glad Trap is talking about these things.

While Colombia had real class in their build up play, I think they were hyped up a bit much on TV. They didnt have a great end product - blazing the ball over the bar frequently, and they gave the ball away more than us in my opinion.

Kiely in goal is a major boost. We may need him big time in days ahead. Delaney and Keogh did well in these games. I suppose my big question is who will step up to the next level- Hunt? Long? Doyle? the Reids? Keogh? Even McShane - he's not finished yet.

Ireland 1 (Keogh) Serbia 1 (Friendly)

Great to get the injury time goal. A highlight was the Trapattoni/Tardelli celebration on the sideline! Even Brady and Keane were in danger of getting excited. Imagine...!

That was in contrast to the thousands of Irish fans who had left early. Fantastic to know that they had a nice roar to echo in their ears on the way home!

In terms of progress, it was positive. Obviously it's end of season stuff and players dont want to get injured, but there were some good performances, alongside a couple of disappointments.

Overall, I think Trapattoni seems exciting. His passion is clear and his interviews come across well.

Maybe some of the Italian passion can help re-ignite some of the old Irish passion!

Trapattoni

A new era dawns. No question there's a good feeling about the effect a big name manager will have.

Seems that a solid team is what we can expect. It's a good starting point.

Looking forward to the Serbia match on Saturday.

Ireland 0 Brazil 1

The night and match completely surpassed my expectations. It shows how far we've fallen in many ways, if Brazil coming doesnt excite you! In truth I just wanted the manager in place, but in the end the evening produced more than expected.

The Brazil fans stole the show. Far and away the best fans I've seen. The genuine love for their players and country shone through. They got soaked but still sang and stood...

Brazil played well. They will never again live up to the aura that surrounds them, but genuinely they still have a love for the game, and they simply know how to pass the ball. The goal was class by Robinho.

Ireland did well and they attacked well. They passed on the ground and werent overawed in any way. I feel very positive about the team, if they can bring it into the pressure games.

In terms of the manager saga, I dont accept the line that the FAI are trying to get the right man by taking their time. They have simply taken a ridiculous length to interview the candidates, and it has been embarassing.

To me Venables is a better option than Trappatoni if you want the best out of players. I worry that a "foreign" (not Irish or British) coach will complicate tactics, and they will not play to their potential as a result. Having said that Dunphy is right about Trappatoni's CV. Its definatly better, and
I would be proud that we went for such a big name if we got him...

Bottom line... get the man in and stop messing around about it!