The Boys In Green

Ireland 1 France 2 (agg)

2010-05-09T16:00:00.000-07:00

Hindsight is easier. Six months on... we still should have got the second goal in Paris before Henry stepped up. A proper performance but should have got the killer goal...

No excuses from now on. We know we're good enough to compete. Every game as if we're in Paris.

We didnt get the World Cup, but we did get three top testing games against Italy and twice against France which has pushed us to another level.

Roll on the AVIVA stadium!

Play Off Draw!

2009-10-19T15:26:00.005-07:00

What a great draw! Its exactly the type of team we rise to when we play. Oh roll on croker! I feel so sick, just cant afford the away leg at this time... Paris would be amazing, but just cant afford the money at the moment.............aaaagh!

Roll on Croker anyway. I'll be there in the Singing section with my son and I'll come back with no voice I promise!

Ireland 2 Italy 2 Sat 10 October 2009

2009-10-12T15:33:00.000-07:00

Pride comes at the end of a night of bitter disappointment! Not a hint of the poison that came from the RTE panel after the game. Frustration at the team selection or performance? Whistles and boos with 10 minutes to go? Anger at the manager? All lies...complete lies. The Luas home was quiet - sad...but no anger...no frustration. This was finally Croke park and a singing section we had been waiting for! What a night of passion and it shows the love is still there for this team even if it doesnt exist in the RTE studio. The sooner O'Herlihy,Giles and Dunphy are off the air the better.

But finally.. bring on the playoffs. No fear.. The bigger the better in my opinion. No guarantees, but it'll be a great night of pride and I trust the players and manager.

Joy unbounded!

"This fella is a proper manager. He reminds me in many ways of Bob Paisley, a wise old guy who just understands football and footballers. He came in and spotted what needed doing, and then did it. He’s looked at what is available to him and has decided this is how we’re going to play – and, when you look at the table, how on earth could you argue with him? We were in there with the world champions, what do people want, for goodness sake?

Our greatest strengths are our raw energy, our desire and endeavour – and he has harnessed all of that. We should be shouting from the rooftops" MARK LAWRENSON

IRELAND V ITALY. IRELAND V MONTENEGRO

2009-10-02T16:39:00.001-07:00

Thinking about the games coming up...

Hunt is such a key player now in my book. I dont quite see McGeady as his equal. It's like that moment when you realise that Benitez is right about Dirk Kuyt, and you never have a bad word to say again... Hunt is like that.

Secondly, it'll be some trip up and back from Cork next Saturday. The 8pm kick-off is a blessing and a curse at the same time - you have to say it'll be absolutely ideal for the atmosphere. Atleast those who are normally late wont have any excuses! Having said that by the time you get through the inexplicable queue at Connolly Luas stop, and then pack in like sardines for the 30 minutes or so to the Red Cow, it'll probably be 11.30pm. Then the three hours to West Cork, will make it about 2.30am... Plenty of coffee thats for sure!

Montenegro could actually be a monstrously important game... It's been a long time, but it really could end up being massive and it excites me. Yes Italy will be big, but Montenegro.............. Still have to decide what to do with my tickets.. a few people need to get back to me.

2009-04-02T15:56:00.001-07:00

Wed 1 April
Italy 1 Ireland 1 (Keane)

After such a brilliant result, the RTE panel really got on my nerves tonight. Talk about down to earth in 2 seconds...

The naivity of the arguments flying around are frightening... Expecting this team to suddenly play free flowing attacking football and win every game without a challenge is just ludicrous. No international side in the world can justifiably expect this, except perhaps the top 2 or 3 nations. Of course we long Ireland to improve, but the starting point is always stability and making yourself hard to beat. Does noone know this? Dunphy and co are pushing an agenda to get rid of the manager as always, and its almost incredible that people take them seriously... they are not willing to allow any positive to stand without qualifying it with a negative. Being positive is seen as immature... well sorry for being immature, but I think I know a little bit about football, and there is no way on earth I would swap a Newcastle or Brazil approach (gung ho...useless at the back)instead of a more Italian or Liverpool approach (structured and organised...less glamourous). My view is that the latter approach will provide better results in the short term, with a few disappointments, but in the long run confidence grows and the team begins to play better football as time goes on. Liverpool are classic example of this. The Istanbul team was not as good to watch as the team today. It takes time... and obviously we're not exactly loaded with top quality players.

This means we need to stick with "structured and organised" for now, and live with the growing pains like the Bulgaria game, without acting like spoiled children who want some fantasy to suddenly appear miraculously before us on the pitch.

2009-02-13T13:33:00.000-08:00

Republic of Ireland 2 Georgia 1 (Keane 2)

A great second half performance of attack attack attack produces the result in the end!
I dont accept the line that the approach of Trap is too conservative. Its clear what he's trying to achieve and quite exciting actually.

Singing section was a major disappointment. Far too many didnt turn up on time, and me and my friend couldnt stand because we were told to sit down by people behind us. My advise is to limit it to a smaller number for Bulgaria - maybe 100 fans, and just let the hard core into that section. It can grow from there.

(Click on photos for better view!)

2009-02-04T02:11:00.000-08:00

Singing section focus on Spinelli for Valentines!

When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie that's Spinelli!

a nice little suggestion from : http://www.youboysingreen.ie/

2009-01-29T15:45:00.000-08:00

New Lansdowne to host 2011
UEFA (Europa) Cup Final!

“Europe’s top clubs will play out the 40th final of the UEFA Cup in Dublin in 2011. This is a significant coup, for our new stadium and for Ireland....The final will cement the reputation of the new stadium with a global audience and along with the 4 Associations’ tournament, hosted by the FAI in Dublin in 2011, will provide a huge boost to the country’s tourism industry.” - John Delaney

Clearly this is a great step in the right direction. Financially, it is a hugely important opportunity, but also in terms of profile for the country and the sport.

2009-01-18T15:20:00.001-08:00

Trappatoni prepares for Georgia...

'We are aiming to win. I hope the players will come back with the same spirit full determination like they had in November. I hope they haven't forgotten the work done until now.

'This will be the first match of a very important year ahead in our challenge to qualify for the 2010 World Cup.

'Georgia are strong opposition but we believe in ourselves as a team and I look forward to our fans help to give us a home advantage throughout the 90 minutes.'

2009-01-15T15:19:00.000-08:00

Bring on the Old days!

Singing section announced for Croke Park!!!

Brilliant Brilliant!
Fair play to all involved. Its about time that those who love and support the team are visible and seen and heard in all their glory!

more info: http://www.youboysingreen.ie/
(thanks for the mention on ybig by the way! chuffed! and no I'm not roger milla whoever he is! Just a fan)

World Cup - Cyprus home 1-0 Wed 15 October 2008

2009-01-15T15:11:00.001-08:00

Republic of Ireland 1
Cyprus 0
Keane

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

2008-10-13T14:34:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-06T15:09:00.000-07:00

Georgia 1 Rep of Ireland 2
Doyle
Whelan

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

Ireland 1 (Keane) Colombia 0 Craven Cottage

2008-05-30T01:20:00.000-07:00

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)

2008-05-27T09:29:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-21T18:13:00.000-07:00

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

2008-02-07T15:38:00.000-08:00

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!

WORLD CUP 2010 QUALIFYING DRAW

2007-11-25T16:52:00.000-08:00

Italy
Bulgaria
Republic of Ireland
Cyprus
Georgia
Montenegro

Italian coach Donadoni speaks out on World Cup group opponents...

“Bulgaria have more of a football tradition than the others and could be the team that on paper will try to compete with us for first place,” said Italian coach Donadoni.

“(The other sides) don’t have much of a history in the World Cup, but in any case have their strengths. For example, like all the Slavic nations, Montenegro have great technique, while Ireland are tough to beat. The same goes for Georgia, who we faced recently.”

Wales 2 Ireland 2 (Keane, Doyle)

2007-11-23T15:51:00.000-08:00

Fascinating how well players play when the pressure's off! The boys in the studio acknowledged this fact, which makes you wonder why they couldnt have tried a more positive approach when the matches mattered.

I was disappointed we didnt win. Wales dont have anywhere close to the quality of our team and yet we act like we're on their level... something wrong with that.

Finally, you can smell good vibe off this team. I believe they want to perform and its good that top managers are looking for the job. I just hope the FAI move quickly.

Looking forward to the World Cup draw on Sunday now....
always look forward...

Ireland 1 Cyprus 1 (Finnan 92)

2007-10-19T01:05:00.001-07:00

It went nasty again and Staunton has to go now. Its just untenable after this game. I'm really disappointed for him, because I've supported him throughout everything. The media went for the jugular after the Chile match on 24 May 2006 - Staunton's second friendly, and then the Dutch game on 16 August 2006. The writing was on the wall that early, and too many fans just bought everything that was said hook line and sinker. With a bit of patience in those early months things would have been better. Human beings cant perform to their best under that sort of abuse. Compare Robbie Keane at Spurs where he is respected, and here since we've turned on him.

Having said all that, we should be qualifying from this group end of story. You can see where we dropped points, and if you add them up then Wales next month would be a big game.

I worry now that no manager will be good enough to avoid the abuse, because its so cynical. They put angles and agendas on things.

However my choice is Souness. He might command respect from the media, especially Dunphy, and he does have managerial and playing experience.

Ireland 0 Germany 0

2007-10-17T15:03:00.000-07:00

We did ourselves justice and it was a positive vibe around Croke Park. Makes you regret the 3 pts lost in Cyprus and the 2 lost in Slovakia. We'd be equal with the Czechs if we'd got just those.

Finally, a piece of wisdom from Bobby Robson...

"I dont think he (Stan) is making mistakes, and is it the public or the media who remain unconvinced? Is it the media who are persuading the public to think that way? If you are intelligent, constructive, fair and reasonable then I'll go along with you. But if you are destructive, unfair, unreasonable, unintelligent, I dont want to know. The fans read the papers, listen to their radios and watch their televisions, and the media can be very persuasive people....I think Stan needs a break....He has been in the job nearly two years and it takes that time to get to know the job."

Czech Republic 1 Ireland 0

2007-09-12T16:31:00.001-07:00

It's a sickening feeling and I hate it..

It really does feel hollow to hear the Irish fans singing after the match. We lost, and we shouldnt have lost that match. We're as good as dead in the group, and its just so long till the next campaign...

Dunphy and the boys want a new manager in immediately. At this moment it sounds attractive. We can all dream of a Dalglish or Ferguson riding in on their horse to save us from the pain of not qualifying, but we wouldnt get them... You just need to hope that the team grows in the next campaign.

I disagree that the main problem is team selection, although I agree with some of it. Hunt and Reid should have played not Kelly and McEady, but it wouldnt have made a winning difference. It's much of a muchness.

The key problem for me is that we have a fundamental inability to be composed on the ball and to play a passing game. We're like Celtic in the Champions league - old style. The only thing we know how to do well is attact at pace, and we're in danger when we arent doing that. So players either run with the ball, head down, with tricky feet, or else they kick the ball long hoping for the best. All night it happened, like on Saturday against Slovakia. Why cant we just keep the ball and play it across the back? Why cant we probe and hold onto the thing? No composure.

It hurts bad. I've supported Staunton all the way because the media agenda stinks from start to finish. They get it wrong about him all the time in my opinion. However, results are everything, and losing tonight was a bad result. I could accept a draw - you could live with that, but not a defeat. It combines with the Germany and Cyprus results to make 3 defeats, none of which should have happened. Also look at Wales beating Cyprus 5-2 and Scotland beating France 1-0.

It does put Stan under pressure.

Slovakia 2 Ireland 2 (Ireland, Doyle)

2007-09-09T15:09:00.001-07:00

Another 90th minute disaster for Ireland. For the last 15 minutes you sensed it could happen. Why cant we keep possession when in the lead or under pressure? I dont understand it... Why does Shay always kick it long, when he could just play it to the full backs to play it around at the back? Long term we need to grow in this area. I was watching Portugal later in the evening, and felt sick with their ability to do this sort of thing. There's a big gap between us and the top nations in this area.

In terms of qualifying the draw makes very little difference. We still have to beat Czech Republic this Wednesday. You just sense the last minute goal is a bad thing morale-wise. It cant help for Wednesday, even if things havent changed much in terms of what we need to do.

I just sense for the first time that for all our improvement and hunger and desire, we look to be a little short in terms of qualifying. No fault of Staunton or the players in my view. We're just short in terms of maturity at the moment. I hate saying that and long to be proved wrong...

Come on boys. Do or die. Lets have no regrets about the performance on Wednesday. Big night...

Denmark 0 Ireland 4 (Keane 2, Long 2) Friendly

2007-08-22T17:13:00.000-07:00

Great result and the team continue to progress! Over the moon for Robbie getting his two goals. I commented here on the abuse he was getting after the Welsh game. Fair play to him.

A tough week for Stan with the loss of his Father and I was pleased to see him get some joy. You dont get 100 caps without being a survivor and I still think he will.

The match was an boost at an important time. Great finishing. Good lively play from a bunch of exciting youngsters. In fairness Denmark had chances and it could have been a different score, but look, really, we'll take it! Success breeds success.

Now to two massive games in September. I think the team has the right character to give it a good go. 3 points might be enough if its the Czechs we beat... but why not 6?

Ireland 1 Bolivia 1 (Long) US Cup.

2007-05-27T15:09:00.000-07:00

26 May 07
Better opposition this time. Better result so. At the back we looked suspect, but going forward the young lads have been exciting. The crossing from the wings has struck me as really good. Alan O'Brien particularly. Someone tell the Liverpool team about how to cross a ball... you have to curl it so it curves out for the on-coming striker....sounds simple but Liverpool NEVER do it. They float the cross up and then down, so the striker gets no power on it....

I read some criticism today of US based Joe Lapira getting a chance ahead of Eircom League players in the Equador game. My initial reaction was quite positive in my last post so I better defend myself...

If the player is good enough then it doesnt matter where they are from...IT REALLY DOESNT MATTER. If they are not good enough, then it also doesnt matter where they are from... To be honest I dont think Staunton will pick anyone for key games who isnt atleast Championship standard in England. If Lapira proves to be that level then he deserves a chance, but if he isnt, then we probably wont see him again.

Americans generally are honest, determined and athletic in their sport. They have pride. They get a bit gooey about Ireland, and that could be quite attractive if the player is good enough.

Ireland 1 Equador 1 (Doyle) US Cup.

2007-05-25T16:45:00.000-07:00

23 May 07
Stayed up late for this one, but what a game! Such a great effort from the young lads. Potter did well in the middle. Hunt and Doyletake great credit for coming along on the trip after such a big season with Reading. Staunton again has shown his commitment to bringing new young players through. The American lad, Joe Lapira from Notre Dame Uni (?!) made an interesting introduction. Surely there are players from the US who would qualify and would no doubt burst a gut for Ireland...

Ireland 1 Slovakia 0 (Doyle)

2007-03-29T14:49:00.000-07:00

Absolutely brilliant! What a massive result at the end of a hard week.

Stan and the team responded in the best way possible to the criticism and you never know where this might lead further down the line...

Isnt it funny how things predicted in the press and by sensationalist fans don't happen in the end.....

Just because we lost 5-2 to Cyprus, doesnt mean we'll lose 10-2 to Czech Republic.

Just because we only beat San Marino, doesnt mean Wales will beat us...(a friend of mine predicted 4-0 to Wales last Friday before the game.)

Just because we only beat Wales (how crap are they...?!) doesnt mean Slovakia will destroy us.

Each game is a new game. That's why I always feel that positive is better than negative. Maybe it'll turn around I kept thinking... Maybe the Croke Park effect will work... Maybe Stan will settle into it...maybe the young players will click...
but all the time the media and fans were about the business of destruction...

Well last night I felt just a little bit vindicated. Those young players are great new players. Stan has brought them in, and he's maintained a good team spirit through bad days. Is there any praise too high, given the pressure they were under?

Fair play to him. Tough games ahead in the Autumn, but a really positive way to go into the break now. He could be lucky you know...

PS.
O'Hurlihy: What's your prediction for tonight then?
Giles: I dont know
Brady: I think its likely to be a draw
Dunphy: Slovakia, if they are half decent and if the absence of two players doesnt hurt them, I'd fancy them to win...

...you'd kinda expect atleast one of them to get it right really wouldnt you?

Ireland 1 Wales 0 (Ireland)

2007-03-24T16:22:00.000-07:00

I know it wasnt pretty, but this was a huge win. We could easily have drawn the game which would have been a disaster in the group. I put the win primarily down to the sheer quality of the goal. Robbie Keane played the ball through, and Ireland finished brilliantly. In fairness I mention Keane because of the unfair abuse he's getting. He also did well putting Duff through for his chance, and flicked on a beauty of a header for Doyle's crossbar shot. He runs for the team and does more than simply seeking to score goals. He deserves better from the fans.

Staunton is bringing young players through and they are doing well. McShane, Doyle, Ireland, Hunt especially. Others like Stokes, Douglas, McGeady are great prospects. It is amazing how many he's bringing through. Give him credit.

He is also learning from mistakes. Dropping Carsley was a mistake - he corrected it. Ireland at right midfield was a mistake - he corrected it even before half time. Not criticising the team after San Marino was a mistake - he corrected that by being more honest after this game.

In terms of atmosphere, I was there, and it was good. Not wonderful, but throughout the game the fans supported the team. Flick through the video and you'll hear the crowd if you're honest. I've been to Anfield and this compared very well even despite the pressure on the team.

Finally, look at England, Scotland, France and Italy - just for starters... international football is rarely a walk in the park...

A win at this moment is priceless. I sincerely look forward to Wednesday and want the boys to get another win. That would be a massive result and would help with confidence. The abuse in the media is disgraceful and doesnt help. I believe if you want the best from the team (sincerely) then anger and insults will never work.

Big day ahead...

2007-03-23T17:39:00.000-07:00

"He has his own opinions, and that's his opinion. I'm here to deal with Ireland. The boys are here, training away. Roy has done a wonderful job at Sunderland. That's his job - he picks his team. I've my team here, and I'll pick mine. That's the end of it. It's not about Roy Keane; it's about Ireland playing a qualifying game on Saturday. I've nothing more to say. That's it. End of story."

I know Staunton's under pressure and the team really do need to perform against Wales later today, but personally I'm longing for a good result. It really is a crucial game to win....no matter how it comes.

Support the boys in green...

2007-03-17T16:53:00.000-07:00

What’s this country coming to with the abuse Staunton and the Irish team have got from the media since San Marino? You’d think it was unusual for football teams to struggle against smaller teams sometimes. Even the worst of teams...

It reminded me of another bad day for the Irish team 20 years ago in 1987 when we struggled to defeat Luxembourg 2-1 at home. At 1-1, in the second half, the Irish fans even started cheering Luxembourg. When Stapleton scored the winner to make it 2-1 the reaction was very muted. In hindsight few will remember that game, but we managed to scrape through that group courtesy of Scotland beating Bulgaria and ended up in Euro 88. Stapleton’s goal was crucial, and that was early days in Charlton’s era. Fortunes can change on incidents like last minute goals…The abuse of the team has been horrendous and vicious. In the case of McCarthy and Kerr, once the team started to struggle under the criticism, it was only a matter of time before the managers were sacked. I just find it very wrong.

To me Staunton has actually done very little wrong, given that he has faced such personal abuse since only his second match (Chile 0-1). Performances haven’t been good enough, but again, what’s so unusual about that? On the positive side, he has introduced a lot of young players which is the hallmark of good management in the early days of a job. He learnt from his mistake in omitting Lee Carsley, which was unusual. Managers are normally very stubborn bunch with their decisions. There is an accusation going round that he isn’t straight enough in interviews after games, but I disagree. He handles himself well in the circumstances. Obviously he's awkward like Dalglish was, but I feel its justified given the questioning is clearly loaded, cynical and over the top. He's just standing up for himself. As Shay Given said this week, the criticism is coming even though the team actually beat San Marino. The bad performance justifies the criticism, but only to a point.

I have confidence in the fans who attend the games. Croke Park will be special and the atmosphere will be like the Czech Republic game. We proved the media wrong that night, and it was powerful. It was an atmosphere of honesty, born of frustration, and truly a call for better from the team, but at least it was expressed in support and encouragement the way it should be.

They’ve said we don’t love the team anymore. They’ve said we won’t even turn up at Croke Park in the end. They've said a lot of things that arent true...