Republic of Ireland do just enough again
By opening with two victories, Republic of Ireland have made their most successful start to a qualifying campaign this century, however 1-0 and 3-1 wins away to Armenia and at home to Andorra don't exactly scream "Euro 2012, here we come".
Having been hindered by drawing too many games in World Cup qualifying though, with winning positions twice squandered against Bulgaria and Italy, the majority of Irish fans will be happy to have six points in the bag at this early stage, especially as group favourites Russia have already slipped up.
Dick Advocaat's side were surprisingly beaten 1-0 at home by Slovakia, who of course reached the last 16 at the World Cup, last night, in a result that arguably puts more pressure on Giovanni Trapattoni's men, who welcome Russia next month.
Why? Well, the ideal scenario for Ireland in their pursuit of top spot - territory they haven't trod for 24 years - would have been for main rivals Russia and Slovakia to draw both meetings, meaning that if they defeated both in Dublin, they could afford to lose their away matches against the duo.
Instead, Slovakia's win in Moscow will make Russia even more determined to triumph on their trip to the Aviva Stadium (though an overly adventurous approach may play into cautious Trap's hands), and also puts pressure on the Boys in Green to get a result when they head to Zilina later that week.
It's sure to be a defining month in Ireland's bid to end their decade-long international tournament exile but at least Kevin Doyle and Robbie Keane will enter it with renewed confidence after scoring yesterday in their country's first win at their new stadium, with Doyle's goal particularly classy.
Fancy Ireland's chances? They're in to [3.05] to win Group B...
Published: 8 Sep 2010
Leave a comment