Monthly Archives: November 2011

Ireland to seal Euro 2012 spot

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Republic of Ireland grabbed a 4-0 win in Estonia on Friday night to all but guarantee their spot in the Euro 2012 tournament proper, ahead of Tuesday’s second-leg in Dublin (totesport – Euro 2012 coupon).

However, despite the fact the Irish enjoy such a commanding lead boss Giovanni Trapattoni will not be taking Estonia lightly and will be keen for his side to secure a win on Tuesday night.  Estonia will need to attack from the off, leaving them vulnerable at the back and with Ireland’s superior strength going forward they could blow their opponents away for a second time.  In the half-time/full-time market a Republic of Ireland/Republic of Ireland result is priced at 5/6, which represents better value than the 2/5 on offer for an Ireland victory.

Montenegro slumped to a 2-0 loss in Czech Republic in the first-leg and it looks as if the Czechs will be able to secure a place at Euro 2012.  Montenegro offered very little going forward in the first-leg and could struggle again, despite enjoying home advantage.  Czech Republic are priced at 7/4 to win the match, while Montenegro are 8/5.  Arsenal’s Tomas Rosicky produced a fine display in the first-leg but his performance was not rewarded with a goal, the winger is priced at 10/1 to get his name on the score sheet and score first on Tuesday.

The most intriguing tie on Tuesday is Bosnia’s visit to Portugal as the first leg ended in a 0-0 draw.  Bosnia will progress if they can secure a score draw in Portugal on Tuesday, which would be a massive achievement.  A draw is priced at 10/3, while 1-1 is available at 6/1. Portugal should prove too strong for Bosnia but the visitors should not be dismissed lightly as they have quality amongst their ranks, including Manchester City striker Eden Dzeko. Bosnia are 13/2 to secure the win, while Portugal are 4/9 but the game could well be closer than the odds suggest and in the half-time/full-time market a draw/Portugal result is priced at 10/3.

Croatia host Turkey in a tie that already looks out of the visitors’ reach, thanks to Croatia’s 3-0 win in Turkey in the first-leg.  Turkey will be desperate to avenge that defeat and will look to throw everything at Croatia, which will leave them vulnerable on the counter-attack.  Croatia are 8/11 to secure the win, the draw is available at 13/5 but a small wager on Turkey at 4/1 could be a bet worth placing as they will be desperate to salvage some pride after their first-leg hammering.

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Young lions looking dangerous

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England under-21s will be looking to keep up their 100% record in qualification for the European Championships when they travel to Belgium on Monday (Belgium U21 3/1, draw 5/2, England U21 8/11).

Stuart Pearce’s side have made a perfection start in Group 8, taking the maximum 12 points available from their first four games.

Belgium U21 v England U21 (19:45)

England look a class above any side in Group 8 and should be taken to make it five wins from five against Belgium at 8/11.

Pearce will be delighted with the way his young lions have performed so far in scoring 16 goals in those four games, conceding just one goal along the way. They have proven to be a real force at this level.

One of the stars of the year for the under-21s has been West Brom defender Craig Dawson. The 21-year-old signed for the Premier League side in the summer after making the switch from his home town club Rochdale, where he helped them secure their first promotion in 36 years into League One.

Dawson has stepped into the England set-up with relative ease and looks more than comfortable in Pearce’s back four. Despite playing at centre back, he has scored four goals in five games for his national side and looks a real threat in the air from set pieces.

Arsenal youngster Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is another who has proven how comfortable he is at playing international football. The former Southampton youngster was subject to a lot of attention from a number of Premier League clubs before he made the move to the Emirates.

The 18-year-old was outstanding against Iceland when he went away with the match ball after scoring a hat-trick and could be a prominent member of the full national side in the future.

This England side really do have plenty of options on the attacking front. This was evident against Iceland when Gary Gardner came off the bench to score two goals in the game. Usually, the Aston Villa midfielder is forced to settle for a place on the bench, such is the quality Pearce has at his disposal.

Belgium have failed to qualify for the European Under-21 Championships in their last two attempts and they have a difficult task to make it this time around after picking up just five points from their opening four games.

Although they have only lost once so far in this campaign, they have drawn games from which they should have been taking maximum points.

When England travel to Antwerp, it will be the home side’s biggest test to date and it will be difficult for them to contain the young English side.

There looks to be real value in the 13/8 on offer for England to be leading at half-time and full-time at Olympisch.

For those searching for even more value, look no further than England to win the game 3-0 at odds of 12/1.

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Rojita to reign in Spain again

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Bet on SpainFollowing Spain’s shock defeat to England on Saturday, the nation’s under-21s get their chance to impress on Monday when they face their Swiss counterparts in Cordoba (Spain 1/4 for the win).

Much like the senior side, ‘La Rojita’ have been pretty much all conquering in the last few years and were impressive winners of the European Under-21 Championships in Denmark last summer.

Their form has continued and they currently sit top of their qualifying group for Euro 2013 in Israel, having recorded an impressive 6-0 victory over Estonia on Thursday.

Head coach Luis Milla has had to bring in a number of new faces since the triumph in the summer, with the likes of Juan Mata and Javi Martinez now considered permanent members of the senior side. This hasn’t halted their progress though.

Like the full side, the under-21 team is built around a core of players from Barcelona and at the heartbeat of this is creative midfielder Thiago Alcantara. Having starred in the aforementioned success in Denmark, Thiago has been superb this season and is now a regular in the Barca line-up, with coach Pep Guardiola often tinkering with his formation just to fit the mercurial youngster in. He will undoubtedly be pivotal in Andalucía and his performance could be the difference between victory and a draw for the Spanish (19/5 for the draw).

Another Spaniard to look out for is Athletic Bilbao forward Iker Muniain who for a long time has been tipped to become one of Europe’s top players. Having resisted the advances of a number of the continent’s big clubs, he finally appears to be fulfilling his potential. Now a regular at club and international level, Muniain’s pace and trickery can unlock any defence so expect him to get on the scoresheet at some point on Monday night.

Despite all this, Switzerland (15/2 to win) themselves are not a side to be discounted and will be looking to cause an upset at the El Arcangel. Much like Spain, Switzerland are currently experiencing somewhat of a ‘Golden Generation’ but have elected to put them straight into the senior side rather than blooding them in the juniors.

They are currently in good form after beating Georgia 5-0 on Thursday. Look out for striker Steven Zuber who bagged a hat-trick in that win. Zuber is a tricky individual and could cause the Spanish rearguard some major problems. With the confidence he gained from the Georgia demolition, he will fancy his chances of making an impact.

However, despite Switzerland’s fine form, Spain on paper look far stronger. Any team with the likes of Thiago and Muniain will fancy their chances against anyone so expect a comfortable victory for the European champions (Spain 10/1 for a 4-0 win).

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Роджер Федерер против Тсонги и парижской публики! Хэмилтон и Баттон остановят Феттеля в Абу-Даби?

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Теннис. Париж. Мастерс.

Жо-Вильфред Тсонга – Роджер Федерер. Как я уже и предсказывал, среди фаворитов в наилучшейFederer Blue volley 1 300x217 Роджер Федерер против Тсонги и парижской публики! Хэмилтон и Баттон остановят Феттеля в Абу Даби? форме находится Роджер Федерер 1.28, который и добрался до финала. Томаш Бердых заявил, что «Вернулся прежний Роджер», и я думаю, чех оценил это в полной мере, так как проиграл швейцарцу в полуфинале.  Причем проиграл по классической системе Роджера, когда вы просто не в состоянии «зацепиться» за подачу Федерера. Для Роджера эта победа стала 800-й!!! в карьере. Как не удивительно, но Федерер впервые вышел в финал парижского мастерса.

На стороне Тсонги 3.50 помимо недюжей физической мощи будут полные трибуны корта Берси, а как умеют французы поддерживать своих теннисистов – мы с вами очень хорошо знаем. Кстати, оба теннисиста имеют претензии к мячам, которыми играют на этом мастерсе, по мнению француза, они слишком медленные.

В полуфинале Вильфред в тяжелом поединке смог одолеть Джона Изнера. К счастью для обоих, матч не мог превратиться в очередное испытание на выносливость, как в небезызвестном противостоянии Изнера и Николя Маю.

Победа Федерера кажется делом предрешенным, и помешать этому может только выдающаяся игра Тсонги…

Формула-1. Гран-при Абу-Даби.

14-я полу-позишн Себастьяна Феттеля 1.60 приравняла его к самому Найджелу Мэнселлу, который почти два десятка лет назад установил, как тогда казалось вечный рекорд. Но то ли Эдриан Ньюи построил фантастическую машину (хотя, простите, в этом точно сомневаться не приходится), то ли соперники подкачали ( в этом также сомневаться не приходится), то ли Марк Уэббер не смог сделать на этой машине и половины из того, что оказалось под силу немцу.

После этого сезона на карьере Марка 9.00 можно практически поставить «крест», нет, то что он сильный пилот – это без сомнений, но о притязаниях на чемпионский титул можно забыть. Марк единственный, кто в этом сезоне обладал такой же машиной, как и Себ, но результат говорит сам за себя…

«Макларены» всеми силами стремились не дать первое место Феттелю, и что особенно интересно,  в этом процессе принимал участие не только Хэмилтон 4.00, который традиционно сильно проводит квалификации, но и Баттон 5.00. Партнеров по «Макларену» разделили 9 тысячных секунды – это быстрее, чем мы можем моргнуть глазом.

Виталий Петров и «Рено» объективно «доезжают» чемпионат, машину улучшить нельзя, а положение в чемпионате уже не исправишь и не ухудшишь, так что остается только ждать следующего сезона.

Как мне кажется, в гонке победит кто-то из пары «Макларенов».

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Odds stacked against Three Lions

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There will be no better yardstick for England to assess where they stand in world football than when they take on the mighty Spain at Wembley on Saturday evening, with the kick-off at 5.15.

Vicente Del Bosque’s men comfortably top the world rankings as both world and European champions and are the 5/2 favourites for more glory in Poland and Ukraine next summer, which is no surprise having romped through their qualifying group with a 100% record.

Of course, the groups are not necessarily the hardest for the seeds to make it through as winners but England still managed to look unconvincing at times in Group G, despite ultimately finishing six points clear.

Fabio Capello’s men could not beat runners-up Montenegro home or away, while Switzerland also took a point from their Wembley venture after letting a two-goal lead slip.

Wales were perhaps unlucky to get nothing from their trip to England and Capello has intimated in the past that his players feel the pressure more so at home, which does not augur well for the visit of the best side in the world.

There will undoubtedly be plenty who will see the fact that Spain are priced up in the match betting at 5/6 as a good thing, with England a huge 10/3 to make home ‘advantage’ count and the draw is on offer at 5/2.

There will not be too many who would argue with the odds, given the fact that the Spanish side put out Wembley is going to be based largely around the galaxy of stars at Barcelona, regarded as the best side in the world now, and arguably ever in the history of the game.

Real Madrid are not too shabby either while David Silva, who is currently tearing up the Premier League with Manchester City, is merely a fringe player for his national side, finding it hard to break through into the starting team on a regular basis.

By contrast, England will be without a number of their more experienced players as Wayne Rooney has been left out, while the likes of Rio Ferdinand and Steven Gerrard have been ruled out through form and fitness respectively – and captain John Terry will only be on the bench.

Now that may work in Capello’s favour as the players on show will be looking to prove their worth ahead of the Euro 2012 finals next year and will be keen to make an impression, while they will not be weighed down by previous failures – such as the disastrous World Cup campaign last summer.

England have enjoyed some degree of success with new players breaking into the side but experience counts for a lot, particularly against such a strong side as Spain, and it would be a brave man to be confident in supporting the home side, even at the price.

There have been suggestions from the Spanish players that they will not be expecting an easy ride in London, but Del Bosque’s men should ultimately prove too strong.

However, the Three Lions may at least be able to keep it close on Saturday with none of Spain’s last three victories on the bounce being by more than two goals (Under 2.5 goals 8/11, Over 2.5 goals Evens).

David Villa and Fernando Llorente scored the goals in a 2-0 win in February 2009, but both successes prior to that were by a solitary strike, including Spain’s last visit to England in 2007 – although that game was played at Old Trafford.

Villa is the current 5/1 favourite in the FIrst/Last Goalscorer betting, while he is 11/8 in the Anytime Scorer market, alongside Chelsea’s Fernando Torres, but it may pay to take a chance at bigger prices with Silva, who bagged twice in the recent win over Scotland including the first goal, available at 8/1 to open the scoring.

Darren Bent, who has scored four in his last five internationals, is expected to lead what will be a very inexperienced attack and is priced at 8/1, alongside Daniel Sturridge, to get England up and running with the first goal and 3/1 to break his Wembley duck and score at all during the 90 minutes.

However, recent history suggests England will find it hard and Spain are available at 2/1 to win to nil, while punters can get 9/2 on a 1-0 scoreline for Del Bosque’s men and 13/2 on 2-0.

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Разминка Греции и России перед Евро-2012. Фернандо Алонсо снова в Абу-Даби.

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Футбол. Товарищеские матчи сборных.

Греция – Россия. В то время, как для некоторых команд наступили стыковые матчи, российскаяArshavin Pavlyuchenko 1 300x225 Разминка Греции и России перед Евро 2012. Фернандо Алонсо снова в Абу Даби. сборная 2.75 имеет возможность уже спокойно готовиться к Чемпионату Европы. К этому турниру российская сборная может стать самой «возрастной» командой – средний возраст игроков перевалит за тридцать лет. Но как принято говорить, «коней на переправе не меняют», и даже сам Дик Адвокат, сделавший ставку на «старую гвардию», понимает, что «свежая кровь» необходима. Видимо по этой причине в сборную были вызваны Кокорин и Дзюба.

Правда, по поводу точечного усиления уже сейчас возникает немало вопросов, так как Дмитрий Булыкин сейчас демонстрирует прекрасную игру за амстердамский «Аякс», но вызова в сборную похоже не дождется, а на данный момент бывший игрок сборной ни в чем не уступает ни Павлюченко, ни Погребняку.

Много разговоров ходит и насчет того, как относиться к товарищеским матчам, даже сам Адвокат отмечает, что если наша сборная хочет прогрессировать, то ей нужно с большей ответственностью подходить к товарищеским играм. Хотя с другой стороны понять игроков можно, у многих из них «на носу» ключевые игры в Лиге Чемпионов, а получить травму в ничего не решающей товарищеской игре будет крайне обидно.

Перед такими матчами раздается немалое количество различных интервью, так вот в одном из таких разговоров Андрей Аршавин поведал немало интересного. Одним из самых запоминающихся суждений «канонира» стало замечание, что российские тренеры всегда проявляют трусость перед решающими матчами. Данное замечание особенно занятно, если попытаться вспомнить, когда в последний раз Андрей работал под руководством отечественного специалиста.

Матч вряд ли получится очень зрелищным и с большой долей вероятности закончится вничью 3.10.

Формула-1. Гран-при Абу-Даби.

Что делать, когда мотивации нет? Брать пример с Себастьяна Феттеля 1.60, который даже после того как стал чемпионом мира не останавливается на достигнутом и продолжает побеждать. Этот этап на треке Яс Марина для немца особенный, все прекрасно помнят, что происходило здесь между Фернандо Алонсо 11.00 и Виталием Петровым 751.00. Даже испанец, которому вспоминать все это не очень приятно, признает, что мысли об этом его не покидают. Да и как может быть иначе, когда от чемпионства вас отделила машина «Рено» под управлением российского пилота.

Две зоны DRS обеспечат нас борьбой, а то, что она будет проходить на всем протяжении гонки, сомневаться не приходится.  «Феррари» и «Макларен» рано или поздно должны победить.

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Ireland set for Tallinn test

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Ireland will be hoping that luck is on their side this time as they begin their quest to qualify for their first major international tournament since the 2002 World Cup when they take on Estonia in their Euro 2012 play-off first leg in Tallinn on Friday.

Two years ago, the men in green were cruelly robbed in Paris when Thierry’s Henry handball was not spotted – and William Gallas was allowed to score the extra-time winner to send France to South Africa at the Republic’s expense.

The boot is on the other foot in this particular match-up with Ireland favourites to progress and the pressure, unlike against Les Bleus, will be on Giovanni Trapattoni’s men over the next few days.

Ireland did taste victory when they were involved in a play-off to qualify for the 2002 World Cup, beating Iran 2-1 on aggregate – although they lost the away leg, which came second, 1-0.

This time the Republic start on their travels with a trip to Tallinn on Friday night before the return leg in Dublin next Tuesday, and the Irish are 11/8 favourites to win tomorrow night’s encounter.

Estonia can be backed at 13/8 in the match betting to hold an advantage going into the second leg, while punters can get 11/5 about the draw.

Estonia surprised many to make it this far after being drawn in a group that contained Italy, Serbia and Slovenia – who all qualified for last year’s World Cup – but qualified as a runner-up when Slovenia beat Serbia in the last game.

The Blueshirts will be hoping that expectations have not got out of hand when they host the Irish on Friday night and that they can play with the freedom of a team which has nothing to lose.

If they can do that then they will cause problems, given the Republic’s struggle in their final Group B game, but both sides enjoyed better away performances to make the play-offs.

Estonia won 3-1 in Serbia and 1-0 in Slovenia, while Trapattoni’s side was unbeaten on the road, losing just one game in the entire group stage, 2-3 to group winners Russia at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium.

When the pressure was on, however, in the final group game against Armenia, Ireland struggled to cope with Armenia’s fluent passing game – and only made it through after a shocking decision by the referee to send off the visiting keeper Roman Berezovski and a comedy own goal to retain second spot – just winning 2-1.

Trapattoni has a number of injury worries to contend with as Shane Long and Leon Best have been ruled out, while Kevin Doyle is suspended after his red card against Armenia.

Good news for the men in green is the fact that talismanic skipper Robbie Keane is available again and warmed up for this clash with a goal in LA Galaxy’s 3-1 win over Real Salt Lake at the weekend.

The 31-year-old has been a fantastic servant for his country, leading their scoring charts with 51 goals in 112 appearances, and is the 5/1 favourite in the First/Last Goalscorer betting.

With so much at stake, it is difficult to see it being a free-flowing open game of football with plenty of goals, but the Republic’s experience may just tell in the end and Draw/Rep Ireland is on offer at 9/2 in the Half-time/Full-time market, while a 1-0 win for the away side is priced at 5/1.

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Pearce’s men seek unbeaten run

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England Under-21’s are in UEFA Euro 2013 Group 8 qualifying action on Thursday night (England 2/13, draw 5/1, Iceland 11/1 – Match Betting), as they look to continue their 100% record against Iceland at Weston Homes Community Stadium.

Stuart Pearce’s side recorded a 3-0 win in Reykjavik a month ago thanks to a hat-trick from Arsenal star Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who is set to be named in the starting XI again, as he looks to prove he is worthy of the £12 million Arsene Wenger spent on him.

The England Under-21 boss sees a similar situation with Oxlade-Chamberlain (9/2 First Goalscorer) that was experienced by his Arsenal team-mate Theo Walcott, and believes the 18-year-old can get “better and better” and will improve from every 90 minutes he can get under his belt.

Pearce has been forced to make a number of changes to his squad due to injury and that means six of the 24 faces in the squad are part of the Under-21 set-up for the first time.

Ryan Bennett from Peterborough, Newcastle United forward Sammy Ameobi and Manchester United’s Will Keane were called up on Monday, but Bennett reported with an injury and was sent home while Fulham full-back Matthew Briggs also missed out through injury.

The boss’ plans were further disrupted by the fact Liverpool’s Jon Flanagan and Everton’s Ross Barkley left the camp to join up with Noel Blake’s England Under-19 squad for their game with Denmark, also on Thursday night.

Both those two will be unavailable to face Iceland but will be ready for the trip to face Belgium on Monday night, where Pearce will be looking for another impressive display to boost their progression towards Israel 2013.

Nathan Delfouneso (7/2 First Goalscorer) has enjoyed a mixed time against Iceland so far in 2011, as he scored in Preston against them back in March before being taken off in Reykjavik last month with a hamstring injury.

The Aston Villa man is by far the most experienced forward available to Pearce, so will lead the line with Ameobi, Keane and Marvin Sordell of Watford all fighting to join him.

There is a lack of real Premier League experience throughout the squad and the likes of Jordan Henderson, Josh McEachran and Martin Kelly will have to shoulder a lot of the responsibility.

As for Iceland, they have won one game so far in Euro 2013 qualifying and that was thanks to two goals from Lillestrom striker Björn Sigurdarson, to see of Belgium in September. They are the only two goals they have scored in three games and Iceland should not pose too much threat to England.

Despite the limited experience, there remains a lot of exciting young potential throughout the team and they should have enough to beat Iceland with ease, to set them up for the trip to face Belgium in their final game of 2011.

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Джокович и Маррей лечат травмы, Федерер хочет победить! Россия сыграет на берегах Эллады!

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Теннис. Мастерс. Париж.

В этом году календарь АТП тура сверстан таким образом, что игроки как будто переживают лето вновь, постараюсь объяснить что имею в виду; летом за «Ролан Гарросом» следует «Уимблдон», так  вот, Federer Blue winner 1 241x300 Джокович и Маррей лечат травмы, Федерер хочет победить! Россия сыграет на берегах Эллады!и теперь после парижских кортов «почти вся королевская рать» переедет в Лондон на финальный турнир сезона.

Но и в Париже нам будет на что посмотреть, ключевая четверка почти в сборе, а это обещает нам действительно интересные события. У Новака Джоковича проблемы с плечом, и как он сможет выступить в Париже – пока не ясно, так как третья партия матча с Кеи Нишикори наводит его болельщиков  только на плохие мысли.

Не только серба мучают проблемы со здоровьем. Рафаэль Надаль вообще снялся с соревнований и на кортах Берси не выступит по причине травмы, но о повреждении он не сообщает. По его же словам, на турнире в Лондоне он примет непосредственное участие.

Энди Маррей, который совсем недавно снялся  турнира в Базеле, уже успел победить в Париже, но пока только в парном разряде. По моему мнению, он точно не будет выкладываться на турнире в Париже, так как победа в Лондоне для него выглядит более лакомым куском.

Как не парадоксально это прозвучит, но к концу сезона в наилучшей форме,  оправившись ото всех травм, подошел самый «пожилой» участник этой сумасшедшей гонки Роджер Федерер. По его собственным словам, он готов творить чудеса на корте, так как чувствует себя просто прекрасно. Я считаю его главным фаворитом не только на кортах Берси, но и на итоговом турнире в Лондоне.

Футбол. Товарищеские матчи сборных.

Греция – Россия. В последний раз эти команды встречались на уже легендарном Евро-2008, что характерно, после этой личной встречи судьбы двух команд разошлись как в море корабли. Россияне 2.75 с Гусом Хидингом стали бронзовыми призерами чемпионата, а греки 2.50 отправились домой «не солоно хлебавши». И вот теперь их дороги сходятся вновь.

Главной новостью из стана россиян стало приглашение Артема Дзюбы на этот сбор. Для спартаковца это первый вызов в национальную команду, как сказал сам нападающий, он был просто ошарашен такой новостью. Скрывать своей радости он также не намерен, так что мы можем только порадоваться за «красно-белого».

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Little luck for the Irish

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Republic of Ireland head to Tallinn this week for the first leg of their Euro 2012 play-off against Estonia, but Giovanni Trapattoni’s preparations have been far from smooth (Estonia 13/8, draw 11/5, Republic of Ireland 11/8 – 90 Minutes).

Not since 2002 have the Irish graced the world stage in a major international tournament although they did go close to reaching the 2010 World Cup finals only to be denied by Thierry Henry’s infamous ‘Hand of God’ moment in Paris.

Trapattoni and his players bounced back in their qualification campaign for next summer’s European Championships in Poland and Ukraine but came up just short thanks to a 3-2 home defeat to eventual Group B winners Russia in October 2010.

The Irish were two points worse off in the final table which has forced them into the lottery of the play-offs although they have been handed favourable opponents in Estonia given the fact they were the lowest-ranked nation in the unseeded half of the draw.

Republic of Ireland’s luck appears to have run out to a certain extent as Trapattoni has a whole host of injury problems to deal with plus the suspension which rules Wolves striker Kevin Doyle out of the Tallinn trip.

Already ruled out alongside Doyle are Leon Best who is set to become a father, Liam Lawrence (ankle), John O’Shea (hamstring) Shane Long (knee) and David Forde (thigh) while there is also a long list of doubts.

Best is set rejoin the squad on Saturday along with O’Shea although the Newcastle striker is carrying toe and groin injuries so will have to be closely monitored by the Irish medical team.

Captain Robbie Keane (11/8 – Anytime Scorer) looks like he has shaken off a leg problem in time to win his 113th cap although fans will be concerned Trapattoni felt he needed Keith Andrews to sit out training on Tuesday as a precaution, while Richard Dunne and Keith Fahey were treated for minor knocks.

The Italian was also without veteran goalkeeper Shay Given because of a stiff neck but it is not expected to stop him from travelling to Eastern Europe.

Trapattoni told the FAI website: “In these two (play-off) games, we have a great opportunity, but we are also aware that we are facing a team that has very good organisation on the pitch and we should not under-estimate them.

“We will have to show our pride. I am proud of our team and it will be very important for us to show all the Irish people our quality, our mentality and our attitude.

“Only with this attitude, we can get over these 180 minutes and achieve qualification.”

Estonia have added midfielder Andrei Sidorenkov and forward Vladimir Voskoboinikov to their squad and boss Tarmo Ruutli says he is delighted with his options.

“All the players are well-known in our team,” said Rüütli.

“There’s no place for major changes or surprises in the squad before the final two matches of the campaign.”

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