Keith Andrews insists Republic of Ireland are not going to Euro 2012 next month to just make up the numbers but can Giovanni Trapattoni’s men really progress (Republic of Ireland – Group C To Qualify) out of a very tough-looking Group C?
Ireland, an outside 11/1 shot to win Group C, have qualified for their first major football tournament since the 2002 World Cup and, after easily beating Estonia in the play-off, they will proudly take their place in Poland and Ukraine.
However, one glance at the group – which features World and reigning European champions Spain, traditional heavyweights Italy and a talented Croatia side – suggests they may not be set for an extended stay in the tournament.
Andrews, predictably, says the Irish are approaching the Euros with plenty of confidence and why not? – because, actually, they have very little to lose with expectations relatively low. A couple of decent performances where they do themselves proud but still fall short and everyone will surely be satisfied while anything else than that would be a major bonus.
Andrews says the minimum the Republic are aiming for is to qualify for the knock-out phase and one thing in their favour is the fact they kick off Group C against Croatia.
Any side containing the likes of Luka Modric, Nikica Jelavic and Ivica Olic needs to be feared and the match odds reflect the fact Croatia have much more big-game experience in their squad than the Irish (totesport – match prices – Ireland 15/8, Croatia 6/5, draw 11/5).
Andrews, though, is bullish of his side’s chances.
“We are going there full of confidence. We have qualified from a tough group, come through a tough qualifier and we are certainly going there to come out of that group,” he said.
If, however, they can get something out of that first game then confidence levels will rise for the big two tests that remain as Ireland hope to negotiate the group (5/1 Stage of Elimination- quarter-finals).
Following the Croatia opener, Ireland take on the mighty Spain and totesport prices a shock win in that clash at 9/1. Spain (2/7, draw 7/2 – match prices) will probably be too good for Trapatonni’s men but this game could be closer than many people expect.
So if things go very well, it could all come down to the final group game against Italy for the Republic if they are to achieve Andrews’ dream of getting out of the group.
Italy, of course, have plenty of talent in their squad as well but they do not have the same fear factor as the Spanish and Ireland may be able to approach that game (totesport – match prices – Italy 4/5, Ireland 3/1, draw 9/4) knowing a win would see them through. That may be the stuff of dreams and very much against the odds but Ireland have surprised in big tournaments before and, with the pressure off, they may just do so again.
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Chelsea’s Champions League triumph on Saturday night goes down as probably the club’s greatest-ever night but, despite making them European champions, interim manager Roberto Di Matteo is still not certain to get the Stamford Bridge job on a permanent basis.
The final games of the Ligue 1 season take place on Sunday and it looks set to be a thrilling last day at both the top and the bottom. Montpellier and Paris Saint-Germain are both battling it out for the title, while no fewer than eight teams are fighting for top-flight survival.
а для других «усмешкой фортуны». Нет ничего более ужасного и обидного, как проиграть самый последний и самый важный матч в сезоне. В конце концов, не зря же финал Лиги Чемпионов проводится тогда, когда все чемпионаты уже закончены.
Two former Football League clubs will go head-to-head in the Blue Square Bet Premier Division play-off final at Wembley on Sunday as York City and Luton Town bid to make a return to League Two (totesport – match prices).
в этот день просто массу удовольствия: сперва отыграют хоккеисты на Чемпионате Мира, а затем под «барабанную дробь» на поле стадиона в Мюнхене выйдут два самых удачливых коллектива в европейском футболе.
For the second year running an English club will be looking to upset the odds to become European champions. Last year, Manchester United fell short in their bid to beat Barcelona. Having already beaten Barca can Chelsea go one step further and win the Champions League for the first time in their history?
West Ham and Blackpool meet at Wembley on Saturday in a game dubbed the richest match in football. But who will be celebrating the cash bonanza of a return to the Premier League?
With the domestic football season in the UK all but over it is time to turn our attention elsewhere. In South America, the Copa Libertadores has reached the quarter-final stage and there are plenty of big names left in it. Boca Juniors and Santos are in action on Thursday night/Friday morning as we look ahead to what should be two corking quarters.
Liverpool decided to axe club legend Kenny Dalglish after just 18 months in charge on Wednesday and talk immediately turned to who will replace him as manager at Anfield?