With EURO2012 fast approaching, hopes are high for Europe’s elite as they plan for Poland and Ukraine. But not all countries are going out there with ambitions of winning the competition but they are not their just to fill out the fixtures either. One country is the proud nation that is the Republic of Ireland.
Many think Ireland are there to play their 3 fixtures, have a good time and then go home but the Green Army plan on ruffling a few feathers. Ireland have been given the group of death, being put with the talented Italians, the dangerous Croatians’ and the reigning and world champions Spain. Although this means they may struggle but it also means that they can have a big impact on the eventual winner, for example if the ‘Boys In Green’ do meet their ambition and progress from the group, that means either Spain or Italy, or even both will not. But what are the chances of that? Well personally I think they can and I will tell you why.
There is only one place to start, the gaffer, the Italian maestro, Giovanni Trapattoni. ‘Trap’ has seen it all in football, he started managing in 1974, that is 38 years worth of management that has turned Ireland from a bunch of no hopers, to a solid unit that takes some breaking down. Gio has got the best from his players through shroud motivation and also clever defensive techniques which have helped take Ireland to their first international competition since the World Cup in 2002. The man is not naive to going to international events, he has not had great success at finals but i am sure Trap will be keen to correct the only blemish on his CV.
The second reason is the warrior’s at the back, Richard Dunne and Shay Given. The Aston Villa pair were sensational throughout qualification. The experienced duo’s finest hour was when Ireland needed a point at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium, a place where the likes of England have gone and left with nothing against the Russian’s. Not only is it a tough place to go but this was against a Russian team that needed a win and they played like they did! Russia piled on the pressure with Andrei Arshavin and Roman Pavlyuchenko throwing the kitchen sink at the Greens but they were no match for the passion, fight and grit of Dunne and Given.
This desire was clear when Dunne took a tumble on to the surrounding running track and cut his face open. This would stop most players in their track but not Dunne. Richard brushed himself off, took his treatment and played on dazed and confused. Given took a boot in the game but in the same vein as Dunne, he battled on and the pair made several stops and blocks which helped earn Ireland a huge point. This level of desire and willingness to run through a brick wall is something that is becoming less common in the modern game and Europe has to be ready for it!
My third and final reason is the fans, Ireland is notorious for their travelling fans who absolutely love their country. No matter what the score is, the travelling fans will sing from the first whistle to the last and will almost carry the team when the tank is empty.
There are other reasons why Ireland are not to be under estimated, such as captain fantastic Robbie Keane and also the potential of left wing revelation James McClean, but Iniesta, Xavi, Modric, Eduardo, Pazzini and De Rossi, Be aware, the boys in Green aren’t there for a holiday!
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