xavi6 wrote:Original Dub wrote:xavi6 wrote:We haven't actually beaten a 'big' team in a competitive game since Holland in 2001 and so I'm not sure where this optimism comes from, unless of course we're playing for two draws and a win on away goals.
I can't see us playing so we can go through on the away goals rule. I think that'd be silly.
The optimism for me comes from the fact that we are a really fucking hard team to beat and that gives us a fantastic foundation.
I fancy us to beat them in croker, they're not nearly as organised as the italians IMO. Like I said, I wish we were playing away first, but even if we hold them to a nil all in croker, I'd be confident of drawing in France, be it score or not.
Problem is though we have zero plan B.
Look at our central midfielders. All donkeys for want of a better phrase and if we make a sub in that area it's basically like for like. Can you imagine us breaking down the French if we're a goal down in Paris with ten minutes to go? I can't, and yet we've Andy Reid and Keith Fahey watching from their living room.
If, and when imo, we go behind, whether it's in the first or second leg, I don't see anything to suggest that we can pull it back (barring some massive stroke of luck like the sending off in Italy).
You're looking at it from the opposite side to me... I agree that IF we go behind we aren't very well equipped to stage a comeback... however, you seem to think we'll go behind and that is where I'm wondering why you think we will.
We may well have donkies in midfield, but the individuals in the Ireland team aren't half as important as the 'system'. Trapp lives and dies by this system and if you'd have been told we would be unbeaten in that qualifying group I don't think you would have believed it? Nor would I. So I'll place faith in Trapp because unlike so many of our previous qualifying campaigns, I feel we have gotten better as this one has gone on and we are now brimming with confidence.
I can't wait for it.
