Republic of Ireland may feel they were cheated out of their
place in the world cup 2010.Henrys infamous hand ball resulted in France wining
the second leg of the playoff match between the two nations. the Irish football association requested a replay of the fixture but were denied. who know what might have happened if Ireland had qualified ,but they have manged to qualify for the Euros , and they will look to make the most out of it .
this is the Second time Republic of Ireland Qualify for the Competition in their history, having been knocked out in the group stages in euro 88. Ireland has improved vastly since the appointment of experienced manager Giovanni Trapattoni. they Currently on a 14 game winning streak and are looking to extend on their record tonight playing against Croatia. When asked about the fixture the Italian coach had the following say:
this is the Second time Republic of Ireland Qualify for the Competition in their history, having been knocked out in the group stages in euro 88. Ireland has improved vastly since the appointment of experienced manager Giovanni Trapattoni. they Currently on a 14 game winning streak and are looking to extend on their record tonight playing against Croatia. When asked about the fixture the Italian coach had the following say:
"I am not particularly
excited, I'm a little tense. I want to keep a level of tension, "If the
manager doesn't keep the tension, the players can lose intensity. The manager
needs to keep a positive tension."
Croatia are set to
kick of their euro competition tonight with 2 wins 2 draws and 1 loss in the last five games.Croatia Coach Slaven Bilic will be with out several key players in the competition .Bayern Munich Striker Ivica Olic out due
to thigh injury.
| Ivo Ilicevic will also miss the tournament due to injury as Croatia slaven bilic s left scratching his head ,when deciding on the starting 11. Veteran right back Carlouka faces a late fitness test, but is most likely to start. |
In group C both Italy and Spain are backed to qualify for
last 16 , we must be vary of Croatia’s threat however as they are a team who
can take game to anybody , with several quality players like Luca Modric , in
their ranks Croatia are not exactly what
you call and easy opponent.
Line Ups
Center midfielder Whelan left Fridays training . Steven Hunt is likely to fill in for him in the center of the field.
the Irish will look to get the maximum out of their set pieces ,with Aiden Mc Geady's trickery on the wing , its likely that Trapattoni has instructed him to go down as much as possible when ever he feels his been fouled. the Irish have score 9 goals from set pieces during the qualifying round , which means the areal games is working out for them. look out for MC Geady serving Croatian Captain Dario Srna a few nutmegs.
Ivica Olic may be out but Croatia have number of quality strikers to cover for him. Jelavic wil look to bring his good scoring form form club level into the international scene. as will Brazil born Eduardo wil look to impress and prove that arsenal were wrong to let him go .
Croatia are a great goal threat ,both in the air and on the ground , with Luca Modric pulling the strings form the midfield Croatia 's forwards are guaranteed several scoring opportunities.Croatia must be clinical in finishing, as on stage as big as this missed chances are not forgiven easily .
Final Verdict
Croatia :3 Republic of Ireland :1
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