Republic of Ireland v Sweden, 13th June, 5pm

[Leewilson]

Dont reckon Italy up to much this time mate?

Not particularly. But then Sweden have looked poor also. Could maybe be a chance for Ireland here if they can turn this performance into a win.

 

[Bilo]

Ireland aren't very good, we're just incredibly shit. Can't string two decent passes together.

At least Ireland haven't scored. Confident we'll be at least marginally better in the second half.

 

[Stevencc]

Ireland have been the better side. It's been a bit of a hoof-fest at times but I've enjoyed it so far. There have been some periods of more intricate play - that move between Long and Hendrick was lovely and deserved a goal.

Lawrenson is commenting on Ibra dropping deep as if it is out of character for the big man - has he ever seen him play?

 

[snortingfrogs]

Ireland has been the better team by far. hopefully we will shake the nerves and perform much better in the second half.

 

[JimJams]

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOT!

 

[G.B]

OH YES, OH YES, OH YES!!!1!!11

 

[Stevencc]

Beautiful finish from Hoolahan! Good work from Coleman.

 

[Skinner]

C'mon Ireland!!

This caring home nations stuff works without Scotland innit

 

[Alty]

Can feel a Sweden equaliser coming here...

 

[snortingfrogs]

Great equalizer =)

 

[Super_horns]

Well that was a nice header - shame it was into his own goal.

Got 1-1 in the predictions...

Or can Ireland do what Wales did...

 

[Stevencc]

Entertaining game - shame Ireland couldn't have come away with the three points because Sweden were shite for the majority of the match.

Ibra must be saving something special up...

 

[JJ1532]

Think both teams are right to look gutted at a point, does neither of them any favours. Although I don't think Italy or Belgium are unbeatable, both of them have weaknesses and had dodgy tournaments in Brazil, so plenty of hope for these 2 teams.

 

[Bilo]

Feel for Ireland after that one to be honest. I struggle to recall any game we've actually played worse. We were absolutely shit and Ireland nullified our every threat.

Only decent player was Olsson, who was fantastic. Will have to beat one of Belgium and Italy to qualify now and needless to say, it's not looking likely.

 

[Liam_SWFC]

Think this was the game both sides needed to win really, can't see the Italians or Belgium losing to either of these two who just lacked quality. Stranger things have happened though.

 

[JJ1532]

Not sure why Belgium are getting talked up so much tbh. They have a decent team on paper, but they were seriously underwhelming at the last World Cup and they only just finished ahead of Wales in their Euros qualifying group. Take away the 4 games against Andorra and Cyprus and they only scored 8 goals in their other 6 qualifying games.

They are a team that can be beaten and are yet to do anything to make me think they are a serious threat.

 

[Renegade]

I thought we shaded it, but a poor result in the end. Dominated the game until Hoolahan's goal and like always, we sat back and invited pressure once we had the lead. Olsson absolutely fucked us on the left wing and the adjustments were made far too late by O'Neill. I can't remember an Irish side ever going for the jugular against decent side when they have the lead, this was a huge lost opportunity. I don't see us or Sweden qualifying now, reckon this will be one of the groups where third place gets knocked out. Reckon both sides finish on 2 points.

 

[Hooray]

All the Norwich lads (Wes, Brady, Olsson) did very well, which was good to see. Hope to see them all still here with us next season!

 

[Munkiki]

The boys done good.

 

[Benji]

Ireland were much the better team, they could easily have scored one or two more than Sweden. Thought Brady was excellent in particular, absolutely love an attacking wing back.

 

[Nath]

Frustrating. Sweden were awful and we were the much better side. I was really impressed with Hendrick. Best game he's had for us.

We should never have sat back after the goal. Invited necessary pressure which ultimately led to the goal.

Belgium are very beatable.