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

[JJ1532]

And finally, the 4th of the home nations to qualify get underway, playing against Sweden. Can't even use the general moniker of Ireland either, got to go with the full ROI given their northern neighbours are also at the tournament.

The ROI kick off against Sweden in possibly the toughest group of the whole tournament, although Sweden will likely be their easiest opponents, not that its saying much. Still, they've got a reasonable group of players that doesn't have a superstar and they'll want to do better than they did 4 years ago, when they went out in a group containing Croatia, Spain and Italy by losing all 3 games and only managing 1 goal.

Can they do better in this game and in this tournament, are they, like Northern Ireland, cannon fodder in a strong group?

All match discussion here please.

 

[mente captus]

will be a cracker of a game. 3:3

 

[Nath]

Failure to win this and we're out.

Massive game.

 

[snortingfrogs]

We will win this, goals by Ibra and Emil Forsberg.

 

[Bilo]

Failure to win this and we're out.

Massive game.

Same feeling here. Quite confident though.

 

[Nath]

Same feeling here. Quite confident though.

I was confident enough until Sweden thumped Wales.

 

[Leewilson]

I think Sweden will qualify along with Belgium. Have a feeling it's Zlatan's tournament to shine.

 

[Bilo]

I was confident enough until Sweden thumped Wales.

Wales were ridiculously shit though. You can't be worse than them.

 

[Stevencc]

Lee is right - this is Big Ibra's stage.

 

[Nath]

Wales were ridiculously shit though. You can't be worse than them.

They were.

If we keep Zlatan quiet, we stand a chance. It should be a good game anyway. Do Sweden find any Irish players particularly threatening?

 

[Veggie Legs]

https://t.co/E203UpuFTM

Good news everyone, Roy Keane is happy with the facilities.

 

[Bilo]

They were.

If we keep Zlatan quiet, we stand a chance. It should be a good game anyway. Do Sweden find any Irish players particularly threatening?

Well, not in the way you think of Zlatan of course. But obviously James McClean is a good player, especially against our fairly weak full backs. I'm also a bit interested how Darron Gibson will perform, as this could certainly be his level and we play with only two central midfielders, one of which is Kim Källström who he'll probably run rings around.

Anyone else I should worry about?

 

[Leewilson]

Well, not in the way you think of Zlatan of course. But obviously James McClean is a good player, especially against our fairly weak full backs. I'm also a bit interested how Darron Gibson will perform, as this could certainly be his level and we play with only two central midfielders, one of which is Kim Källström who he'll probably run rings around.

Anyone else I should worry about?

If you're worried about James McClean, you're not going very far in this competition.

Shane Long is their biggest threat.

 

[Bilo]

If you're worried about James McClean, you're not going very far in this competition.

Shane Long is their biggest threat.

We're quite strong in central defense though, and I've never been very impressed by Shane Long.

We've been torn apart by much worse wingers than James McClean. Having said this though, Shane Long will probably score a hattrick.

 

[Nath]

Well, not in the way you think of Zlatan of course. But obviously James McClean is a good player, especially against our fairly weak full backs. I'm also a bit interested how Darron Gibson will perform, as this could certainly be his level and we play with only two central midfielders, one of which is Kim Källström who he'll probably run rings around.

Anyone else I should worry about?

I don't think McClean will start. He's a workhorse but not the most talented. Gibson was not chosen to come to the tournament as he's played barely any football. We have better midfield options. Other than the Zlatan factor, we're well matched.

 

[Bilo]

I'd start McClean. Who do you reckon will start in his place?

 

[Veggie Legs]

I'd start McClean. Who do you reckon will start in his place?

I'd expect three central midfielders - Whelan, McCarthy and Hendrick. If they play four in midfield it'll be Hendrick on one flank and Walters on the other.

 

[Bilo]

fuck forgot about Walters. I hate that c*nt

 

[Bilo]

Swedish starting XI: Isaksson; Lustig, Granqvist, Nilsson-Lindelöf, Olsson; Larsson, Källström, Lewicki, Forsberg; Ibrahimovic, Berg.

No surprises, the strongest eleven we can muster really. First goal will decide it I reckon.

 

[snortingfrogs]

Sweden XI: Isaksson, Lustig, Lindelof, Granqvist, Olsson, Larsson, Lewicki, Kallstrom, Forsberg, Berg, Ibrahimovic
Rep Of Ireland XI: Randolph, Coleman, Clark, O’Shea, Brady, Whelan, McCarthy, Hendrick, Hoolahan, Walters, Long.

 

[Stevencc]

I don't care who wins, so long as Ibra is Ibra.

 

[JimJams]

My boy Long is gonna tear shit up!

Ibra who?

 

[Big Bird]

Go on Roy. Disappointed I'll be missing most of this one. Think it'll be decent with Sweden just edging it.

 

[Stevencc]

Ibra vs Long - the battle we've all been waiting for.

There can only be one winner. Or there might be a draw.

 

[shane]

Not sure how Ibra can be expected to score from inside John O Shea's pocket.

I'm fucking stuck at work for the first half.

 

[Craig]

C'mon Sweden!!

 

[JJ1532]

Jeez, Sweden winning the award for the most boring team of the tournament so far. Don't want to seem any pass that is even slightly risky, just knocking it around in midfield for 10 minutes, going nowhere. So slow.

 

[Renegade]

Been the much better team so far, Sweden look awful, very much there for the taking. We've been surprisingly dangerous in attack, didn't think we'd create much at all. Awaiting the Zlatan sucker punch, but on current performance I would be disappointed not to win.

 

[Super_horns]

Will Ireland rue these missed chances.

Sweden have to wake up at some point...

 

[DarkSithLord]

I think Sweden will qualify along with Belgium. Have a feeling it's Zlatan's tournament to shine.

Dont reckon Italy up to much this time mate?