Football Orphan: A-viva la vida, Ireland secure qualification for Euro 2012.
Who the man? You the man!
After all of the complaints, the whining, and the downright disenchantment of the tactics deployed by Giovanni Trapattoni we finally made it to the finals of a major tournament. I am just as guilty as anybody else for any negative comments directed at the supremely experienced Italian coach. The simple fact of the matter is that, it is nigh on impossible for a nation like ours to qualify for these tournaments and the wily old fox pulled it off. He may have had luck on his side at times, he may even have pulled a rabbit out of the hat once or twice. The ultimate crowning glory that he has brought to the team is solidity and consistency.
Throughout both qualifying campaigns we always looked, for the most part pretty comfortable. Even if it was backs to the wall at times, we had discipline and a team togetherness that was not always evident under other Ireland managers. Trapattoni quite obviously inherited a complete shambles from the previous regime led by Steve Staunton. What he moulded with our squad is miraculous. This achievement in my opinion should never be underestimated.
The Italian is never shy to make a decision or two with regard to discipline as Andy Reid found out. I have no sympathy for Andy Reid and his exclusion. When we all heard tales of late night drinking at major tournaments previously, most thought it should have been dealt with. It really made us look like amateurs among professionals. This where I believe he bound his players together. To be a professional footballer is a privilege, any fool can go on the lash down the pub. When a coach gives players black and white rules and guidelines coupled with his trust, the entire squad give everything for their leader. James McCarthy was cold shouldered for a little while too, for a misdemeanor. . James McCarthy’s error will be forgiven once, any more “No shows” and I feel his International career is over before it gets started.
There will be more casualties in the group before the final selection is made for the finals in the summer. I wouldn’t expect any sentiment from Trapattoni. His CV is jam-packed with success from wherever he’s worked, and you don’t earn success through sentiment. The team will hardly deviate from what we’ve already seen, with the exception of injuries and suspensions. It will be interesting to see how well we pit our wits against the cream of European football having never had an experienced coach of his calibre guiding us through a tournament. We will be a minnow amongst some heavyweights, therefore we won’t be expected to be the offensive team. That will suit our coaching staff nicely. Dare I said it….. We may have reason to be optimistic going into a major tournament…..
Friday December the 2nd is the next date to mark in your diary. The draw will take place with Ireland in pot 4. Meaning we are unable to draw France, Czech Republic and Denmark. I personally have a sneaky feeling that we may either draw Italy, with some extra spice for the manager, or the old foe across the water, England. This is potentially a nightmare waiting to happen for the English. While getting to the finals is a victory for us, failure leads to humiliation for them. Being drawn against bigger teams has always worked out a little better for England in the past, with two Italian coaches and neighbouring countries it would be the ultimate international derby game.
Football Orphan 