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.Trap’s tactics will be key in deciding play-off
November 12, 2009
In two days time all of the predictions and speculation will be rendered meaningless as the Republic of Ireland go into their World Cup qualifying play-off with France at Croke Park.
Some journalists are already preparing obituaries for Giovanni Trapattoni's side, while others are excitedly waiting to see how the master tactican sets his pawns up to play against Raymond Domenech's favourites.
It shouldn't be a big surprise as to how Ireland line up with just the one wing position causing most to scratch their heads (Liam Lawrence, Aiden McGeady, or Stephen Hunt) as Damien Duff is likely to start on one of the two wings.
But how Ireland play in the game will be interesting as there is so much at stake. Not conceding has to be their main objective with scoring a goal (or two) coming right behind that on the list of what needs to be done.
A cautious approach is expected......why wouldn't it be?.........although it is a game where the Irish players have to click as a unit and eradicate the mistakes that saw them fail to hang on for wins against Italy and Bulgaria in the group stages.
Fans could help put French off game
Whether it is the vocal encouragement of the home crowd or the wingers tracking back to help out their full-backs, the one word that should be used again and again on Saturday is 'support'.
The players need the support from the fans. Even the French media have expressed concerns about how hostile the atmosphere will feel for their players as the Irish fans, when in full voice, can cause quite a racket.
On the pitch, no player can afford to drift off and allow an opposition player time in which to roam forward. Every single Irish player needs to be alert for the 90 plus minutes that they are on the pitch.
Robbie don't be half-hearted
In past blogs I've criticised Robbie Keane during qualifying matches for his half-hearted attempts to close down the deep-lying midfielder wearing opposition colours.
He simply cannot slack off in this area on Saturday as either Lassana Diarra or Jeremy Toulalan can carve open the Irish defence with a precise pass if they are not being put under pressure.
We can benefit from Ribery's absence
As one would expect when pitted against former world champions, a lot has been speculated about how France might play in the first leg.
Who will start up front alongside Thierry Henry? Who will partner William Gallas in central defence? Will Domenech instruct his players to go for a draw? Will the absence of Franck Ribery change things for Les Bleus?
But we have our strengths even if Ribery was fit
While it is important to weigh up all of those situations and have answers prepared for them, Ireland should also be focusing on what they do well. They have strengths that the French will worry about too.
Keane has the ability to score important goals at important times. Kevin Doyle is starting to hit form again, Duff is back from injury, and Glenn Whelan is playing well at club level. These are all factors that should work in Ireland's favour as they set about winning the game.
Tagged as being 'difficult to break down', the Irish defence also has reason to be in confident mood as Shay Given, John O'Shea, and Richard Dunne have all been performing well in the Premier League.
Kilbane and St Ledger - keep it up for us
There is a sense that Sean St Ledger and Kevin Kilbane are slightly punching above their weight, but that has been said about Kilbane throughout his career and he recently won his 100th cap, while St Ledger showed in Sofia that he can step up his performance when needed to.
But our big weapon is Trapattoni
However, the biggest advantage that the Irish team have going into the first leg is Trapattoni. A man with vast experience and a knowledge of outsmarting opponents, he will know the best way forward for his troops.
A lot is being pinned on his tactics being superior to those of Domenech - so isn't it a good thing that Ireland have him on their bench for this match?
Some journalists are already preparing obituaries for Giovanni Trapattoni's side, while others are excitedly waiting to see how the master tactican sets his pawns up to play against Raymond Domenech's favourites.
It shouldn't be a big surprise as to how Ireland line up with just the one wing position causing most to scratch their heads (Liam Lawrence, Aiden McGeady, or Stephen Hunt) as Damien Duff is likely to start on one of the two wings.
But how Ireland play in the game will be interesting as there is so much at stake. Not conceding has to be their main objective with scoring a goal (or two) coming right behind that on the list of what needs to be done.
A cautious approach is expected......why wouldn't it be?.........although it is a game where the Irish players have to click as a unit and eradicate the mistakes that saw them fail to hang on for wins against Italy and Bulgaria in the group stages.
Fans could help put French off game
Whether it is the vocal encouragement of the home crowd or the wingers tracking back to help out their full-backs, the one word that should be used again and again on Saturday is 'support'.
The players need the support from the fans. Even the French media have expressed concerns about how hostile the atmosphere will feel for their players as the Irish fans, when in full voice, can cause quite a racket.
On the pitch, no player can afford to drift off and allow an opposition player time in which to roam forward. Every single Irish player needs to be alert for the 90 plus minutes that they are on the pitch.
Robbie don't be half-hearted
In past blogs I've criticised Robbie Keane during qualifying matches for his half-hearted attempts to close down the deep-lying midfielder wearing opposition colours.
He simply cannot slack off in this area on Saturday as either Lassana Diarra or Jeremy Toulalan can carve open the Irish defence with a precise pass if they are not being put under pressure.
We can benefit from Ribery's absence
As one would expect when pitted against former world champions, a lot has been speculated about how France might play in the first leg.
Who will start up front alongside Thierry Henry? Who will partner William Gallas in central defence? Will Domenech instruct his players to go for a draw? Will the absence of Franck Ribery change things for Les Bleus?
But we have our strengths even if Ribery was fit
While it is important to weigh up all of those situations and have answers prepared for them, Ireland should also be focusing on what they do well. They have strengths that the French will worry about too.
Keane has the ability to score important goals at important times. Kevin Doyle is starting to hit form again, Duff is back from injury, and Glenn Whelan is playing well at club level. These are all factors that should work in Ireland's favour as they set about winning the game.
Tagged as being 'difficult to break down', the Irish defence also has reason to be in confident mood as Shay Given, John O'Shea, and Richard Dunne have all been performing well in the Premier League.
Kilbane and St Ledger - keep it up for us
There is a sense that Sean St Ledger and Kevin Kilbane are slightly punching above their weight, but that has been said about Kilbane throughout his career and he recently won his 100th cap, while St Ledger showed in Sofia that he can step up his performance when needed to.
But our big weapon is Trapattoni
However, the biggest advantage that the Irish team have going into the first leg is Trapattoni. A man with vast experience and a knowledge of outsmarting opponents, he will know the best way forward for his troops.
A lot is being pinned on his tactics being superior to those of Domenech - so isn't it a good thing that Ireland have him on their bench for this match?