Italy home game

[agi]

Enquired about tickets or dates of sale for the Italy game ... got stock response ...

"All tickets for upcoming competitive home internationals are allocated on a blockbooking scheme.

Should any tickets become available for general sale this information will be made public and posted on our website www.fai.ie

Regards,
Ticket Office"

Surely they don't all go through blockbooking scheme do they ?!

[sean]

Surely they don't all go through blockbooking scheme do they ?!

They sure do. Normally a few spares will show up for the less glamorous games but don't see many spare going around for this one.

[eoinlfc101]

lads i go to all the home games i get 4 foe every game now i might have 2 spares for it and if i do ill post them up for yous

[padski08]

lads i go to all the home games i get 4 foe every game now i might have 2 spares for it and if i do ill post them up for yous

I get 3 for every game too, but i wouldnt count my chickens before they hatch either when comes to the FAI. With this being a 'glamour' tie and alot to be made from corporate shindigs, wont be personally happy until have tickets in hand

Cant see many going on public sale either but all depends on Cyprus game - i can forsee a landslide of ticket requests if we beat them but quite less than if we dont :rolleyes:

[StevieGisMyIdol]

il get one for 7euro in school :p

[semifortorres]

lads i go to all the home games i get 4 foe every game now i might have 2 spares for it and if i do ill post them up for yous

I get 3 for every game too, but i wouldnt count my chickens before they hatch either when comes to the FAI. With this being a 'glamour' tie and alot to be made from corporate shindigs, wont be personally happy until have tickets in hand

Cant see many going on public sale either but all depends on Cyprus game - i can forsee a landslide of ticket requests if we beat them but quite less than if we dont :rolleyes:

I'd love to get tickets for this if there's anygoing let me know cheers.

[D7Hooper]

I think a lot will depend on what happens in Cyprus. If we win (hopefully) then tickets for Italy will be nigh on impossible to get, but if we lose or draw, I can see them making the Italy game a double-header ticket with the Montenegro match. That will discourage a lot of bandwagoners having to pay at least €100 for what they would see as one game, I think will see a fair few tickets around.

[agi]

I remember queuing up outside the office on Merrion Sq for tickets, I thought that it might be another one of the scrambles for remaining tickets ... sounds like they might not even make it to general sale !

[m.vat red]

I think a lot will depend on what happens in Cyprus. If we win (hopefully) then tickets for Italy will be nigh on impossible to get, but if we lose or draw, I can see them making the Italy game a double-header ticket with the Montenegro match. That will discourage a lot of bandwagoners having to pay at least €100 for what they would see as one game, I think will see a fair few tickets around.

plenty of bandwagoners needed to fill croke park pal no matter who we play...:D

[Niall]

[QUOTE=D7Hooper;219106]I can see them making the Italy game a double-header ticket with the Montenegro match. That will discourage a lot of bandwagoners having to pay at least €100 for what they would see as one game.

Tickets will be sold as a double header regardless of the result in Cyprus. They have being doing this a long time now.

[SUPERFAN]

I remember queuing up outside the office on Merrion Sq for tickets, I thought that it might be another one of the scrambles for remaining tickets ... sounds like they might not even make it to general sale !

i remember queueing up all night outside irish travel in d'olier street 15-20 years ago for the italia 90/euro 92/usa 94 qualifiers in the days before block booking/credit card/online sales.
ah,those were the days...:D

[liamo3]

Remember 1986/87 qualifiers outside Ray Tracy's place didn't have to do overnight just be there early and get year schoolboy ticket in Havelock square then after that came the bandwagon and we couldn't get a ticket for love nor money.

[Niall]

Remember 1986/87 qualifiers outside Ray Tracy's place didn't have to do overnight just be there early and get year schoolboy ticket in Havelock square then after that came the bandwagon and we couldn't get a ticket for love nor money.

Can remember a certain ex LOI manager laughing at people going to the games pre the bandwagon era saying waste of money then sure enough there he was at every game in his tin of fruit going to Ireland games left right and centre home and away when the Charlton era kicked in.

[Carlsburger]

Used to get my schoolboy tickets from the shop beside Glenmalure Park when Rovers played there. The shop is now a florist and Rovers are in Tallaght. Feck ....... i'm getting old.;) The tickets I get for Croker are up in the gods (below the tv screen in the canal end), no atmos and pricy - looking forward to the italian game though !!

[padski08]

The tickets I get for Croker are up in the gods (below the tv screen in the canal end)

Must not be too far from me - 627, think im in - right up in corner :D

[ronnie10]

I always blocked booked tickets in Landsdowne. Had great seats at half way line. Had tickets for croker and my seat was behind a big pillar. Lets just say they were cancelled after that

[sean]

I always blocked booked tickets in Landsdowne. Had great seats at half way line. Had tickets for croker and my seat was behind a big pillar. Lets just say they were cancelled after that

You know all you had to do was write to them requesting a change of seat and they would have done it for you no bother. Seems a bit drastic to cancel it altogether imo seeing as you will have no hope of getting back on the BB scheme when it moves back to Lansdowne.

[ronnie10]

You know all you had to do was write to them requesting a change of seat and they would have done it for you no bother. Seems a bit drastic to cancel it altogether imo seeing as you will have no hope of getting back on the BB scheme when it moves back to Lansdowne.

I can get on it no bother again if I want but dont think Illv bother. Its to expensive and with a baby on the way. It works out cheaper and quicker for me to go to anfield than go to Ireland match in Dublin and stay.

[GaryMc]

I have a wedding the day before this, will be in some shape for it.

[scousedub]

Enquired about tickets or dates of sale for the Italy game ... got stock response ...

"All tickets for upcoming competitive home internationals are allocated on a blockbooking scheme.

Should any tickets become available for general sale this information will be made public and posted on our website www.fai.ie

Regards,
Ticket Office"

Surely they don't all go through blockbooking scheme do they ?!

Thats the equivalent of asking for a manc ticket on here for your first trip to Anfield. Anyone could have got on the block booking list for Croker as none of the games in this qualifying campaign have sold out.So, if you havent gone to the earlier group games then you dont deserve one for the Italy game.

[GaryMc]

Thats the equivalent of asking for a manc ticket on here for your first trip to Anfield. Anyone could have got on the block booking list for Croker as none of the games in this qualifying campaign have sold out.So, if you havent gone to the earlier group games then you dont deserve one for the Italy game.

I can't wait for the calls I will get if we beat Cyprus. I remember we played France in Landsdowne a few years back, had people I did not even know asking me for two tickets, anywhere in the ground :rolleyes: None of them where on the blower when we needed a bit of support against Georgia in this campaign

[Carlsburger]

Must not be too far from me - 627, think im in - right up in corner :D


726 - up in the gods :D

[stiffler]

Iv been a block booker for this qualifying campaign, hoping to get tickets for when we move back to lansdowne, doesnt look likely though!

[LFC Barry]

I'm in 735. Right in the corner about 4 rows from the top.

Can't wait to get back to lansdowne

[padski08]

726 - up in the gods :D

I just read back my original post - not 627, its 726 - my bad :D

No wonder cant find my seat half the time :rolleyes:

[agi]

Thats the equivalent of asking for a manc ticket on here for your first trip to Anfield. Anyone could have got on the block booking list for Croker as none of the games in this qualifying campaign have sold out.So, if you havent gone to the earlier group games then you dont deserve one for the Italy game.

Mate thats a ridiculous statement, I've been to a few qualifiers actually, and some of the bloody awful friendlies that cost me 60euro to get into. I wasn't on the ball to get blockbook scheme for a number of reasons, the cost being one of them ... its not like the games in croker were exactly cheap to go along to them all. Im glad to hear you have labelled me undeserving of a ticket though !!

[scousedub]

Sorry about that, i should not have said you do not deserve a ticket for the Italy game.But, you should be way down the list, after the people who have gone to all or most of the qualifying games.And unfortunately for you that means you havent a hope of getting a ticket!

[diceyreilly]

Mate thats a ridiculous statement, I've been to a few qualifiers actually, and some of the bloody awful friendlies that cost me 60euro to get into. I wasn't on the ball to get blockbook scheme for a number of reasons, the cost being one of them ... its not like the games in croker were exactly cheap to go along to them all. Im glad to hear you have labelled me undeserving of a ticket though !!

I've 2 block booking tickets mate. I'm happy for you to use them. Can't go cos broke and on the dry cos trying to train for the marathon. Any spare cash i have will be spent watching the reds. Will have to be the 2 games though. Costing 200. There are in the back row of the canal.

[scousedub]

Sorry about that, i should not have said you do not deserve a ticket for the Italy game.But, you should be way down the list, after the people who have gone to all or most of the qualifying games.And unfortunately for you that means you havent a hope of getting a ticket!

Unless of course good old diceyrielly comes to your rescue!

[Molby Is a Legend]

Sorry about that, i should not have said you do not deserve a ticket for the Italy game.But, you should be way down the list, after the people who have gone to all or most of the qualifying games.And unfortunately for you that means you havent a hope of getting a ticket!

Unless of course good old diceyrielly comes to your rescue!

:D :D :D :D

[agi]

Sorry about that, i should not have said you do not deserve a ticket for the Italy game.But, you should be way down the list, after the people who have gone to all or most of the qualifying games.And unfortunately for you that means you havent a hope of getting a ticket!

ha ur alright mate, I must have been a little moody when I replied to that ! ha Nah I know wot ur saying and I completely agree, if u go to all the games u deserve to be top of the list ... just thought I'd enquire if there was any way of sneaking a few tickets from anywhere ... and looks like there is ! Result !

[agi]

Cheers Diceyreilly will give you a pm Monday morning if I can get one of the lads to chip in on both tickets

[diceyreilly]

No bother, no rush.. Still waiting on the letter from the FAI with my online password on it..

[4tothefloor]

I can see them making the Italy game a double-header ticket with the Montenegro match.
This has already been confirmed, got a letter the other day.

Cant see many going on public sale either but all depends on Cyprus game - i can forsee a landslide of ticket requests if we beat them but quite less than if we dont :rolleyes:
Yep, typical Irish event junkie scenario. They all crawl out of the woodwork/off their couches for the big games. One of the main reasons we don't have a professional league in Ireland, games not glamorous enough for 'em :rolleyes:

The tickets I get for Croker are up in the gods (below the tv screen in the canal end), no atmos and pricy - looking forward to the italian game though !!
I've been to almost every Ireland game at Croker. I've also been to an all-Ireland hurling final, 2 semi-finals and 2 quarter-finals in the new Croker, and sat/stood in every part of the ground. Not once has there been a decent atmosphere at any of the games. I think it's the most depressing grey concrete jungle of a stadium I've ever been in and cannot wait to go back to Lansdowne cos I hate going to the place. The genius who thought it was a good idea to keep Hill 16 should be shot as well, not only is it an eye sore but it also drains the atmosphere from the ground. Most over-rated stadium in Europe, by a country mile.

[kaiser_del]

This has already been confirmed, got a letter the other day.


Yep, typical Irish event junkie scenario. They all crawl out of the woodwork/off their couches for the big games. One of the main reasons we don't have a professional league in Ireland, games not glamorous enough for 'em :rolleyes:


I've been to almost every Ireland game at Croker. I've also been to an all-Ireland hurling final, 2 semi-finals and 2 quarter-finals in the new Croker, and sat/stood in every part of the ground. Not once has there been a decent atmosphere at any of the games. I think it's the most depressing grey concrete jungle of a stadium I've ever been in and cannot wait to go back to Lansdowne cos I hate going to the place. The genius who thought it was a good idea to keep Hill 16 should be shot as well, not only is it an eye sore but it also drains the atmosphere from the ground. Most over-rated stadium in Europe, by a country mile.



The atmosphere at Croker hasn't been great for the football games ive been to(been to every Ireland game) but for Dubs games especially the Hill is where all the atmosphere comes from.Its just unfortunate its never near full for the footie games.

[Town Man]

Any prices for the Italy game, are they keeping the cost at €50 and €70?

[stiffler]

Any prices for the Italy game, are they keeping the cost at €50 and €70?

Yes, as the same as the Montenegro game also.

[padski08]

Still waiting on the letter from the FAI with my online password on it..

+1

The suspense is killing me :eek:

[liverbird!!]

+1 Still waiting on my letter also, hope they don't let me down on this as i've been to all Ireland games home and few away games.

[willk1977]

[QUOTE=4tothefloor;220840]This has already been confirmed, got a letter the other day.


Yep, typical Irish event junkie scenario. They all crawl out of the woodwork/off their couches for the big games. One of the main reasons we don't have a professional league in Ireland, games not glamorous enough for 'em :rolleyes:

Is this because most people support foreign club teams instead of going to league of Ireland games !

[wertyu]

[QUOTE=4tothefloor;220840]This has already been confirmed, got a letter the other day.


Yep, typical Irish event junkie scenario. They all crawl out of the woodwork/off their couches for the big games. One of the main reasons we don't have a professional league in Ireland, games not glamorous enough for 'em :rolleyes:

Is this because most people support foreign club teams instead of going to league of Ireland games !

YES!

[scousedub]

Letter with the online password for payment for Italy and Montenegro games arrived this morning

[liverbird!!]

Letter with the online password for payment for Italy and Montenegro games arrived this morning

+1 Happy days and have until friday week to pay for them, whats gone wrong in the FAI:rolleyes:

[padski08]

+1 Happy days and have until friday week to pay for them, whats gone wrong in the FAI:rolleyes:

Hope mine is waiting for me at home :eek:

[fernsred]

Hope mine is waiting for me at home :eek:

So do I !!!!!

[LFC Barry]

+1 Happy days and have until friday week to pay for them, whats gone wrong in the FAI:rolleyes:

Haha yeah normally the final payment date would have been last friday:rolleyes:

[padski08]

Hope mine is waiting for me at home :eek:

It sure was :)

Just paid in full for the Italy & Montenegro games, 3 tickets, usual seats, get in :)

[Paddser]

Mine never arrived yesterday! But then again, no post did, so maybe the postman was on a go slow.

[diceyreilly]

I got mine yesterday....

I know my postie some mornings collects the post sticks it in the boot of his car pisses of back to bed and does a double the following morning....

[padski08]

Mine never arrived yesterday! But then again, no post did, so maybe the postman was on a go slow.

Or else he suddenly became intereseted in these matches and the invoice "dissappeared" :D

[diceyreilly]

My tickets for the game in Croke park are now gone.

[padski08]

My tickets for the game in Croke park are now gone.

Did you sell them or you didnt get your allocation?

[diceyreilly]

I sold them....

[diceyreilly]

Unless you know someone who has spares i doubt you'll get them tbh

[JAMIE]

Im willing to swap 2 tickets for any liverpool match for 2 ireland v itely matchs

[BretHart]

I'm going to the game in thomond tonight,does anyone know how much tickets to Ireland v Italy is as they are onsale in thomond tonight.

[scousedub]

I'm going to the game in thomond tonight,does anyone know how much tickets to Ireland v Italy is as they are onsale in thomond tonight.

€70 for the lower tiers, not sure about the upper tiers, probably about €55

[agi]

I'm going to the game in thomond tonight,does anyone know how much tickets to Ireland v Italy is as they are onsale in thomond tonight.

Any idea how many will be on sale ?

[padski08]

€70 for the lower tiers, not sure about the upper tiers, probably about €55

Mine were €50 for upper tier

[Phil!]

If anyone had by any chance any spares would def take off them!! Have been to all qualifiers with the old lads job but everyone wants to go to this so strugglin to get in!!

[scousedub]

If anyone had by any chance any spares would def take off them!! Have been to all qualifiers with the old lads job but everyone wants to go to this so strugglin to get in!!

Looks like they will be going on general sale in mid September,going by the FAI website.

[Phil!]

Nice one;)

Will be a mad scramble!!

[Captain_Morgan]

There will be plenty of spares for this floating around we have struggled to sell out croker every time we play in it, €70 and €50 price tags dont help matters either

[Phil!]

There will be plenty of spares for this floating around we have struggled to sell out croker every time we play in it, €70 and €50 price tags dont help matters either

There will be for Montenegro dunno about Italy tough

[diceyreilly]

Has any of the block bookers recieved their tickets for this one yet...

I know it's not for a while yet..

[Paddy Kelly]

Its a pity you still cant queue up outside the old Merrion Square office, like we used to do in the old days. Id love to go to this one. Tho front row, in front of the big screen in the bottle tower, is gonna have to be good enough for me!!

[diceyreilly]

http://www.ticketmaster.ie/artist/1010062?tm_link=edp_Artist_Name

[agi]

http://www.ticketmaster.ie/artist/1010062?tm_link=edp_Artist_Name

I'm really surprised this is going on general sale ... anyone any clue how many tickets are gonna be available ?

[scousedub]

Has any of the block bookers recieved their tickets for this one yet...

I know it's not for a while yet..

Havent got mine yet

[Bren100]

I called them last week about upgrading my seats for the last two games, they said they could upgrade me cos they were only starting to allocate/send the tickets. I'd say it will be next week at the earliest when they start shipping them.

[LKDAVE]

I havn't got mine as yet. According to ybig.ie they are putting seats in the hill for this one, so a few extra thousand seats will be made available. Should sell out quick enough I imagine.
________
find dispensary (http://dispensaries.org/)

[padski08]

Havent got mine yet

+ 1

Not got mine yet

[LKDAVE]

Ticketmaster selling the tickets as a double header with Montenegro as well. Might not sell as quick now
________
medical dispensaries (http://dispensaries.org/)

[Fowler's God]

Is the Hill going to be open for these 2 games?

[elvis]

Is the Hill going to be open for these 2 games?

Yeah, its where they stick the away supporters,. They put in temporary seating.

[Paddser]

Yeah, its where they stick the away supporters,. They put in temporary seating.

Italy have banned their own fans, and i dont see Montenegro bringing more than 3, so it'll be predominantly Irish fans on the Hill.

[Fowler's God]

Italy have banned their own fans, and i dont see Montenegro bringing more than 3, so it'll be predominantly Irish fans on the Hill.

Yeah, its where they stick the away supporters,. They put in temporary seating.

I know the Italians are banned but the chances of getting tickets for both games should be good so in theory but with the FAI nothing is straightforward?

[Paddser]

I know the Italians are banned but the chances of getting tickets for both games should be good so in theory but with the FAI nothing is straightforward?

Tickets go on sale at 10am tomorrow from Ticketmaster and the FAI Shop(Carrolls on Westmoreland Street) starting at €100 for the 2 match package. As far as I know, you can only by tickets for both games, not individually.

[Fowler's God]

Tickets go on sale at 10am tomorrow from Ticketmaster and the FAI Shop(Carrolls on Westmoreland Street) starting at €100 for the 2 match package. As far as I know, you can only by tickets for both games, not individually.

Ye going to both so wanted both for the Hill...so glad to know the Hill is available. Thanks Paddser!

[Paddser]

Ye going to both so wanted both for the Hill...so glad to know the Hill is available.

You're a long way back from the pitch in the Hill though Fowler. They are generally regarded as the worst spec in Croker for the football internationals.

[wonit5times]

Italy have banned their own fans, and i dont see Montenegro bringing more than 3, so it'll be predominantly Irish fans on the Hill.

Why is this??

[Fowler's God]

You're a long way back from the pitch in the Hill though Fowler. They are generally regarded as the worst spec in Croker for the football internationals.

I'l take that advice on board and tell me brother not to get them in that case need a good angle to watch the match.

[Paddser]

Why is this??

Due to crowd trouble in Bulgaria. They only brought about 100 fans there anyway, but they burned a Bulgarian flag during the anthems, and a full scale riot was only just avoided.

[LKDAVE]

Those Bulgarians are a scary bunch. I think that ban must have got overturned because the Italian FA have requested 1,700 tickets for this and they are currently on sale on their version of ticketmaster. Still 1,700 isn't a whole pile. Should still be plenty left for fans that want to go.
________
Honda VTR1000 (http://www.cyclechaos.com/wiki/Honda_VTR1000)

[Kop On]

Trap names the squad today and it should be very interesting. If he doesn't include Andy Reid any bit of credibility he had will be gone for me.

To include Liam Miller in the last squad when he didn't even have a club and not include Andy Reid was ridiculous.

Reid is back playing regularly and well with Sunderland so deserves his place in the squad.

[diceyreilly]

I am 99% certain he will not name Andy Reid which is a shame.... Someone who actually wants to play for his country..

Stephen Ried will get the nod hopefully will be match fit come mid October.

[D7Hooper]

Trap names the squad today and it should be very interesting. If he doesn't include Andy Reid any bit of credibility he had will be gone for me.

To include Liam Miller in the last squad when he didn't even have a club and not include Andy Reid was ridiculous.

Reid is back playing regularly and well with Sunderland so deserves his place in the squad.

I agree totally with the fooked up decision to include that langerland tosser in the last squad, but as for any chance of Andy Reid gettin back in? I can't see it ever happening for him. The row over in Mainz is something that Trap will never forgive Reid for. I would have liked to see young McCann of Burnley gettin a nod but he got a bad injury the other night and is out for a while. Great to see Steven Reid back playing, I know he gave away a pen and won't be ready for these two games, but he is definitely the player we need for the qualifiers( assuming we don't win the group of course)

[Niall]

Hope Steven Reid gets back in. Huge addition to the centre of midfield.

[Kop On]

I agree totally with the fooked up decision to include that langerland tosser in the last squad, but as for any chance of Andy Reid gettin back in? I can't see it ever happening for him. The row over in Mainz is something that Trap will never forgive Reid for. I would have liked to see young McCann of Burnley gettin a nod but he got a bad injury the other night and is out for a while. Great to see Steven Reid back playing, I know he gave away a pen and won't be ready for these two games, but he is definitely the player we need for the qualifiers( assuming we don't win the group of course)

Funny old world ... only twenty minutes after I posted above I walked out to grab lunch and the first people I bumped into were Trappatoni and Delaney !!

They were outside a school on sheriff st doing a Q&A session with the kids. Was so tempted to ask one of the kids to ask him
"Why he doesn't like Andy Reid" :D

[D7Hooper]

Funny old world ... only twenty minutes after I posted above I walked out to grab lunch and the first people I bumped into were Trappatoni and Delaney !!

They were outside a school on sheriff st doing a Q&A session with the kids. Was so tempted to ask one of the kids to ask him
"Why he doesn't like Andy Reid" :D

Would have been the crack alright. You could have got the rest of the kids to give delaney a good hiding aswell !!

[Phil!]

Got my ticks there today!

Hopefully big game and big performance

[Fowler's God]

****ers the FAI are sold the tickets for the Hill and Canal end this morning and sold the Cusack and Hogan stands later in the afternoon...****s...

Stuck on the Hill now for the two games, well done John Delaney.

[padski08]

****ers the FAI are sold the tickets for the Hill and Canal end this morning and sold the Cusack and Hogan stands later in the afternoon...****s...

Stuck on the Hill now for the two games, well done John Delaney.

Its not like the FAI to be so efficient :rolleyes:

[Phil!]

****ers the FAI are sold the tickets for the Hill and Canal end this morning and sold the Cusack and Hogan stands later in the afternoon...****s...

Stuck on the Hill now for the two games, well done John Delaney.

Im there too....I just tought there was none left for others

[Fowler's God]

Its not like the FAI to be so efficient :rolleyes:

Efficient is not even in their vocabulary being honest.

Im there too....I just tought there was none left for others

So did I until my brother told me this afternoon.

[scousedub]

Tickets for both games arrived this morning

[padski08]

Tickets for both games arrived this morning

Looking forward to getting home to see mine there (hopefully)

[General]

Should be a good atmosphere as plenty of Italians living here. Was brilliant for friendly v Brazil and expect this to be even better.

[GaryMc]

Should be a good atmosphere as plenty of Italians living here. Was brilliant for friendly v Brazil and expect this to be even better.

Hope its a better match, it was dull as dishwater. Are you heading to this . Have wedding day before, but will be coming up on the Saturday. Few Scoops???

[General]

Hope its a better match, it was dull as dishwater. Are you heading to this . Have wedding day before, but will be coming up on the Saturday. Few Scoops???

:eek::eek: Will be up from friday night!!!!

[GaryMc]

Duff out for three weeks. Just when he was getting into some form.

[Bren100]

Just got me tickets - 10 foot off the centre mid, 4 rows back - lovely!

[padski08]

Looking forward to getting home to see mine there (hopefully)

Yep got mine today too, usual seats so happy days

Note, the kick of time for the Montengro game is 7pm as per note that came with tickets

Hoping for good atmosphere at the game, but dont know if will be one. Not being to match in Croke Park yet where hairs on back of your neck are standing up due to the crowd....lets hope that changes

[stiffler]

Can't wait for this game to be honest.

Heading to the darts in the citywest the night before to make it one big weekend!!

[Phil!]

Hopefully the Hill being open will add a bit of an atmosphere since will be shootin into a full stand rather than a closed one!

[stiffler]

Hopefully the Hill being open will add a bit of an atmosphere since will be shootin into a full stand rather than a closed one!

I hope the Irish team shoot into the net anyway!!! :p

[General]

The Republic of Ireland will face a potential World Cup play-off against one of Europe's top nations after FIFA President Sepp Blatter confirmed last night that the eight European qualifiers would be seeded.


After a FIFA meeting in Rio de Janeiro last night, Blatter confirmed to The Guardian newspaper: 'We have decided on seeding the teams into two groups of four, taking the Fifa world rankings into account, with the top four in one pot and the others in another pot.'


'There will be a separate draw to decide home and away,' he added of the two-leg ties to determine four European places at the 2010 finals in South Africa.


In keeping with their format for qualification for the 2006 World Cup in Germany when six teams were placed in two pots of three, Giovanni Trapattoni's Republic could find themselves in the unseeded Pot 2 if they can secure second spot in Group 8 after their remaining two games against Italy and Montenegro next month.

That would certainly leave Giovanni Trapattoni's men, currently ranked 38th, in the second tier, with Germany, France, Russia, Croatia, Greece and Serbia all potential opponents this November.


An FAI spokesperson also confirmed that the play-offs will be decided on world rankings and the strong likelihood is that Ireland would be in the unseeded Pot 2 and therefore face a tougher draw.


Ireland could not hope to overhaul Germany or Russia in their group, Croatia or Ukraine in their group or France and Serbia in their group.


The remaining groups would need to see Sweden beat Portugal to second place, Latvia to finish ahead of Greece, Slovenia to finish ahead of the Czech Republic and Bosnia to finish ahead of Turkey. Even then, the Republic would not be sure of making the top four seeds.


However, FAI Chief Executive John Delaney remains optimistic about Ireland's chances in spite of the revised seeding system.


Speaking in today's Irish Daily Mail, Delaney insisted: 'I'm not too sure where that [seeded draw] will place us but we've got concentrate first on what we've got to do.


'We've got to try and beat Italy and take it to the last game. And if we end up in the play-offs, we'd have been delighted to have got to the play-offs at the start of the group and we'll take what we get.'


He added: 'All I will say is that and team who finishes second mustn't have been top team in their group, obviously. So it gives you a chance.'

[marathonman]

heard on news that limited number of tickets will be on sale on ticketmaster

[Fowler's God]

Hasn't sold out yet so...interesting!

[LFC Barry]

Mate of mine looking for 2 for this.

Don't think the 2 games can be bought seperately on ticketmaster so if anyone knows of a couple of spares for Italy, I'd be very grateful

Thanks

[MutantNinjaSkrtel]

Selling my ticket for this cos I need to save my money for reds games.Priority to those who know me and/or have contributed to the fundraisers on here.Its one of the 50e canal ones if anyones interested.


Now Sold.

[robert18]

think this one is going to be a good crack might just head up for it

[loppy]

lads i have 2 for this but need 3 togehther, if anyone has a a spare and is looking to swap for the 2 give us a shout, obviously i'll make up the difference cash wise. long shot i know but cheers.

[MutantNinjaSkrtel]

why the left nut and not the right:p

Sold my right one to get Chelsea tickets a few months back:o

[paulwex]

Looking for a few spares for the italy game if anyone here can help?

[SOC]

I take it this has already sold out. I may see can I source 2 tickets for this.

[Ron1892]

I take it this has already sold out. I may see can I source 2 tickets for this.

just been on ticketmaster mate and you have to buy the two games together..there is still tickets available for them though..151 euro for the two..

The hill mate is 110 for the two games on ticketmaster.

[Aido82]

crazy price for the tickets in fairness

[Kopace80]

My mates dad is a local councillor and he got given 6 tickets, he has no interest whatsoever in soccer
he is a gaa man who was totally against soccer/rugby being played at croker
whf is going on.. Why cant the real fans get them..... :(:(:(:(:(

[paulwex]

My mates dad is a local councillor and he got given 6 tickets, he has no interest whatsoever in soccer
he is a gaa man who was totally against soccer/rugby being played at croker
whf is going on.. Why cant the real fans get them..... :(:(:(:(:(

If he has any spares i know plenty who will use them:D

[Phil!]

My mates dad is a local councillor and he got given 6 tickets, he has no interest whatsoever in soccer
he is a gaa man who was totally against soccer/rugby being played at croker
whf is going on.. Why cant the real fans get them..... :(:(:(:(:(

There on ticketmaster for anyone to buy

[eoinlfc101]

lads i have a spare for this upper cusaqck 50 euros

[BretHart]

I'll take it Eoin if it's still there.

[D-Red]

yeah It was defo still there as of a few hours ago mate. I'd PM him if I was you...

[SOC]

I see Cannavaro is out for this, we are without Duff. Seems both teams will be down an experienced player or 2.

[SOC]

Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro has failed a dope test after taking a medicine that contained the banned substance cortisone, it was revealed on Thursday.

The former World Player of the Year was allegedly stung by a wasp and took a medicine that contained cortisone on August 29.

He requested an exemption on the grounds of having taken a medication in the case of an emergency but his request was missing a document and while awaiting a decision he was subjected to an anti-doping test, which returned a positive result.

Sources close to his club Juventus have claimed he took nothing more than an anti-allergy medicine.

The Italian Football Federation (Figc) claimed they were immediately made aware of the situation as Juventus had sent a copy of the exemption request to their doctor just before Cannavaro joined up with the national team ahead of matches against Georgia and Bulgaria on September 5 and 9.

Cannavaro is currently on international duty once again, preparing for Italy's last two World Cup qualifiers against Ireland in Dublin on Saturday and then at home to Cyprus on Wednesday.

Cannavaro is suspended for the Ireland match but was expected to return to the team he captained to World Cup glory in 2006 for the Cyprus game.

He is due to be interviewed by the Italian Olympic Committee's (Coni) anti-doping prosecutor Etorre Torri on Friday morning in Turin.

Coni released a statement on its website explaining the circumstances of the positive test without revealing if any action has been taken against the player.

[BretHart]

yeah It was defo still there as of a few hours ago mate. I'd PM him if I was you...

Did that there...cheers for the info!

[Ron1892]

Midfielder Claudio Marchisio will miss Italy's World Cup qualifiers

against Republic of Ireland and Cyprus through injury.

Marchisio has failed to recover from a left knee injury and he has returned to Juventus.

Italy coach Marcello Lippi had hoped to have the Juve midfielder available but

Marchisio's injury is more serious than first thought.

"There has been no improvement," said Italy's team doctor Enrico Castellacci.

"It is useless to keep him with us as he will not recover for the game against

Ireland or for the match against Cyprus on Wednesday.

"The Juventus doctors will have to decide what the best treatment is for him

in order to recover."

Marchisio sustained the injury during Juve's 2-0 defeat at Palermo last weekend.

The world champions take on Ireland in Dublin on Saturday before hosting Cyprus in Parma four days later.

[Ron1892]

Shay Given,
John O'Shea,
Richard Dunne,
Sean St Ledger,
Kevin Kilbane,
Liam Lawrence,
Glenn Whelan,
Keith Andrews,
Aidan McGeady,
Kevin Doyle,
Robbie Keane.

Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni has named Liam Lawrence in his side to play Italy in Saturday's crucial World Cup qualifier at Croke Park.

The game will be Lawrence's first competitive start for the Republic.

The Stoke City winger will man the right wing in the absence of the injured Damien Duff, while Aiden McGeady gets the nod on the oppostite flank ahead of Hull's Stephen Hunt.

Richard Dunne has shaken off concerns surrounding his fitness to take his place in the heart of the Irish defence.

http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2009/1009/ireland.html

[sameold]

Why do Ireland have the tradition of announcing their XI a day before the game? Does my nuts in. We need every advantage we can get and showing our hand before we need too isn't one of them.

[GDLUCKXABI]

Its not like he is going to srping any surprises anyway so it doesnt make much difference. Shame there wasnt more riding on this game, i mean italy can lose and only have to beat cyprus at home then to qualify anyway!

Kilbane and the centre of midfield is my main worries!

[Aido82]

is there many single tickets around for this game

[D7Hooper]

is there many single tickets around for this game

In a boozer tommorrow evening you might get lucky, someone let down or whatever otherwise it's a double header job rip off

[Aido82]

In a boozer tommorrow evening you might get lucky

i know but what about a ticket :D

[paulwex]

Lads i may have a pair spare for this lower hogan €70 each PM me if interested not 100% sure yet

[paulwex]

Have 2 spare Pm me

[Aido82]

Hour to kick off
any sign of the itailan team

[Aido82]

Italy starting line-up:

Buffon

Zambrotta Legrottaglie Chiellini Grosso

Palombo De Rossi

Camoranesi Pirlo Di Natale

Iaquinta

[irishroey]

trying to watch this one on the net would anyone have any streams?

[Aido82]

its on rte 2 mate, if your not at a tv then try this
http://www.rte.ie/live/index.html

[irishroey]

its on rte 2 mate, if your not at a tv then try this
http://www.rte.ie/live/index.html

cheers mate,i'm away in oz and am afraid i cant get rte out here :D
rte online is only for roi only i was looking at that earlier but cheers anyway

[Molby Is a Legend]

Its gonna be a gritty display from us and we will win it either 1-0 or 2-1

[MrsPepe]

trying to watch this one on the net would anyone have any streams?

http://www.atdhe.net/9780/watch-ireland-vs-italy

http://espns-live.com/?url=http://espns-live.com/bet5.html

check these closer to the KO

[irishroey]

http://www.atdhe.net/9780/watch-ireland-vs-italy

http://espns-live.com/?url=http://espns-live.com/bet5.html

check these closer to the KO

cheers lally thats great

[serpheus]

Right bulgaria are getting bet 4-1 so second place is a cert. I hope we go all out for it and stick it to these moped driving motherfcukers.

[Aido82]

Gonna call a draw here either 1-1 or 0-0

[carpe diem]

what a fcuking goal

[MrsPepe]

what a bloody goal from Whelan

[Aido82]

didnt see that coming from whelan, nice goal

[redforever]

savage goal he has some strike on him

[south]

1 all

[redforever]

sleeping ZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

[Aido82]

andrews left his post, his fault in my opinion, mind you no one jumped with him

[Ron1892]

Not a bad first half from the Irish..First 20 minutes was good and then when they conceeded italy came more into the game.

Mc geedy playing well and if we get the ball to him more we could create a few more chances..

[vodkacolly]

Looks like roadkill on Souness' head :)

[GaryMc]

At the match. Italy are there for takin. Grosso is the dangerman.

[serpheus]

Mcgeady needs more of the ball but his final delivery has been disappointing.

[carpe diem]

that was a brilliant goal

[MrsStevieG]

Get in there you beauty!!!!

[MrsPepe]

http://209.85.122.83/2500/33/0/e12987//e12987.gif http://209.85.122.83/2500/33/0/e12987//e12987.gif Nice 1 :D:D

[MrsStevieG]

Ah I don't fcuking believe that. Holy mother of jaysus

[travis]

typical

[MrsPepe]

jesus wept

[D-Red]

Can anyone explain why ireland are getting caught out on a counter attack in the 90th minute when theyre winning 2-1? WTF?

[serpheus]

Usual stuff, how the fcuk can you get caught out with a counter attack when you have just scored with a couple of minutes to go.

[south]

jesus they can never hold on, but fair play to them they played well

[Aido82]

good game, draw a fair result in fairness.
Lets hope for a nice draw now

[travis]

who can Ireland get in playoffs

[Aido82]

dunphy is some eijit, he forgets the team we have

[Aido82]

who can Ireland get in playoffs

Ireland - Russia - Sweden/portugal - Slovakia/Slovenia - France - Switz/Greece/ Isreal - ukraine/croatia - bosnia -

[serpheus]

dunphy is some eijit, he forgets the team we have

Way over the top but right on a couple of things, it was a poor performance after a good opening 20 mins & Pirlo ran the show with no irish player anywhere in the same league as him.

[south]

dunphy is some eijit, he forgets the team we have

hes talking some crap alright

[leixlip kopite]

dunphy is some eijit, he forgets the team we have

dunphy is a tosser. said it was a terrible display by ireland. what ****ing match was he watching. the guy is a w@#ker.

[Aido82]

who can Ireland get in playoffs

here is an updated list, i think it is correct

Ireland - Russia - Sweden/portugal - Slovakia/Slovenia - France - Switz/Greece/ Isreal - ukraine/croatia - bosnia -

bold is confirmed or have advantage in there group

[Aido82]

Tony ODonoughue just ask trap about andy reid coming back.
From his response - its a definete no

[GaryMc]

Gutted. Andrews standin off like fckin jessie. Leon Best looks a plAyer. Wud hav taken playoff the start of the campaign

[Huggie]

Tony ODonoughue just ask trap about andy reid coming back.
From his response - its a definete no

I agree with you there, he said Not again Tony in repy to the question.

[south]

here is an updated list, i think it is correct

Ireland - Russia - Sweden/portugal - Slovakia/Slovenia - France - Switz/Greece/ Isreal - ukraine/croatia - bosnia -

bold is confirmed or have advantage in there group

no easy games in that group. is it monday week the draw is?

[sean]

dunphy is some eijit, he forgets the team we have

Over the top with some of his comments but he's not far wrong with some of the things he says either. Result tonight was good but performance was pretty poor which just about sums up all of Ireland's group games so far.

At the end of the day we have qualified for the playoffs only by beating Georgia and Cyprus and nobody else, hardly going to strike much fear into the rest of the teams in the playoff but we'll wait and see.

[Rebelred80]

Can anyone explain why ireland are getting caught out on a counter attack in the 90th minute when theyre winning 2-1? WTF?

because john o'shea couldn't hold his position. Stupid time to attack the ball and Italy took full advantage.

[sean]

Based on the current 2nd placed group table and the seedings that FIFA have brought in for the draw, the four teams we can play are:

France
Portugal
Greece
Russia

[Aido82]

greece or portugal for me

fifa screwed the small countries over with that seeding draw, shower of fcuks

[CrazyHorse]

Its meant to be a world cup... but FIFA want as many as the top teams in as possible....

Good result, could have been better.. but we cant argue with a draw, the Italians didnt deserve to lose.

Play-off was the most we'd get from this group, so we're still in with a shouyt of making it, albeit a small chance thanks to the FIFA fookers.

[Ron1892]

Greece or France for me..Think we could beat France..Althought having to sit through Ireland V Greece would be terrible as they dont play football..

[DougieDo'ins]

Eamon Dunphy is hilarious. RTE's panel should get an award for something.

I'd take anybody but Russia from the current 4. They would pass us into knots.

[SUPERFAN]

not long back,that's the 1st time i enjoyed an ireland game in a long time.great crowd,great atmosphere.the place fcukin erupted whan st ledger scored.pity they didn't hold out for the win but it was a great night..
i was talking to a few seasoned away travellers and they all agreed that anyone but russia would do in the qualifiers...

[travis]

not long back,that's the 1st time i enjoyed an ireland game in a long time.great crowd,great atmosphere.the place fcukin erupted whan st ledger scored.pity they didn't hold out for the win but it was a great night..
i was talking to a few seasoned away travellers and they all agreed that anyone but russia would do in the qualifiers...

Watch the highlights for St Ledgers goal , the camera shakes , it was amazing like when garcia scored against chelsea, Trap was right in his interview , they need to start taking a winning mentality into games.. can't believe italy scored on a counter attack in the 90min. cracking atmosphere in the ground though from what i seen on tv.

[SUPERFAN]

just watched the goals again on ssn,there was an interview with the trap after it and your man was asking him about getting andy reid back in the squad.
disgraceful in my opinion,that's for another day.he should've told him to fook off..:mad:

[Aido82]

just watched the goals again on ssn,there was an interview with the trap after it and your man was asking him about getting andy reid back in the squad.
disgraceful in my opinion,that's for another day.he should've told him to fook off..:mad:

he basically did

[Captain_Morgan]

Thats the first game i enjoyed in a long while i thought we were slightly the better team but if you offered me the play off at the start of the group id have pulled your arm out of the socket. We can go into the play offs with confidence now

[south]

just watched the goals again on ssn,there was an interview with the trap after it and your man was asking him about getting andy reid back in the squad.
disgraceful in my opinion,that's for another day.he should've told him to fook off..:mad:

your lucky you didn't see dumphy at the end of the game if you think that way bad. Ireland should ashamed of themself i think was the first thing he said.

[Niall]

because john o'shea couldn't hold his position. Stupid time to attack the ball and Italy took full advantage.

Totally agree. 2-1 up in the 88 minute. One up front and the rest drop back. Schoolboy stuff.

[megager]

I think we have done well. Held teh world champions twice and really could have beaten them. We may go through group stages unbeaten for the first time in a long time (was 90-91 the last time?).

All the potential opposition looks very tough, but I thknk we could take Portugal, Greece or even France (I dont think France are as good as Italians at the mo). WOuld be worried about Russians, we never do well there. 1985 broke my heart, though in truth we were out before then really.

[sean]

We may go through group stages unbeaten for the first time in a long time (was 90-91 the last time?).


Might be wrong but I thought we went unbeaten in the group stages for the 2002 WC when we had Holland and Portugal in our group?

[CF999]

First time I watched a full Ireland game in a while and was fairly impressed. There's no easy qualifier though... But they would certainly give anyone a game right now IMO.

[Captain_Morgan]

Might be wrong but I thought we went unbeaten in the group stages for the 2002 WC when we had Holland and Portugal in our group?

correct and right sean

[megager]

Might be wrong but I thought we went unbeaten in the group stages for the 2002 WC when we had Holland and Portugal in our group?

Correct, totally forgot about that. Old age.

[SOC]

I thought we gave a good go last night against Italy. I am sure 95% of our fans left Croker last night pleased that we gave it a right go against Italy.

[djdwainec]

I thought we gave a good go last night against Italy. I am sure 95% of our fans left Croker last night pleased that we gave it a right go against Italy.

+1 im sure alot of people would've took a draw against italy at the start of this campaign

[agi]

The atmosphere in the place when we scored the second, no matter how irrelevant it will end up (as Italy would have undoubtly beat Cyprus at home), it would have made it an incredible night if we could have held on for the win, and have given us a great memory of our games in Croke Park. Although saying all that we still have the chance to go one better and beat a France or Portugal at Croker to qualify ....

[JOE]

Amazing atmosphere in the crowd last night, thoroughly enjoyed the game...hopefully the confidence will carry over to the game on Wednesday...

[LFC Barry]

Really enjoyed it last night. The roof nearly came off the place when st ledger scored.

Hopefully we get the same sort of performance and atmosphere in a months time

[gowinit6times]

Good result last night but some of the clap-trap Dunphy comes out with is ridiculous if not entertaining. If Trappatoni can steer this group of players to the World Cup then he will have proved he is a great manager. Whilst not entertaining to watch you have to cut your cloth to suit and we don't have the players to try and outpass most teams or play in a more constructive manner.

Would hope to get Greece in the play-offs and over 2 legs we will be difficult to beat. If we get there it will at least put a bit of feel good factor back into the country.

[Garrett]

Was sitting in the Davin Lower for this one,

game was very good overall, though it was heart breaking to see us take the lead twice and lose it, particularly the second time around.....

some big lad decided to have a puke on the steps a few rows down from us and got a big cheer, looked waisted, was later frog marched out by gardai, after he snuck back into his seat, 10 mins before the game ... stupid (though I noticed one of his mates was a red in an LFC jacket and was trying to look out for him, hopefully he got him home safe later that night).

As mentioned before, we'd all have been happy to take a draw with Italy if asked before the game .... fingers crossed we'll finish on a high on Wednesday night and go into a good play off game thereafter. Like others here, I think I'd be hoping for Greece.

[Phil!]

Crackin atmosphere last night. Anyone but Russia in the playoffs I think we can win!

[rafalabamba]

do people think the rankings will change much?Just incase no one knows, the play-offs will be seeded according to the rankings to be released in friday. my main worry is that ukraine will climb above greece, hopefully not and we draw greece. Hoping we stay away from the USSR

[GaryMc]

Hoping we stay away from the USSR

Is it reforming for playoffs?

[rafalabamba]

Is it reforming for playoffs?

ye so they have a better chance of qualifying:rolleyes:

[blackbetty69]

wonder what odds were on st ledger scoring?! fair play to him tho!

[GDLUCKXABI]

Best atmosphere for a football match in Croker so far. It hasnt been great since they moved there at all but the other night, the atmosphere was top notch. If only, if only we could of held on to the lead but was disapointed with a lot of fans and their attitude leaving the ground of how we're ****ing shit and cant hold onto a lead for 5 minuts etc etc.

Good game, great atmosphere and onwards and upwards from here hopefully!

[sean]

wonder what odds were on st ledger scoring?!

A fella here at work had him backed at 40/1 for last goalscorer, double whammy for him when Italy equalised!

[bono]

w5zTQwA2tMk

Hard luck to the boys in green gave the world champs a good game & deserved to win imo.

Whoever we get in the playoffs we can put it up to them.

Is the playoff a one off game in a neutral venue or a 2 legged affair home & away?

[paulwex]

Two legged home & away apperently anyone with a montenegro stub will qualify for a home leg ticket:eek:

[Liverpool-law]

I presume away goals will count in the qualifiers? I mean if we draw one all at home and drew nil all away we'd be out? They usually do count but it'd be a hard way to lose out...

[sean]

I presume away goals will count in the qualifiers? I mean if we draw one all at home and drew nil all away we'd be out? They usually do count but it'd be a hard way to lose out...

That's the way it will be done alright. Better than the system they used back in 1965, think I remember reading that we played Spain in a play off and we won the first leg 1-0 and lost the second leg 3-0 (or something to that effect). It went down as one win each so went to a 3rd game in a neutral venue!

Was meant to be played in London, but Spain knowing that there would be a massive Irish support based there paid off the FAI so the game was played in Paris instead, which Spain won.

[Fowler's God]

I have to say the game was good and the atmosphere was ****in electric was up in the Hill 16 a few of us were trying to get the ring of fire going was a good buzz. I thought we had at 2-1 but sure was a great effort. Roll on Wednesday and then the playoffs.

[Fowler's God]

Two legged home & away apperently anyone with a montenegro stub will qualify for a home leg ticket:eek:

If that's the case happy days!

[Phil!]

If that's the case happy days!


Yeah thats the case alrite have to post stubs to FAI by Oct 21st I think

[agi]

Yeah thats the case alrite have to post stubs to FAI by Oct 21st I think

Happy days !

[General]

Great atmosphere on saturday - doubt it will be the same on wednesday, but here's hoping!! Greece is the word!!

[paulwex]

Does anyone know when the draw for the play offs is on?

[GaryMc]

Does anyone know when the draw for the play offs is on?

Next Monday. FIFA reanking are out this Friday and its based on that and finishing positions from Wednesday

[GDLUCKXABI]

It shouldnt change anything. Russia, portugal or Greece will be our opponents. I just hope we aviod Russia. Obviouslt Greece look to be the handiest but we always up our game against the ebtter teams so maybe not!

[Phil!]

It shouldnt change anything. Russia, portugal or Greece will be our opponents. I just hope we aviod Russia. Obviouslt Greece look to be the handiest but we always up our game against the ebtter teams so maybe not!

Can we not get France?

[GDLUCKXABI]

Oh yeah sorry, them too!

[4tothefloor]

Obviouslt Greece look to be the handiest but we always up our game against the ebtter teams so maybe not!
We haven't beaten a seeded/top tier international side since we beat Holland 1-0 in 2001. Russia and Portugal are the ones to avoid, can see us conceding goals away from home there. We also need the 2nd leg to be at home, if we're away and it's tight we'll probably cave in with apprehension as usual. Second leg at home though and it's a completely different story.

[Paul]

Hunt calls Dunphy 'a skinny little rat' :D

[GaryMc]

Hunt calls Dunphy 'a skinny little rat' :D

Tony Cas was talking to Matt Cooper last night and Cooper asked what he thought of Dunphy's comments 'Travesty, Shameful' after the ITaly match. Cas said that he thought it was a 'travesty' that Dunphy was allowed near a tv station and that he was an idiot. :D:D

[elvis]

Tony Cas was talking to Matt Cooper last night and Cooper asked what he thought of Dunphy's comments 'Travesty, Shameful' after the ITaly match. Cas said that he thought it was a 'travesty' that Dunphy was allowed near a tv station and that he was an idiot. :D:D

Pot, Kettle, Black,.
Anyone??????????

[djdwainec]

any video online of dunphys reaction? missed the game

[SOC]

Hunt calls Dunphy 'a skinny little rat' :D

Haha I heard that ye, Dunphy is full of Barry White but RTE will never drop him cause everybody turns over to see what he says. I laugh at him the way he goes on some of the stuff he comes out with.

What did Jack call him? A stupid little man was it?

[south]

RTÉ football pundit Eamon Dunphy has clarified remarks he made following the Republic of Ireland's draw with Italy last weekend.

A disgruntled Dunphy had used the word 'shameful' in his post-match analysis on RTÉ, and Republic of Ireland international Stephen Hunt, when questioned about Dunphy's comments, labelled the pundit 'a skinny little rat'.

Speaking to RTÉ Sport's Darren Frehill on RTÉ Radio's Morning Ireland, Dunphy offered a further explanation of his comments.

Listen to Eamon Dunphy's Interview Here

'One word was taken out of a 20-minute conversation - the word "shameful". It's not an appropriate word to use for the performance (against Italy); what I was referring to was Andy Reid's omission from the squad,' said Dunphy.

'I did use it [the word "shameful"]; it was not the right word to use for the performance. It would be appropriate, I think, to what's happening to Andy Reid.

'We have to remember all players love playing for their country and he must be very hurt and professionally isolated at the moment. He's playing very well for Sunderland and should be in the Irish squad.'

Dunphy continued: 'I think we played very poorly for at least an hour-and-a-quarter of the game. They didn't pass the ball well. Italy controlled the football.

'What was depressing about it was that there doesn't seem to be any attempt by the Irish team when they have the ball to play football and to pass the ball the way you should do at international level.

'I would say the word "shameful" in the context I used on Saturday was wrong. I've no problem admitting that.'

In reference to Hunt's comments about him being 'a skinny little rat', Dunphy quipped: 'Stephen Hunt's not exactly Mr Universe himself!'

[GaryMc]

In reference to Hunt's comments about him being 'a skinny little rat', Dunphy quipped: 'Stephen Hunt's not exactly Mr Universe himself!'

good comeback :rolleyes: