Just back from Cardiff, what a night Had to get the 06:50 flight and straight into work, I'm in a bleedin heap Deserved the win I felt, Wales offered next to nothing really, bar Kanu's header, our back 4 were immense, midfield worked their socks off, have to mention Arter, his Ireland career to date has been average at best, but he stepped up to the mark last night, great dummy for the goal. The tenacity of Hendrick, Meyler and McClean was a sight to behold I have to say. Good banter in the ground, "Your're just a crap Northern Ireland" from them, we replied, "Your're just a shit piece of England". My voice is fooked, a long time since we sang as loud and as long as last night Some of the Welsh (Cardiff fans mainly) were extremely confident, to an obnoxious, almost Engerland fans level before the game, so to see them slope off after was deadly In fairness, most we met after the game had no complaints and wished us well for the play-offs. All in all, great trip, let's hope we avoid Portugal and Italy next Tuesday, I'd still give this team every chance against anyone when it's do or die, but Denmark, or Bosnia, if that plays out would be Ok.
Apparently we have more competitive away wins against higher ranked teams in the last 12 months than we managed in the previous 30 years.
Yep, Scotland away in 87, A Lawro goal, was the last before Austria and now Wales, had loads of draws v higher ranked sides in the intervening years. Of course we have had big results when we got to tournaments as well
To be fair to some of those managers down the years their teams were ranked a lot higher and had less opportunities but still good going.
Great performance last night. The defence, McClean and Myler were superb. Duffy may not have a lot of pace but he's unbelievable in the air. Could be a very good player for the next few years. Fair play to O'Neill he really knows how to organise a defence. Some of those big 1-0 wins we've seen out - Germany, Italy, Austria and last night were a lot less nervy than watching Liverpool trying to hold on to a lead.
Meant our home game which was miserable to be at! Usually sort myself tickets for games but away until.end month so fingers crossed for playoffs!
As of right now according to ITV there could be a Ireland v NI playoff. New Fifa ranking's out next Monday. It won't be possible then.
For me, Switzerland would be the team to get, I know they beat Portugal once and that's fair enough (Ronaldo wasn't playing) but they were in a group with Hungary, Latvia, Andorra and the Faroes.
Anyone else starting to overthink what to do about November international? I don't really see fans (especially of the away team) being back that soon but at the same time I'm thinking if I'm going there at all I should be booking flights soon . They are likely to go well up