MATCH THREAD: Spain vs. Republic of Ireland

[Alio]

Halal. Is it meat you're looking for? Oh hai guyz, how's it going. Tomorrow's second game is San Miguel v Guinness, it's Sir Jamo Martinez v Neiler, it's Mikel Arteta v Zenidine Kilbane, oh my god it Spain v Republic of Ireland

Spain will be fairly happy with a draw against Italy I guess, but there's nothing worse than a bit of pressure when you're trying to get out of the group stages. Having played zero strikers in the first game, I'd be amazed if they don't start at least one in this game. Even though Torres is suffering a major case of the Bily's, one day that confidence will come back with an almighty bang, I have a feeling tomorrow's going to be that day. He may have missed a couple of easy ones against Italy, but he was in the right place for 3 or so chances at the end, where they had struggled to carve out much before. His goal will come

Ireland will be wanting to forget about their opening game, quick smart. Credit due for them getting an equaliser so quickly and not letting their heads drop, but pretty slack defending always gets punished, especially when you're up against the World and Euro Champions. I'd love to see McClean getting a game here, any chance of that happening Ireland fans? Let's not forget, Ireland wouldn't have lost that last game if Gibson was playing...surely he's gonna play in this one.

Stat of the game, In their game against Italy, Spain made 733 passes, almost twice as many as Ireland did against Croatia (368). Possesion means nothing though, get into them Ireland FFS

GOT sweepstakers include...

Spain

teppic
Clint Planet
Librarian
AdamDex1878
harryjam

R. of Ireland

ricardobee
Jamo Martinez
Scouse
onceabluealwaysablue
GrandOldTeam

 

[chicoazul]

Come on Eire.

 

[Roztitute]

It will be amazing/unbelievable if Ireland don't get destroyed.

 

[The Equaliser]

I'd love to see McClean getting a game here, any chance of that happening Ireland fans? Let's not forget, Ireland wouldn't have lost that last game if Gibson was playing...surely he's gonna play in this one.

McClean won't start anyway, and going by Trap's musings during the week he might not get on at all in this tournament. Which begs the question, why did he bring him at all ? Doubt very much Gibson will start either. Hopefully he'll get on at some point though and taste what it's like to appear in a major international competition. In fact it wouldn't surprise me if he went with the same XI, the stubborn old mule that he is. If there is going to be a change it may be upfront, with Walters starting instead of Doyle. This despite Doyle being better than Keane against Croatia.

Expecting a much improved performance here, even if it ends in defeat. Wishful thinking, but it would be a better bet for me to drop Keane into a deeper role in an Everton style 4-4-1-1. Trap's dogmatic 4-4-2 could become vastly unstuck against Spain as we will probably be overrun in midfield.

But you never know in football what can happen, so it could just be that we pull off an amazing draw and stay in the competition. Spain struggle for goals sometimes despite all their possession and chances created, and it sounds like Del Bosque may start with Fabregas as his striker again.

Everything crossed again, but more in hope than expectation this time.

COYBIG

 

[Neiler]

If we dont get smashed by two goals, ill admit Trap is boss.

 

[Brownie]

I have Jordi Alba captain lol.

 

[The Equaliser]

Suppose if we get bored with the game there's always something else to do..

 

[Cena]

COYBIG.

Eire will get smashed like. Irish girl rating is higher haha

 

[Phenom]

Alio these previews are awesome mate fairplay.

Better than that jarg Chico puts out and dont get me started on Ijjy 'I only put flags in and nothing else' Smith.

 

[chicoazul]

Harsh but fair.

 

[sexualchocolate]

Spain are so going to lose this - Trap has played his trump card that no one else saw coming, simon cox is going to start up front, WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY Would you choose to do this Trappatoni you P..................i'll say no more for now

needless to say keane will start with him, I'd say between the 2 of them they wont touch the ball more than 10 times

Walters and Long anyone???

 

[davek]

Apparently the RoI line up is..........



Given

O'Shea Dunne St Ledger Ward

Whelan Andrews

Duff McGeady Walters

Keane

 

[teppic]

Gibbo has to start this. Trap is nuts to leave him out. Has he had any scouts at Goodison?

Come on Ireland, sort it out.

 

[teppic]

Oh, the GOT player profile has Gibson being Northern Irish.

This must be the reason for his absence from the Republic team.

 

[bluejock]

WHY IS NO ONE TAKING MORE NOTICE OF THE 14 YEAR OLD LAD GETTING SOME BALKAN BOOBIES???!!!