Euro 2012 Group C: Republic of Ireland
GROUP C
Republic of Ireland Croatia Spain Italy
[Team Jersey Images © Soccerphile]
Ireland
Road to Poland & Ukraine
Ireland finished two points behind Russia in Qualifying Group B, and ahead of Armenia, Slovakia, Macedonia and Andorra. The Irish only lost one game, 2-3 at home to Russia, and got draws home and away to Slovakia and away to Russia.
In the playoffs, Ireland were seeded and comfortably despatched Estonia 5-1 on aggregate, winning 4-0 in Tallinn.
They bagged more points away from home than in Dublin and only let in one goal on the road, compared to six at home.
Fixtures
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Ireland Kit 1
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Ireland Kit 2
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Ireland v Croatia 10 June; Poznan
Ireland v Spain 14 June; Gdansk
Ireland v Italy; 18 June; Poznan
Analysis
After Euro playoff defeats in 1996 and 2000, and the 'Hand of Henry' debacle which helped deny them a place in South Africa, Ireland have ended their decade-long exile from international finals.
With no stars playing at top clubs, Giovanni Trapattoni has forged a hard-working eleven that is the sum of its parts. Ireland may not make it out of their group, but they will not go down without a fight in each of their three games.
The Italian's native instincts have ensured Ireland are mean at the back with the solid stalwart Richard Dunne the anchorman. They will aim to concede little in midfield, where the tough defensive duo of Keith Andrews and Glenn Whelan will man the fort. Damien Duff will be a familiar harrier on the wing, but needs back-up to be an effective raider.
On the flip side, scoring goals is not the team's forte and the forward pack of Robbie Keane, Kevin Doyle, Shane Long and Leon Best is unlikely to top the scoring charts in Poland. Trap's reluctance to consider midfield options such as Everton's Darren Gibson, Wigan's James McCarthy or new blood in the form of Sunderland's exciting young winger James McClean may cost him dear.
Key player: Robbie Keane
As Ireland were not overflowing with goals in qualifying, netting seven fewer than third-placed Armenia, they will rely on their all-time top gunner Robbie Keane to find the target. A move to MLS does not seem to have cooled his scoring desire, as a recent loan spell at Aston Villa confirmed.
One to watch: Keith Fahey
Trap prefers functional and pragmatic defensive midfielders, but the Birmingham City man provides another option when chasing or securing the game. Somewhat of an unsung hero, Fahey is probably the best technician in the Irish ranks.
Coach: Giovanni Trapattoni
The storied septuagenarian shows no sign of slowing down in his enthusiasm for football and will be the most animated of the Euro 2012 coaches both on the touchline and in press conferences. As a club coach he has won every major trophy but success as an international manager has eluded him.
Record
Quarter-Final 1964, Group Stage 1988
FIFA Ranking
Predictions & Latest Odds
How they qualified for Euro 2012
Second in Group B then beat Estonia in the play-offs.
On the sidelines
Ireland's assistant coach is the legendary Marco Tardelli.
Soccerphile says
A win in their opening clash with Croatia would give them the confidence to take points off Spain and Italy, but advancement still looks a challenge.
The boys in green make a welcome return to the European Championships after a 24-year gap. While their travelling army of supporters are sure to light up Poland, their team will need all the luck of the Irish to make it out of a group containing two giants in Spain and Italy.
The Squad
Goalkeepers: Shay Given (Aston Villa), Keiren Westwood (Sunderland), David Forde (Millwall)
Defenders: John O'Shea (Sunderland), Stephen Kelly (Fulham), Stephen Ward (Wolves), Richard Dunne (Aston Villa), Sean St Ledger (Leicester), Darren O'Dea (Leeds), Paul McShane (Hull City)
Midfielders: Glenn Whelan (Stoke), Keith Andrews (West Brom), Paul Green (Unattached), Darron Gibson (Everton), Damien Duff (Fulham), Aiden McGeady (Spartak Moscow), Stephen Hunt (Wolves), James McClean (Sunderland)
Forwards: Robbie Keane (LA Galaxy), Kevin Doyle (Wolves), Shane Long, Simon Cox (both West Brom), Jon Walters (Stoke)