Game 9: Ireland vs Sweden

Nicklas

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breath said:
The Swedes are 1-1 specialists. Think most of their qualifiers ended that way
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3 out of 10 ended that way - Austria (A), Russia (H) and Montenegro (A).

I think we'll scrap a win, with Marcus Berg getting the winner. I had tickets and was actually on my way to France but because of a strike by 400 Scandinavian airline pilots I have to see this infront of a television.
 

The Stain

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Nicklas said:
3 out of 10 ended that way - Austria (A), Russia (H) and Montenegro (A).

I think we'll scrap a win, with Marcus Berg getting the winner. I had tickets and was actually on my way to France but because of a strike by 400 Scandinavian airline pilots I have to see this infront of a television.
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Aw, cnuts.
 

ZAGREB RED

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I remember when Roy Keane was kicked out of the 2002 WC squad one of his major points of criticism of the Irish set-up was that there was a mentality in the players that they were just going out there in "happy camper mode", just pleased to be there and not enough of them believing they were good enough to actually go out and beat teams. He said something similar as a TV pundit at Euro 2012 when Ireland lost all 3 games and one of the TV presenters said something like Ireland should be proud of those fans the way they get behind the team and have a party and Keane replied something along the lines of yeah, fair enough, but the players need to give them something to shout about.
I think his pre-match words to the players (if MON lets him speak) might well be along the same lines, telling the players to go out there and go toe-to-toe with the opposition and don't just enjoy the occasion, come off the pitch at the end with no regrets, seize the day and get stuck in without being overawed by the likes of Ibrahimovic.
I do think, though, that is one of the problems he has had as a manger/coach, he gets frustrated by players who don't come up to his standards in terms of ability, attitude and mentality then rips into people and goes over the top. His recent criticism of some the players after the Belarus friendly being a perfect example. I think his attitude is if you can't take it, then go and watch at home on TV.
MON had a point when he said he and Keane are like bad cop and even badder cop...
 
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redflair

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It's intriguing to see Martin O'Neill backtracking on some shocking comments he made on Zlatan Ibrahimovic when he was a World Cup pundit for the BBC in the noughties.

At the time, I liked O'Neill (and still do strangely enough) but they were so mean and pathetic, I thought he was slightly unhinged.

Now he has just called Zlatan an 'exceptional' player and a world class talent - probably through gritted teeth - but it's too little, too late I'm afraid.
I will remember that attack more than anything in this game (unless something outrageous happens).
 

Brophs

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redflair said:
It's intriguing to see Martin O'Neill backtracking on some shocking comments he made on Zlatan Ibrahimovic when he was a World Cup pundit for the BBC in the noughties.

At the time, I liked O'Neill (and still do strangely enough) but they were so mean and pathetic, I thought he was slightly unhinged.

Now he has just called Zlatan an 'exceptional' player and a world class talent - probably through gritted teeth - but it's too little, too late I'm afraid.
I will remember that attack more than anything in this game (unless something outrageous happens).
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You actually found O'Neill calling him overrated that upsetting? Why?
 

Ramshock

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redflair said:
It's intriguing to see Martin O'Neill backtracking on some shocking comments he made on Zlatan Ibrahimovic when he was a World Cup pundit for the BBC in the noughties.

At the time, I liked O'Neill (and still do strangely enough) but they were so mean and pathetic, I thought he was slightly unhinged.

Now he has just called Zlatan an 'exceptional' player and a world class talent - probably through gritted teeth - but it's too little, too late I'm afraid.
I will remember that attack more than anything in this game (unless something outrageous happens).
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You take things too personally man
 

redflair

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Ramshock said:
You take things too personally man
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No. It was a mean-spirited attack. But then this is the man who called Ashley Young 'Ronaldo' so maybe judgement isn't his strong point.

Still like the fella though.
 

Skywarden

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Best of luck to the Irish. Will probably end in a draw.

I can see them trying to get under Ibra's skin and get him red carded.
 

Brophs

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redflair said:
As I said, I like O'Neill - but that was beneath him. Didn't matter who the players was.
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I don't understand. He was a pundit. If that was his opinion then why not offer it? It's not his job to be a cheerleader for multi-millionaire. After all, it's not like Zlatan cares about anyone's opinion, as he's so fond of telling us over and over.
 

The Stain

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Skywarden said:
Best of luck to the Irish. Will probably end in a draw.

I can see them trying to get under Ibra's skin and get him red carded.
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He's never been sent off for the national team. Last time he was sent off was in that Chelsea-game. He has 8 reds in his career. Not as reckless as when he was younger but ye never know.
 

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Mr Anderson

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podurban2 said:
How are the Swedish and Irish fans getting along? Pretty well I'd assume?
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Very good alright. All good natured, they were even in the Irish pubs in Montmartre. Chatting to a few now after singing a few Henrik Larsson tunes!
 

podurban2

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Mr Anderson said:
Very good alright. All good natured, they were even in the Irish pubs in Montmartre. Chatting to a few now after singing a few Henrik Larsson tunes!
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Ah that's great to hear. :)

I am looking forward to hear The Fields of Athenry. Goosebumps every time.
 

tanikozo

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Ireland are a decent team but I still think Sweden is probably going to win. Great chance to see a future Manchester United player in action :devil:.
 

fREDhead

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Andreas Isaksson; Mikael Lustig, Andreas Granqvist, Victor Nilsson Lindelöf, Martin Olsson; Sebastian Larsson, Kim Källström, Oscar Lewicki, Emil Forsberg, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Marcus Berg.

Emil Forsberg should put on a Martial mask. Coleman would probably fake an injury after a couple of minutes to get off. Was he actually injured for the FA cup semi?

But surely a 35 year old O'Shea and a championship defender won't be able to cope with Zlatan.

Wanted to see Ekdal instead of Lewicki, he's so tiny.
 

The Stain

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First brace of the Euro's in this game. C'mon Zlatan, do it.
 

Brophs

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McGregor, even when he's just speaking normally, sounds like he's reading something for the first time, written on a piece of paper that's slightly too far away.
 
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Maradona10

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Zlatan to score three tear his shirt and reveal a united jersy.
 

Crackers

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I fear we're open for the taking. We might surprise everyone and pull a sneaky 1-0, but I highely doubt it.
We'll most likely scrape a 1-1
 

sullydnl

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Really need Long's recent Southampton form to continue.
 

ThomasEmil

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Sweden is like Portugal, just without the technique and short passing play.
It's all about getting the ball to the good guy, and pray for his abilities.
Just like Denmark has been doing with Lord Bendtner.
Then again... We got beaten to the spot.
 

thegregster

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I predict a 1-0 win for Ireland.

Ibrahimovic to be shut out by Clark. :wenger:
 

Red Stone

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It'll be great to see Zlatan playing against a team filled with proven Premier League... err...

Quality seems like the wrong word here.
 
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