Okey Doke Football
Search OleOle:
enesptfritderuzhkoja Sign Up Log in
Home > Blogs > Okey Doke Football

Weekend Reaction

Monday, 19 November 07, 08:59 AM

Hi All,
International week is half way through, and only a few more days of misery to go.
Ireland got a 2-2 draw in Wales in a match they should have won easily, given the difference in resources. Wales were depleted by injuries to Bellamy and Bale and started the match with two teenage fullbacks, Chris Gunter and Neil Eardley. Robinson went off injured in the first half and Ireland should have seized their chance. Overall it wasn't bad for an Ireland game, but the endless references to saving pride made me want to puke. I think pride went out the window a long time ago.
Steven Hunt came off the bench like a man possessed and added to his reputation as an impact sub. Because of 1 or 2 games, people are willing to box off his career. Let him start more in the next qualification campaign and we can properly judge his effectiveness. He starts every game for Reading, after all.
Don Givens, the U21 coach took charge of the match on Saturday. He has been in the job as long as I can remember, and I think the FAI should look at it's strategy. Many countries use the underage teams as a learning ground for potential future managers. Givens has no ambition for a top job and is happy in his role (why wouldn't he be - loads of cash - no results expected). It's time the FAI took manager development as seriously as player development. Staunton could, and should, have been asked to take over the U18's 2 years ago, so he could make his mistakes there.
In a game that was actually meaningful, Scotland lost 2-1 at home to Italy. It was cruel luck on the Scots, the Italians got a freekick that never was and Panucci scored the winner. A draw could have been enough, depending on Wednesday's Ukraine France game, but their hopes were over. I feel sorry for the Scots but I'm happy that Italy and France will be at the finals.
Credit must be given to Walter Smith, and Alec McLeish. I have long felt that McLeish did a good job with Rangers, winning titles despite a lack of money compared to Celtic. After the game, he was non-committal on his future, and it could be a perfect time for a Premiership club to pick him up.
Over to Israel - I was hit by the inevitability of it all. Despite the conspiracy theories floating around in the run up to the game, that the Russian connection would influence things, Israelis in general are pro-England and they won the game in time added on. Amazingly, England only need a draw at home to Croatia to progress, and I think it will be one of the most undeserving qualifications in a long time. I'm glad they are through though, it creates a buzz around the competition, there are countless articles and TV programs which are widely optimistic and then it all goes down the pan.  
Mark,
Okey Doke Football Podcast is available every Friday morning, subscribe here

Like this blog? Help spread the word: Facebook Diggicon Reddit Delicious

Spacer Spacer
0
Posted by okeydokefootball | Comments (0)

Should we cheer on Scotland?

Tuesday, 16 October 07, 11:19 AM

Scotland's Group B qualifying campaign has been an astounding success so far, topping the table in front of better rivals France and Italy, and, to a lesser extent, Ukraine. They have scored some great goals and showed true team spirit so far. But the question is, do we want to see them in Euro 2008 at the expense of Italy or France?
The old adage is that it's great to see the underdog triumph, but I want to examine that for a minute. Recalling recent underdog achievements is not a pleasant experience, unless you're directly affected.
Ireland's appearance in the World Cups in '90, '94 and 2002, was great fun for the whole nation, but I can't imagine many liked Jack Charlton's long ball football. In qualifying for 2002, Ireland eliminated Holland, a technically superior team in all areas. That World Cup also produced Japan and South Korea as surprise outfits, playing attractive, attacking (and lucky) football, but from recent evidence, Scotland will not do the same. In Euro 2004, Greece won, playing 10 men behind the ball, depriving a talented Portugal team in the final. After the initial reaction, were you happy Greece won?
In non-international football, neutrals have been subjected to the misery of a Porto v Monaco Champions League Final, Millwall stinking up the place in the FA Cup final against Man Utd and various other non-events too numerous to mention.
It's great to see unfancied teams doing well - to a point. Let them over-achieve into the knockout rounds, let them have moral victories, let their fans go crazy while we all patronise them, but please, let us see the heavyweights in the semis - Germany, France, Italy, Portugal, even England or Spain - I want to see proper technical, tactical battles and the strongest victor emerge.
Not a cheating, fouling team (Porto), not a team with Dennis Wise in it (Millwall), not a team relying on the linesman (South Korea), not a boring, defensive team (Greece).
Some big countries are under threat in qualifying - France, Spain, Holland, Portugal and Italy. Lets see the current best players in European football - the likes of Pirlo, Ribery, Fabregas, Ronaldo, van Persie, playing and achieving next year. And Scotland, sorry, but, please stay at home.
Mark,
http://www.okeydokefootball.com

Like this blog? Help spread the word: Facebook Diggicon Reddit Delicious

Spacer Spacer
0
Posted by okeydokefootball | Comments (6)