BS: Irelands World Cup Part 2

Subject: RE: BS: Irelands World Cup Part 2
From: Den
Date: 20 Jun 02 - 10:56 PM

Very Well put spaw, my response of, "fuck off guest ye quizlin' shite", bows to your eloquence. Den

Subject: RE: BS: Irelands World Cup Part 2
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 20 Jun 02 - 06:51 PM

"No regrets ?" No that's not exactly the way it is, or should be. But no recriminations, that's the right way to go out.

Anyway I think South Korea have a better chance against Spain than they would have had against Ireland. Up the Reds.

Subject: RE: BS: Irelands World Cup Part 2
From: beachcomber
Date: 20 Jun 02 - 06:38 PM

Very well said Redeye, and a great tribute from Spaw also. Now this is one Ireland fan who, for the very first time genuinely, will now wish our old enemy England (We'll still glory in beating them again some time) the very best of luck tomorrow morning. My introduction to international football was that memorable World Cup Tournament of 1958 when the magnificent Brazilians were victorious and if they do beat England I would love to see them win out . Beach

Subject: RE: BS: Irelands World Cup Part 2
From: Red Eye
Date: 20 Jun 02 - 02:35 PM

Any chance of ending this thread with the term

NO REGRETS.

Subject: RE: BS: Irelands World Cup Part 2
From: GUEST
Date: 20 Jun 02 - 02:31 PM

That should be practised, McGrath

Subject: RE: BS: Irelands World Cup Part 2
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 20 Jun 02 - 02:25 PM

I never count a save as a miss, and groan every time a commentator falls into that way of putting it; and true enough, I'm a practiced hair-splitter.

Subject: RE: BS: Irelands World Cup Part 2
From: ard mhacha
Date: 20 Jun 02 - 02:00 PM

McGrath, You really do harp on, anyone who has followed the game classes a save as a missed penalty, are you by any chance the hair splitting champion of Harlow?.

Subject: RE: BS: Irelands World Cup Part 2
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 20 Jun 02 - 01:12 PM

I wasn't harping on about missed Irish penalties, Ard Macha, I was pointing out that they weren't missed, they were saved, and that's pure bad luck - or maybe telepathy by the goalie. (Holland hitting the bar doesn't count as a miss, the ball just bounced off the post up insted of down.)

Whereas the Spanish did actually miss the goal - no shame to that, it's bound to happen.

Subject: RE: BS: Irelands World Cup Part 2
From: An Pluiméir Ceolmhar
Date: 20 Jun 02 - 12:30 PM

One of the great ethnomusicological mysteries remaining unresolved as the 2002 World Cup approaches its climax is whether the adoption of a tear-jerking dirge by the Korean fans was directly inspired by "The Fields of Athenry".

Any theories, unsubstantiated assertions, etc...? Just don't spoil a good story with the facts.

Subject: RE: BS: Irelands World Cup Part 2
From: catspaw49
Date: 20 Jun 02 - 10:48 AM

That's really it Guest, isn't it? Some of the folks like yourself seem to believe that true fan support should be like Italy huh? Recriminations and blame everywhere. And some rioting in the streets would really show how much you all love the game right? What a bunch of crap!

Congratulations to anyone and everyone who can see sporting events as great competitions. I think that the reason so many seem to think there is no interest in the US is because we have not had anyone rioting in the streets.....and if we do, I hope it's quelched by the real fans who see the fine things that sport can give and not the "winning is everything" attitude. And yeah, I know a great American football coach supposedly said that, but what Vince Lombardi actually said was, "the desire to win is everything."....a significant difference.

My hat's off to the Irish Team and the people of Ireland who recognized that difference in this year's World Cup.

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Irelands World Cup Part 2
From: GUEST
Date: 20 Jun 02 - 09:29 AM

Talk about sweeping the floor for crumbs of comfort...

Subject: RE: BS: Irelands World Cup Part 2
From: GUEST,Den at work
Date: 20 Jun 02 - 09:25 AM

The Republic of Ireland fans have been awarded for their passionate support and good behaviour by being declared the best supporters to visit Japan during this year's World Cup finals.

The announcement was made by the country's tournament director Junji Ogura, who was amazed by the following the travelling green army gave to their team.

"I've been very impressed by the Irish supporters," said Ogura. "They gave amazing support to the Irish team and they were loved by the Japanese people. They taught Japan the joy of watching football. They were definitely the best supporters of the tournament so far."

The Irish fans played a major contribution in Japan, backing the team to three unbeaten games against Cameroon, Germany and Saudi Arabia.

The fans once again proved their loyalty on Tuesday night as 100,000 people turned up at the Phoenix Park to welcome Mick McCarthy's squad home after their World Cup endeavours.

Subject: RE: BS: Irelands World Cup Part 2
From: Bluebeard
Date: 19 Jun 02 - 10:37 PM

This was THE BEST Irish football team I have ever seen ! They were fit, they were talented and well coached. Oh so close. The Irish lost with dignity and grace. Other International losers would do well to emulate the Irish team. No whining or whinging about the referee or the system etc. When I look at who is left in the tournament....damn we could have taken this ! Roll on 2006.

Subject: RE: BS: Irelands World Cup Part 2
From: An Pluiméir Ceolmhar
Date: 19 Jun 02 - 07:55 AM

Footnote to the Roy what-was-his-name controversy:

Mick McCarthy's approach of treating the Saipan sojourn as primarily an acclimatisation and relaxation phase was clearly proved right. The team played like the clappers all the way through every match including the extra time, and never showed the slightest sign of losing stamina. I know that the rules about access to isotonic drinks during the game have been made more realistic than they used to be, but remember how the team in Orlando were dying on their feet towards the end of that game?

Subject: RE: BS: Irelands World Cup Part 2
From: Wolfgang
Date: 18 Jun 02 - 09:00 AM

So is memory. A mixture between surprisingly correct and lapses. In twenty years I'll still be able to name all the sports heroes of my youth but won't be able to name more than one or two of the German players of this year (even if the very improbable would happen).

By the way, Posipal, Rahn, Morlock are perfect to the letter, but there was no Mermans. I looked in a search machine. Mermans captained the Belgians in 1954 in a very remarkable 4:4 against England. Must be him that was in your truly remarkable memory.

Wolfgang

Subject: RE: BS: Irelands World Cup Part 2
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Jun 02 - 07:34 AM

Sorry Wolfgang for the name slip-up, but I can re-call some other members of that German team, [excuse the spelling], Posipal, Helmut Rahn, Mermans, Morlock and forgive my memory for not remembering the others. This German side under Fritz were not given a chance against tehe great Hungarians, a side which included Puskas, Hideguti, [who lately passed away] Koscis. The Germans came back from being 2-0 down to stage a great recovery with 3 second half goals. StrangE I can re-call all this from memory, yet ask me who won last years European Champions League and I wouldn`t know. Ard Mhacha.

Subject: RE: BS: Irelands World Cup Part 2
From: Wolfgang
Date: 18 Jun 02 - 04:04 AM

Thanks, Ard Mhacha, for remembering. Germany will play with black ribbons for the hero of my youth and the only sportsman for which I ever have (and will) shed a tear has died yesterday: Fritz Walter. Each country has a few sports heroes with names that are instantly recognisable even decades after they have finished competing. Germany had about six of them and now one of them is gone.

A German writer once said something like: Three men have helped to speed the recovery of Germany after the war, politically it was Konrad Adenauer, economically it was Ludwig Erhard, but emotionally, it was Fritz Walter. That's only a very small exaggeration.

His brother's first name was Otmar, by the way.

Wolfgang

Subject: RE: BS: Irelands World Cup Part 2
From: GUEST,Ard Mhacha.
Date: 17 Jun 02 - 05:01 PM

You are right Catspaw, I go back a long way and I still regard the bloody penalty shoot out as very unfair way to find a winner. I understand that the organisers of the Cup have to run the competition to schedule, and trying to find time and space for a re-played game would be a big problem, so we are stuck with the dreaded shoot out. On a sad not Fritz Walter the Captain of the West German team which won the World Cup in 1954 has passed away. Fritz and his brother Adolf played on a German side who defeated a great Hungary team by 3-2, the Hungarians had gone 23 games undefeated until losing to the Germans in a great final. Ard Mhacha.

Subject: RE: BS: Irelands World Cup Part 2
From: Bullfrog Jones
Date: 17 Jun 02 - 03:22 PM

No, you're right, 'Spaw, it's no way to end a game, and if it hasn't happened to your kids' team yet, just pray that it doesn't, because the littl'uns get severely traumatized by it. Various suggestions have been put forward -- the golden goal (sudden death) rule has only recently been introduced, but is apparently moving out of favour with FIFA, because many teams refuse to take a chance and simply play for the penalties;continuing the extra time and removing a player from each team every few minutes, thus opening up the play;counting the number of corners gained during the match... the list goes on, but there's no clincher. Perhaps if the sudden death period were open ended, there'd be more incentive to attack, but I've seen some games that could have gone on all night and the next day with no goals. There must be a fairer way, but finding it and getting everyone to agree on it seem to be beyond us.

BJ

Subject: RE: BS: Irelands World Cup Part 2
From: Mrrzy
Date: 17 Jun 02 - 02:53 PM

Man, what a heartbreaker! And this was the first one I got to watch Live...

So, go, Senegal!

Subject: RE: BS: Irelands World Cup Part 2
From: catspaw49
Date: 17 Jun 02 - 02:43 PM

Well here's one that's likely to get me in a lot of trouble, but there are more than a few Americans who have come to enjoy Soccer like myself, but have one complaint......the Penalty shoot-out. I guess it's because in most traditional American sports that require tie breaking, you just keep doing what you're doing til it's over. You add in another shorter period and either play it til the end or have that end in a sudden death--first to score.

I really hate the idea of a "team" sport coming down to a one-on-one contest that focuses only on one particular skill (two counting the keeper). Baseball fans would have a cow if a tie was broken by a "Home Run Derby." I'd like to see Soccer ties broken by playing the game..........Okay, yopu can all beat the crap out of me now.....

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Irelands World Cup Part 2
From: ard mhacha
Date: 17 Jun 02 - 01:43 PM

McGrath, You should be over here in Ireland among true football followers and you won`t hear anyone harping on about something which is part of the game. Pearce of England rarely if ever missed a penalty but when he took one in the World Cup he missed, all of the WORLDS greatest players have missed from the penalty spot sometime in their career. So just give an Irish team praise, a team which played well above expectations, and leave it at that. Ard Mhacha.

Subject: RE: BS: Irelands World Cup Part 2
From: Red Eye
Date: 17 Jun 02 - 01:34 PM

Picture of the world cup so far has to be 'Old Quinn' with his arms around 'young Matt Holland', after he missed one of the pens. Holland showed all the emotions of missing a critical pen and Quinn showed all the comforts of a great pro with his reaction.

Good luck to the Mighty Quinn in his retirement fron International Football.

As Mc Carthy said before thw WC started

NO REGRETS!!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Irelands World Cup Part 2
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 17 Jun 02 - 12:48 PM

The point I was making was that only one of those Irish penalties actually missed the goal (and that was so close of the top bar) - the others were saved by the keeper, and that's a matter of luck more than anything.

The last Spanish one that decided it was straight at the middle of the goal, like the Irish ones that were saved - but it just so happened that the goalie had dived to where he thought it might go.

Basically it's more like tossing a coin than anyhing, but more exciting to watch. No blame or shame whatever.

Subject: RE: BS: Irelands World Cup Part 2
From: An Pluiméir Ceolmhar
Date: 17 Jun 02 - 12:45 PM

I'm so ignorant of football that I shouldn't really comment, but I know a bit about Irishness, and in that capacity enjoyed the ride on the roller-coaster enormously.

Objectively, I think Wolfgang's comments are valid. We do tend to have low expectations of ourselves and our compatriots, and that sets the context for our self-congratulation. This was part of the background to Keane's outburst: he didn't articulate it very well (!) but he felt the team were capable of better. The big issue is how to rectify deficiencies without losing what we have, and that applies to Irish society (if it's not too late) as much as to the football team.

Converting domination into scoring goals and winning matches is a recurring problem. Too often, hard-won possession is squandered by indecision which allows the opposition time to reorganise, or by sloppy clearances. The same indecision is often found in Irish rugby teams as well. Another feature shared with the rugby teams is an underdeveloped sense of the value of a rapid counterattack. Irish teams tend, Montgomery-like, to build up counterattacks far too slowly so that they just become the next phase of play and lose the advantage of the opposition's disorganisation for defence.

It was a pity that it came to extra time, never mind a penalty shoot-out, but the sense of achievement this time around might give the lads the extra confidence to go further next time round, both in the World Cup and in the European championship in two years' time.

Subject: RE: BS: Irelands World Cup Part 2
From: GUEST
Date: 17 Jun 02 - 11:20 AM

From to-days Irish News, Mick McCarthy stated that the Irish team practised penalties leading up to the Spanish game, he also said that "practising penalties is garbage, I saw one of the best players who i`ve seen over the last couple of years, Mendieta, scuff a penalty and he`s one of the best strikers i`ve ever seen". Enough said. We are not blaming the players that had the misfortune to miss, rather we would prefer to heap praise on a wonderful team effort. Ard Mhacha.

Subject: RE: BS: Irelands World Cup Part 2
From: GUEST,Ard Mhacha.
Date: 17 Jun 02 - 10:32 AM

Nonsense, it makes no difference, penalty kick taking is pot luck, the greatest players in the World have failed at penalty kicks Maradona is one I can think off off hand and two of the Spanish players also failed. Don`t blame the lads that missed, and Wolfgang the Irish team are a small side in comparsion to the Germans and Cameroon teams, lighter men always last the pace and the Irish are a small side, with loads of courage. Ard Mhacha.

Subject: RE: BS: Irelands World Cup Part 2
From: Wolfgang
Date: 17 Jun 02 - 10:30 AM

The English were known for never practising penalties in the old times (Hoddle) and never did win on penalties accordingly. That is one of the things that has changed with the new coach. Perhaps they can show it.

Wolfgang

Subject: RE: BS: Irelands World Cup Part 2
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 17 Jun 02 - 10:05 AM

Well the Spanish penalty taking was at least as troubled. Having a penalty saved is one thing, and is mostly just a matter of luck, but missing the goalmouth is another thing.

As I've heard it about the only team that seriously practices penalty shootouts are said to be the Germans. I'd advise the Americans to try a bit of that before Friday.

Subject: RE: BS: Irelands World Cup Part 2
From: Wolfgang
Date: 17 Jun 02 - 09:59 AM

Brilliant, great performance of Ireland? Depends on what you look at. I agree in many but not all aspects. What I have seen as great in the Irish team was the physical strength and the fighting spirit and the will to win. The longer the game, the more the Irish have dominated.

What was weak was what they made out of the domination of the game. The percentage of chances they turn into goals is too low. And the scoring from the penalty point was lousy. They set a new world record for failed penalties in world cups. No other team before ever failed four penalties in a world cup match. Some of the penalties were just extremely weak shots.

I wonder if penalty shooting has been exercised by the Irish team.

Wolfgang

Wolfgang

Subject: RE: BS: Irelands World Cup Part 2
From: Hrothgar
Date: 17 Jun 02 - 06:26 AM

Sad, sad, sad.

But they won lots of brownie points for the way they played.

Subject: RE: BS: Irelands World Cup Part 2
From: Declan
Date: 17 Jun 02 - 06:11 AM

If you'd been in my local pub in Dublin last night, you'd have sworn we'd won the game - it was crazy. I'd hate to see what it would have been like if we had won.

While I'm obviously disapointed with the result, it was a great performance. We have a lot to be proud of in this team and a lot to look forward to.

There are some reports today that Mick McCarthy has signed a new contract to manage the team through to the Euro 2004 championships and I, for one, am delighted with this news.

Subject: RE: BS: Irelands World Cup Part 2
From: Mikey joe
Date: 17 Jun 02 - 05:00 AM

Comhgairdeageas Ireland. and thanks for a great few weeks.

Mj

Subject: RE: BS: Irelands World Cup Part 2
From: alison
Date: 16 Jun 02 - 09:08 PM

awwwwwwww.... so close........ they played brilliantly
I liked the way the whole team linked arms to stand and watch the penalties....... damn shame someone had to lose...


slainte

alison

Subject: RE: BS: Irelands World Cup Part 2
From: Escamillo
Date: 16 Jun 02 - 06:18 PM

A pint of Guinness for the Irish team. A great game. The world cup is always cruel, but the spirit of sport held so high is comforting to all of us. See you in 2006 !

Un abrazo - Andrés (still crying for Argentina)

Subject: RE: BS: Irelands World Cup Part 2
From: The Walrus
Date: 16 Jun 02 - 05:56 PM

I hold no brief for Ireland and I'm not much of a footie fan, but I watched the game with my heart beating fifteen to the dozen, I honestly thought the Irish lads had had it, despite a magnificent effort, until that last minute goal, then, for much of extra time, the game seemed theirs, there were times when Ireland seemed to be the only team playing to win. To lose a match like that on penalties is heart wrenching for the players and the fans alike. Well played Ireland ! Will some kind 'Catter please raise a glass in honour of the Irish team for me [1] (regrettably, I'm still sworn off for another week) or at least consider a cyber pint raised to their performance.

Regards

Walrus

[1] I know that it's a hardship, but I'm sure someone might might be willing...

Subject: RE: BS: Irelands World Cup Part 2
From: Bullfrog Jones
Date: 16 Jun 02 - 05:56 PM

I was listening on the radio at a football tournament my son's team (Stony Stratford Under-14s) was playing in.
Too bad -- it sounded like Ireland were all over Spain in extra time and penalties is a cruel way to go, but they do so with great credit and heads held high.
By the way, my son's team qualified as best runners-up, won their semi-final on penalties and won the final (against a team who'd beaten them earlier in the day) with an Irish-style last minute goal. Go Stony!
BJ

Subject: RE: BS: Irelands World Cup Part 2
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 16 Jun 02 - 02:33 PM

I had a few pints watching the game lunchtime, and will have a few more this evening. I raise my glass to a team which tried so hard, and were frustrated in the last minutes. It was lovely to see them get so far... but still disappointing.

Cheers lads; No Shame; You dun great!

Subject: RE: BS: Irelands World Cup Part 2
From: catspaw49
Date: 16 Jun 02 - 02:24 PM

I thought so too alanabit......They had the momentum off of that 89:45 goal and Spain was just barely hanging on.......but Spain deserves a lot of credit for sucking it up and holding when they had too. It was a REALLY GREAT AND EXCITING GAME......AS I said, it's a shame that both can't move on after playing so well and with so much heart. Great stuff!!!

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Irelands World Cup Part 2
From: alanabit
Date: 16 Jun 02 - 02:16 PM

The Irish were great. I thought they were going to win in the first period of extra time.

Subject: RE: BS: Irelands World Cup Part 2
From: GUEST
Date: 16 Jun 02 - 02:10 PM

To the tune of 'Yellow Submarine'

We all dream of a team of Gary Breens.
A team of Gary Breens.
A team of Gary Breens.

(verse)
Number One is Gary Breen,
and Number Two is Gary Breen.
Number Three is Gary Breen,
and Number Four is Gary Breen.
(repeat chorus etc.)

Subject: RE: BS: Irelands World Cup Part 2
From: Deskjet
Date: 16 Jun 02 - 01:59 PM

Must agree with guest regarding Gary Breen. Prior to tournament I regarded him as our weakest link. He played wonderfully well throughout. My hat is off to him and all the rest of the players. Well done.

Subject: RE: BS: Irelands World Cup Part 2
From: Linda Kelly
Date: 16 Jun 02 - 01:31 PM

You was robbed! Some great performances by Duff and Quinn -so near and yet so far. I felt the whole team commanded our respect for the way they have handled themselves.

Subject: RE: BS: Irelands World Cup Part 2
From: GUEST
Date: 16 Jun 02 - 01:29 PM

Great sadness here in Armagh but I am far from being sad, a great performance from the Irish. We were undefeated and with a wee bit more luck we would have been there. Duff is well up there with the Worlds best and some of our players played well above themselves, notably Gary Breen who starred. Give them a hell of a welcome in Dublin next Tuesday, and good luck to Spain. Ard Mhacha.

Subject: RE: BS: Irelands World Cup Part 2
From: catspaw49
Date: 16 Jun 02 - 10:15 AM

Sorry Friends.....But it was one helluva' match and a real shame that both teams can't advance. Spain was literally hanging by their toenails through the extra time and I really thought Ireland would score. I can't imagine what the scene was like in the pubs over there......Helluva' match.

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Irelands World Cup Part 2
From: bradfordian
Date: 16 Jun 02 - 10:13 AM

Sooooo close. But you can't go around missing penalties. Well done lads but goodbye.

Subject: RE: BS: Irelands World Cup Part 2
From: catspaw49
Date: 16 Jun 02 - 09:56 AM

Sweet Jesus what a game this one is.........early by Spain and at 89:45 for Ireland and now at 116 minutes it's a kick-ass contest! Could go either way.....both are playing hard in the extra time.

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Irelands World Cup Part 2
From: An Pluiméir Ceolmhar
Date: 14 Jun 02 - 07:57 AM

Lady McMoo is already tasked with convincing the programme coordinator that approximately 80% of the potential audience won't hear a note if we have to play during the match.

Let's do a deal with him: reorganise the programme, and the first tune we play, immediately after Ireland have won, is "The Fields of Athenry", to get the punters out of the TV room.

Subject: RE: BS: Irelands World Cup Part 2
From: mooman
Date: 14 Jun 02 - 07:32 AM

Exactly what I was thinking myself Mikey joe!

Slainte

mooman

Subject: RE: BS: Irelands World Cup Part 2
From: Mikey joe
Date: 14 Jun 02 - 07:24 AM

I'd advise you to rearrange time mooman. It could be disasterous. Have it after. the craic will be fierce if we win and you can cheer them up if we lose