We waited a long time for an Irish performance in soccer. When it arrived again it disappointed. Once again our hearts and expectation have been teased and dumped. Against Italy we had it in the bag losing out to a last minute equaliser. We were dashed but thankful of a play off place. The journey could continue.
On Saturday the teams performance was outstanding for the first half. We had belief at half time. This was it this was our moment again. We were back, back to the good old days. For the first time in a long time we looked like a team. But like all good things in Ireland at present it did not last. Graeme Souses remarked that France had another gear.
As Ireland failed with fatigue, France notched it one only half a gear and took the spoils. Anelkas deflected shot was cruel to us all. Ireland persevered and had their chances to get a draw. But it was not to be, the old days still a distant memory.
The playoffs are about letting the best teams go to the World Cup. France is the better team without doubt. For Ireland to go to Paris and win is a big ask. For fourth five minutes we had France, we had bravery, commitment and passion but no direct skill, not world class player to change the game. France had Anelka, Henry. For team in apparently in disarray with their manager, France showed us passion means noting, to win its about skill and so it was.
For Ireland now face a trip to Paris. Last time they got a draw, this time they must win. To do so Ireland need to go out all guns blazing, get a goal within the first thirty minutes. If they manage that then who knows, but fitness might undo Ireland again as it did on Saturday. Extra time could kill Ireland’s hopes in Paris, and to ask Ireland to score twice is a stretch too far.
Irish fans have been hurt to many times to get their hopes up. But another summer without World Cup football will be the final nail in the coffin.
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