"Something that you feel will find its own form"

Destination: Poland-Ukraine 2012

The reaction to Ireland’s qualification group for the European Championships in 2012 has been one of relief, with the draw widely regarded as being considerably kinder than it might otherwise have been. Top seeds Russia, who fell short of World Cup qualification after a shock playoff defeat to Slovenia, are no Spain or Italy, and inspirational manager Guus Hiddink’s decision not to renew his contract will have come as a major boost to Giovanni Trapattoni. Slovakia, who will compete in their first World Cup this summer, are a competitive and technically proficient outfit who have improved hugely since Ireland last met them in 2007. Nonetheless, considering that Pot 2 also included Serbia, Greece and Switzerland, the Slovaks are fairly regarded as the lesser of all evils. FYR Macedonia, Armenia and Andorra, ranked 64th, 103rd and 202nd in the world respectively, have been treated, rather dismissively, as guaranteed six-pointers. However, our head-to-head record against these sides should temper any wild flights of optimism.

Russia

The relief at having drawn Russia as top seed was, you suspect, more about having avoided the likes of Spain and Germany rather than any real confidence that we might actually finish ahead of Messrs Arshavin and co. Once the dust has settled, our record against the Russians ought to give us pause for thought. The teams last met at Lansdowne Road in 2003, with a frustrating 1-1 draw denying Ireland the win they needed to stay in the reckoning for top spot. The previous September in Moscow had proven a grim affair, with calamitous defending resulting in a 4-2 defeat for the Irish and hastening Mick McCarthy’s resignation some weeks later. Continue reading →