5 Jun.

Republic of Ireland at UEFA Euro 2016 | Stats and Squad.

Rep. of Ireland against all odds

The first part of Rep. of Ireland’s mission is done. The Green Army secured their place at UEFA Euro 2016. Martin O’Neill’s players were in a very tough group, alongside with the teams of Germany, Poland, Scotland, Georgia and the underdogs Gibraltar. Ireland showed really impressive performance, winning a game against the World champions Germany, and ending with a draw against them in the visit to Gelsenkirchen. Moreover, The Green Army lost only 2 matches in the qualifying campaign. But, eventually they had to take part in the playoffs to find their place in the Euro 2016. A victory and a draw in the 2-legs battle against Bosnia-Herzegovina sent the Irish team at the European Championship.

Chronologically, Republic of Ireland qualified for their first European championship in 1988. But, in 1964 The Green Army reached the quarterfinals, which were part of the qualifying campaign. The Irish team managed to eliminate Iceland and Austria, before being smashed by Spain (7-1 on aggregate), who eventually won the title. However, Rep. of Ireland were eliminated in the group stage of Euro 1988, but they recorded an incredible 1-0 victory against England in their debut game of the tournament. Houghton found the net with a magnificent header in the 6th minute. Then, The Green Army recorded a 1-1 draw against the Soviet Union, but lost the third match (0-1) against the host nation Holland. The last participation for Rep. of Ireland at European championship was in 2012, when The Green Army were defeated on three occasions in the group stage, conceding 9 and scoring just 1 goal.

But, The Green Army are more successful at World Cup tournaments. They have taken part in 3 competitions (1990, 1994 and 2002). Their most successful result is reaching the quarterfinals in 1990. After 3 draws (against England, Holland and Egypt) in the group stage of the tournament, The Green Army found their place at the Round of 16 as the second best team in their group. A penalty drama against Romania sent them into the quarterfinals, where the Irish team was defeated by Italy. But, 4 years later The Green Army beat Italy 1-0 in the group stage of 1994 Word Cup in the USA. Eventually, the Irish team reached the Round of 16 twice (1994 and 2002).

The Squad:

Goalkeepers: Shay Given, Darren Randolph, Keiren Westwood.
Defenders: Cyrus Christie, Richard Keogh, John O’Shea, Stephen Ward, Seamus Coleman, Shane Duffy, Ciaran Clark, Robbie Brady.
Midfielders and Forwards: Aiden McGeady, David Meyler, Jeff Hendrick, Stephen Quinn, James McCarthy, Glenn Whelan, Jonathan Walters, Wes Hoolahan, James McClean, Daryl Murphy, Shane Long, Robbie Keane (captain).

Rep. of Ireland matches at the Euro 2016:

13/06/16 | Rep. of Ireland vs. Sweden | Stade de France (Paris)
18/06/16 | Belgium vs. Rep. of Ireland | Stade Matmut-Atlantique (Bordeaux)
22/06/16 | Italy vs. Rep. of Ireland | Stade Pierre-Mauroy (Villeneuve d’Ascq)

Even though Robbie Keane has received a calf injury, the captain of Rep. of Ireland was included in the squad for the Euro 2016. However, Keane should be very helpful even if he is not on the pitch. He is one of the most experienced players in Ireland’s squad, alongside with John O’Shea and Shay Given. The main problem for Rep. of Ireland seem to be the goalkeeper’s position, because both, Given and Randolph, don’t seem to be in their best form.

“We will have to play very, very strongly in the match. It’s a big game for us. Ibrahimovic is a terrific footballer and, there’s no question about it, a talisman of Sweden. But they have got some other very fine players playing as well, so it’s a tough game for us. But we want to make it as ough as possible for them.” Martin O’Neill