Euro 2012- Ireland V Croatia Preview

Ireland V Croatia- Preview

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It's fair to say that Giovanni Trapattoni's Ireland side were not expected to get to the Euros. Their group looked relatively easy on paper, Russia were the only clear heavyweights, but Ireland did struggle against some of the lesser sides at times. They struggled at home against Macedonia and Slovakia, most notably. Yet under "Trap" as he is known by the Irish faithful, Ireland have become quite a resolute side. In the 2 campaigns he has presided over (2010 World Cup Qualification and Euro 2012 qualification), Ireland have only lost two games. They lost to France in Dublin during their World Cup playoff, and to Russia in the Aviva Stadium. Both games were lost by a solitary goal. They did look outclassed in both matches (Russia raced to a 3 nil lead before Ireland clawed 2 goals back) they still managed to stay competitive. In what is quite a tough group, Ireland will need to harness their ability to stay in the game if they are to achieve success.

Ireland are going to field the following team: Given; O'Shea, St Ledger, Dunne, Ward; Duff, Whelan, Andrews, McGeady; Doyle, Keane

Ireland will line up in a 4-4-2 formation ad they have done throughout Trapattoni's tenure. This will likely cause them problems throughout the tournament, and Croatia will also cause some problems. With their formation, Ireland are often left short in midfield, the majority of teams in the current era operate with 3 or more in the middle of the park. It puts a lot of pressure on both Whelan and Andrews as well as the centre backs, who may have to deal with an oncoming midfielder and a troublesome striker. Slaven Billic, Croatia manager, is somewhat flexible in his formations, he is known to operate 4-1-3-2, 4-2-3-1 or the classic 4-4-2. Croatia play good attacking football, but this can often be part of their down fall Croatia, have lacked a decent defensive midfielder since the retirement of Niko Kovac and at times, Croatia can get overran in midfield. In attack, they can be breath taking. Luka Modric is a name all Premier League fans will know, the Tottenham man, is a fantastic playmaker with the ability to grab a few goals. Darijo Srna, the right sided midfielder or wing back, is electrifying going forward and is also a decent defender, Damien Duff and Stephen Ward will have to keep a close eye on the wideman. Vedran Corluka is one of the more recognisable names of the Croatian defence. He spent 3 seasons at Tottenham before going on loan to Bayern Leverkusen this year. He could end up filling in at centre back but he is traditionally a left or right back. Croatia's defence isn't great, in a group containing Greece (not exactly attacking!), Latvia, Malta, Israel and Georgia (Latvia, Malta and Israel are quite poor, Georgia are improving but still quite weak), Croatia conceded 7 goals. They finished second in their group .Croatia also came through the playoffs to get to the Championships, beating Turkey on their way to Poland. They showed signs of improvement in the playoffs though, beating Turkey 3-0 over two legs.

In attack, Nikica Jelavic has been very good for Everton, since arriving from Rangers, in January. Ivica Olic was a big loss for Croatia, he has been a solid performer for them during the last few years. Mario Mandzukic could well start in his place, the Wolfsburg player had an impressive year grabbing 12 goals and notching 7 assists. Eduardo da Silva, formerly of Arsenal, is also travelling. He scored 3 times during qualification and also scored in a friendly last week. Nikola Kalinic, formerly of Blackburn Rovers replaced Olic, he could also prove a handful if given game time. It seems likely that Jelavic and Mandzukic are the starters, and St.Ledger (a Championship defender) will find it tough as will Richard Dunne, who missed a large chunk of last season with a broken collar bone.



Ireland are relatively strong defensively, they too conceded 7 goals in qualifying. However, Ireland's group contained Russia, who romped to victory over Czech Republic in their opening fixture in the tournament on a scoreline of 4-1. Slovakia, 2010 World Cup finalists were also in the group and Armenia, who proved to be somewhat of a surprise package were also contenders, finishing above Slovakia. Andorra and Macedonia were also in the group. While Ireland don't concede many goals, they do suffer from lapses in concentration, most notably against Andorra when they gave away a very soft goal. Against teams of the calibre of Croatia (not to mention Spain and Italy) they could get caught out. Some criticise Trapattoni for not selecting Séamus Coleman. The Everton player can play right back or right wing and he more than held his own for Everton this year. John O'Shea, Sunderland Captain, would then be able to move in to centre back, where he tended to play for Sunderland more often than not.






Ireland rely on Robbie Keane heavily for goals, and while he is declining, he is still a key man. Keane won't do a lot around the park (you may see him pointing and shouting however) but he does seem to do well from the few chances he gets. Keane grabbed 5 of Ireland's goals in the Qualifying group and also netted two in the playoff against Estonia.

Richard Dunne is a stalwart at the back for Ireland. His most notable performance in the group came against Russia, he made an amazing goal line clearance, and gave the Russian attackers a tough time all game.He also made several key blocks Dunne took a nasty cut to the face and continued to play on until he was ordered to by the ref. Dunne notched a goal in qualifying too and he is a decent target from set pieces.


To paraphrase what Luka Modric said in a press conference early in the week, "it is a crucial game for both sides" Ireland will need a result here to keep their chances alive in the group. Croatia are more likely to cause an upset against either Italy or Spain. Both sides will more than likely be fighting for 2nd rather than 1st in the group. 3 points from the first game would be a great start when 4 should earn the runners up spot. Croatia are deservingly favourites, but don't rule out the Irish. I think a 1-1 draw will be the outcome but share with us your thoughts and opinions on how the game will turn out.

http://v2journal.com/ireland-v-croatia-preview.html

Good stuff...looking forward to the game and best of luck

I think we need all the luck we can get!

Here's a tactical layout of how the Irish side will perform in Poznan this evening, Aidan McGeady in particular seems to be doing the usual

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