High spirits as the Irish hold out for a hero
IT was classic Martin O’Neill. a clumsy joke. a serious point. The message — don’t dare write us off.
The Republic of Ireland boss can sometimes wear the look of a man facing the firing squad without a blindfold when it comes to sharing his pre-game thoughts.
But, on the eve of tonight’s world Cup play-off against Denmark, he was relaxed, mischievous even.
He had already conceded that his side is not blessed with goals or grace when it was put to him that, once again, Ireland would have to rely on fighting spirit if they are to make it to Russia.
‘I would hope that it is something that is innate in the country but some of the people facing me now would suggest that is not the case,’ said O’Neill, taking aim at those who have criticised him and his team in recent months. ‘By the way, that was a joke, a poor joke. I didn’t see anyone laughing. But I think the players have fantastic spirit and that can overcome a number of hurdles.’
During the course of a qualifying campaign which has been functional as opposed to fun, O’Neill has become irked at some of the judgements about his team. He would certainly argue they are exceeding their natural talents under his charge. and he is right.
Ireland are one home win away from their first world Cup in 16 years. They have a squad of 23 players with only eight from the Premier League and were fourth seeds in their group. To be here, then, is already a victory of sorts. O’Neill isn’t here to wow the audience. He is here bidding to become the first manager since Jack Charlton to take Ireland to successive major tournaments. He will do that however he sees fit.
‘Even really top- quality Ireland sides have not been able to score goals,’ he said.
‘You have Robbie Keane out on his own (68 goals) and the next person to him is someone who might have forced a corner!
‘we find everything tough, it’s the nature of us. we don’t have all the skills that maybe other nations have.
‘It would be lovely to have a prolific goalscorer that you can turn to. But if you don’t have that, you have to find other ways and that’s what we’ve had to do.
‘It’s shame that, when I came in, Robbie Keane was the same age as me! But there is a terrific spirit in the camp — a never-say-die spirit. we have to find that one more time.’
another goalless draw will see extra time and then penalties. David Meyler sat alongside O’Neill in the press conference yesterday and was asked if he would take a spot-kick. ‘Yes,’ he replied, simply.
Had he taken them before? ‘Yes.’ are you confident? ‘Yes.’
O’Neill interjected: ‘ and he’s missed.’ Cue laughter.
If the Irish mood was lighthearted, you would say the vibe from the Danes was one of extreme confidence. Have they, like the Irish, practised penalties?
‘No,’ said manager age Hareide. ‘we won’t need them.’
It was then that a statement from Meyler was passed on to him.
The Hull midfielder had said: ‘I only see one outcome, I think Ireland are going to the world Cup. I don’t think anyone will stand in our way. Denmark are a very good team, but they don’t have the char- acter and the heart and the desire that we have.’
Hareide was not impressed. ‘ My thought is that, with a quote like that, he doesn’t know the players. They play all across Europe and you don’t get that far without heart and bravery.’
The Denmark boss is a former team-mate of O’Neill’s at Manchester City and Norwich City. Not that he is a fan of the tactics employed by his old friend.
‘They just want us to make a mistake,’ he said. ‘That’s OK, but I haven’t got the patience to play like that. we will try to attack and score a goal. a 1-1 draw would be enough. we only have to score one goal to get to a world Cup, that is a fantastic opportunity which we have to take.’
One goal might yet be enough for Ireland, too. and how O’Neill would love that.