Ireland aim for Euro redemption after 2012 fiasco

Walters is the essence of Irish spirit

DUBLIN, May 25, (RTRS): A stunning home victory over world champions Germany in qualifying suggested a rejuvenated Ireland side could cause the sort of upset in France that would banish memories of their woeful Euro 2012 campaign.

Drawn with Sweden, Belgium and Italy in Group E this time, the Irish will be confident of containing Zlatan Ibrahimovic in their opening game and giving themselves a good shot at making the knockout stages.

A stuttering qualifying campaign exploded into life when striker Shane Long latched on to a long ball in the home game against Germany and smashed in an unstoppable swerving shot, reigniting Irish hopes.

That goal went a long way to restoring the wounded pride of Irish football after a disastrous Euro 2012 in which Giovanni Trapattoni’s team scored once and conceded nine goals as they were humiliated by Croatia, Spain and Italy.

In 2016 qualifying, Ireland took four points off the Germans but defeat by Poland in their final group game sent them to the playoffs, where they comfortably beat Bosnia 3-1 over two legs.

It was all so different from the failed 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign under Trapattoni which heralded the end of the Italian’s reign.

He was replaced by Northern Irishman Martin O’Neill who, together with former Ireland international Roy Keane, was

Jonathan Walters

brought in to breathe fire into the side.

Trapattoni’s ultra-defensive tactics were replaced with a more forceful, pragmatic style in which opponents are harried all over the pitch to grind out results.

Keane, one of Ireland’s greatest players whose demands for the highest standards led to a bust-up and a missed World Cup in 2002, helped O’Neill to recreate the Irish in the image of the tough, battling sides of old.

The rediscovery of the fighting Irish spirit was epitomised by the energy of bustling forward Jonathan Walters but the duo also found room for the creative spark provided by Norwich midfielder Wes Hoolahan, who was marginalised under Trapattoni.

Despite being some of the loudest, most passionate fans in Poland in 2012 the Irish had little to cheer but Euro 2016 will give the side a chance to restore their reputation as a team full of strength, spirit and surprises.

With his two second-leg goals against Bosnia securing Ireland’s spot at Euro 2016, Jonathan Walters illustrated how important he has become since making his debut at the relatively late age of 27.

A journeyman for much of his career, the Stoke striker displays the bustling, allaction style and never-say-die attitude that epitomises Ireland’s rejuvenation under Martin O’Neill and Roy Keane.

“Walters has had a qualifying tournament to remember,” Ireland manager O’Neill told reporters after the 32-yearold played his pivotal role in the playoff victory over Bosnia. “There have been a number of fantastic performances and fantastic performers and I think Walters has topped the lot. He’s been exceptional.”

It is hardly a surprise that Walters has won over O’Neill. He is physically imposing with seemingly boundless energy but, more importantly, he does whatever is necessary for his team.

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