Under-21s can bounce back

If they renamed the European Under-21 Championships the ‘Friendly Cup’ or the ‘Warm-up before the Qualifiers Trophy’, Don Givens’ side would be the undisputed kings of the continent.

Renowned for their ability to claim the most unlikely of wins against the toughest opponents in non-competitive games, the Irish have tended to collapse once the heat of a qualification campaign has been turned on.

And that was the case once again earlier this year when the mighty Spain came to Waterford and were sent packing by a Jay O’Shea-inspired Ireland, just four days before Group 2 kicked-off with the visit of Turkey to Cork.

Spirits were high going into the Turner’s Cross clash but once again it was a case of individual errors letting down an otherwise strong team performance.

We had seen it so often in the previous campaign, where Givens’ side enjoyed good possession against the likes of England only to lose out to poor goals and lack the cutting edge up-front to score any of their own.

The Turks were 2-0 up before half-time and they grabbed another in the second-half.

So the Irish were down and out after just one game? It seemed that way until the last series of games anyway.

Tonight’s opponents Georgia lost 2-0 in Estonia, where four days later Ireland were desperately unlucky to only come away with a 1-1 draw (they hit the woodwork at least three times).

Then the former Soviet state thrashed Turkey 4-0 – blasting Group 2 wide open and pushing Ireland right back into contention ahead of the upcoming double-header.

Givens’ side face Georgia tonight in Tallaght Stadium and Switzerland, who have already lost at home to Estonia, in Waterford next Tuesday evening. Six points is certainly a possibility and two wins would fire the Irish right back into the qualification picture.

Ireland are 1/2 to win tonight, while a 2-1 scoreline at 7/1 looks a decent bet.

Categories: Soccer