Banjaxed

Wouldn't surprise me if it panned out like this. My confidence in either Ireland or yourselves beating Poland has decreased with every goal Lewandowski has scored. He's so lethal at the moment, I just don't see how either of us will beat them.

Prior to your loss against Georgia, I had genuinely thrown in the towel. But now I think you may have missed the boat though. I just don't see results bouncing your way. I think we'll be beaten by Germany and we'll scrape a draw in Warsaw. I don't think you guys will get the necessary win against Poland. Incidentally, Ireland could very well get a play-off without beating Germany, Poland or Scotland. You're talking about a team who got to the quarter finals of a world cup without beating a single team in 90 minutes. If anyone can get that playoff, we can.

Actually, with the Dutch making an complete shambles of their group, Ireland would be seeded should the Dutch not get into the play offs.

I can't agree with that. If we beat Georgia (which I think we will) and you guys lose to Germany. I can't see you guys beating Poland. Incidentally, Scotland's result against Georgia, proves that both ourselves and you guys are bottlers when it comes to crunch. This group is reminding me of how Ireland qualified for Euro 2012, not due to how good we were but good luck. The implosion of Slovakia (Scotland in this case) back then. We lucked our way into a playoff and drew a terrible Estonia team. I won't complain. But it doesn't sit easy knowing how poorly we've performed in this group.

Worry not Scottish fans. The play off is yours (at least). Ireland have only beaten 2 higher ranked teams in the last 15 years, and both of them were home games. Never mind Germany, history and stats says we won't even beat Poland.

McCarthy is definitely a decent player, and has tonnes of ability...on his day, but he flatters to deceive. Not once have I watched him play for Ireland and thought "thank God we have him in midfield". More often than not he doesn't perform to his potential and games pass him by without his influence. I'd say I'm in the majority of Ireland fans who have been very disappointed with how he's turned out....so far.

Well done, lads. Barring a melt down on your behalf and super human performances from us, the playoff is all but sewn up for you guys. The table reflects the performances so far in the group, so no complaints there.

I think there was a lot between the sides based on the game itself. While you guys did play very well, and you exploited our weaknesses, I feel your dominance in the match was more down to how awful we played and the tactics we employed. Not that we should be playing free flowing football, but on paper, we have a squad of players who easily could playing the exciting football you guys have been. Unlike you guys, we have yet another manager, who when it comes to the crunch, doesn't have complete faith in his player's abilities. Very frustrating as an Irish fan knowing we could be playing so much better.

I concur with this, except if we play like he have been for the majority of the group it will end in a loss.

hey guys, For any Scottish fans in Dublin this eve, you can go see St. Patricks V Limerick for free so long as you're wearing a kilt! The stadium is only 15 mins on the bus from city centre. For anyone who wants there fix of live football, free of charge. http://www.the42.ie/st-patricks-athletic-richmond-park-scotland-fans-kilt-day-2157243-Jun2015 (if someone wants to repost this in a more appropriate thread, then be my guest)

If Wes Hoolahan doesn't play and Ireland hoof a long ball up the field within 30 seconds of kick off, then the match is yours. I don't see a draw. Saturday is either going to be the same old Ireland we've seen in the majority of this campaign, and we'll be beaten by you guys. If the shackles come off, I think we might see a different Ireland. There's a lot riding on this match for the FAI, players, fans and football as a whole in Ireland. If we lose our campaign is effectively over and we don't play a meaningful game again til September 2016. Given the "knock out" nature of the game from our perspective, I wouldn't be surprised to see Ireland produce something special that takes even the home fans by surprise.

Incidentally, you won't be surprised to discover that Hoolahan.... did not play against Georgia, where we were dreadful did not play against Scotland, where we were dreadful did not start against Germany, where we were bad, but came on with 15 mins to go and changed the game for us he did play against Gibraltar, where he ran the game (no achievement there but still) he started last night, and changed the game when in his proper position 30 mins in. O'Neill like Trap has been reluctant to use Hoolahan. But what Wes stands for...ball on the deck, etc, etc...could be what changes things for us in this group.

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Hoolahan started up front. He was moved to midfield 30 mins in which coincided with tide turning Ireland's way for the remainder of the game. Not the Hoolahan is some sort of Zidane by any stretch of the imagination. But his presence dictates Ireland's tempo and he forces Ireland to play a certain way. i.e. not hoof ball