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HANDBALL!!

The morning after the night before. Time seemed to be passing slower than normal. I kept looking at the clock on the bottom right hand corner of my screen. It was almost 11am. ‘What’s bloody taking them so long?’ I pondered. My Microsoft Outlook was in a state of constant refreshment. But, alas finally, they arrived. The first batch of Thierry Henry related e-mails landed in my inbox. After John Terry’s Moscow misery in May of 2008, there were a bucket-full of mails jeering Terry’s misfortune at 8:15am the following morning. Whatever the reason for the delay, we all chuckled heartily at the various images of Henry with giant hands, no hands, and his Wikipedia page being ‘updated’. However the reality was, Ireland were out of the World Cup. Or were they?

It has been a topic on everyone’s lips over the days since Henry’s blatant handball, set up the most controversial goal of the last 23 years. Many people whose interest in football would be considered fleeting at best decided this was a good opportunity to stick their oar in. Taoiseach Brian Cowen said he would discuss a possible replay with French President Nicolas Sarkozy. Today Fm DJ Ray Foley also pushed his weight behind a replay. Bandwagon jumpers of the highest order. Protests outside the French Embassy were in vain.  There was no way back.

Evra: Perspective

Pleads for a re-match were getting a bit embarrassing. French full-back Patrice Evra summed it up with this rather snide, yet humorous comment:

The replay, I’ll do it when you want on a PlayStation.

The truth hurts. Evra really put the whole circus surrounding the replay into perspective. In the real world, this was never going to happen. Rumours surfaced on Sunday morning that the French Football Federation had agreed to a replay, with Raymond Domenach the only stumbling block. And could you really blame him? Relief engulfed Domenach after the final whistle. Would he really want to put himself through a similar 2 hours like he endured last Wednesday night?

His classless reaction was a statement of the kind of individual Domenach is. There seemed to be no attempt to shake his opposing manager’s hand. Then behind the scenes, we saw him share an embrace with Gerard Houliller. The man who master-minded France’s World Cup win in 1998 and Liverpool’s stunning Champions League victory in 2005. Or so he likes to think. Rarely have 2 men so schooled in the art of bluffing been in such close proximity. Somehow, these images managed to infuriate me further after the earlier injustice

The blame for the incident has shifted on a daily, sometimes hourly basis. First Henry himself was the villain. Referee Martin Hansson was next. Then his linesman. Then people remembered the 4 clear-cut chances Ireland had missed in the 103 minutes that proceeded William Gallas heart-breaking equaliser. So Duff, Keane, Doyle and O’Shea were suddenly the guilty parties. Surely McShane should have cleared the ball, or at least noticed that Thierry Henry, he of 300+ career goals had run straight past him. And what of FIFA? Sure was it not their idea to have the draw for the play-offs seeded? And they never put officials behind the goal, like they have done in the Europa League. What is taking so long for themselves and UEFA to get off their arses and finally start using technology to assist referees in their decision making?

Then on Friday, Roy Keane’s weekly rant put a new spin on things: It was Shay Given’s fault. He wouldn’t stand for one of his goalkeepers leaving a ball bounce in the 6-yard box. Not even if there was a blatant offside, and 2 handballs. A classic move from a man who learned how to defect attention away from his own team from 2 old-hands: Alex Ferguson and Brain Clough. As it stands, Ipswich lie 2nd bottom in the Championship, with just 1 win in 17 league games. But nobody was talking about that following his stirring comments,

The answer? It’s possibly a combination of all of the above. It’s a pity that the whole fiasco took the spotlight off the Ireland team that played in Paris that night. They were immense. Not a single member of the starting XI let the side down. Kevin Kilbane has endured a wretched campaign for the most part, but it was his superbly weighted pass that released Damien Duff in behind the French defence to tee up Robbie Keane. Many presumed Kilbane had over-hit the pass. Myself included. It was a goal of great quality. Ireland worked the ball patiently from one side of the pitch to the other, before applying the killer touch. Had France scored a goal of such brilliance, it would have made headlines around the globe. For the right reasons.

Set-pieces were the expected source of Ireland’s goal-scoring threat. Alas, there was more than a hint of irony in the fact they were undone by one, however many infringements there may have been in the lead-up to the French goal. Ireland didn’t manage to win enough frees in dangerous areas over the 2 games to cause problems. John O’Shea’s swing and a miss early in the second half from a free-kick showed how suspect France were from set-pieces. It was certainly an area that could have been exploited more. However, such was goalkeeper Hugo Lloris’ handling and bravery when dealing with crosses and long-balls in the dying stages, it would have taken something special to beat the in-form Lyon stopper.

And what of Henry? Initial reactions reckoned he had ruined his reputation beyond repair. One could argue that one handball could be partially excused, but the second is clearly deliberate. It makes it all the more astonishing that the officials managed to miss it. After his splendidly diplomatic comments on Friday, when the chances of a replay had all but evapourated, he managed to save some face. But not a whole lot.

Henry and Dunne Share a Moment

Henry was at his most patronising best when he chose to sit on the pitch at the final whistle beside devastated Richard Dunne. Many wondered how Dunne had managed to refrain from punching Henry, or at the very least, ignoring him. But Dunne has been around long enough to know how football works. The French captain did what he had to do in order to do what is best for his team. In situations like this, all senses of morality, decency and fair-play go out the window. Winning is all that counts. What lessons must we take from this? Don’t hate the player, hate the game.

Dopo lo strappo, il Trap. Per marcare sempre più la sua diversità ora Gianfranco Fini indossa anche la tuta di allenatore della nazionale. ”L’idea di avere Mario Balotelli ai campionati del mondo, originario del Ghana ma italiano – scrive il magazine della sua fondazione - metterebbe con le spalle al muro chi crede che non si possa indossare la nostra casacca per via di un fatto meramente biologico”.

Dedicato allo staff Irlandese (Trapattoni, Tardelli e Liam Brady) che lamentano il furto di una qualificazione…

L’Italien Giovanni Trapattoni, l’entraineur de l’Eire, qui avait été si gentleman pendant le match de mercredi face à la France (1-1, qualification de la France et but très litigieux de Henry) a réagit de façon rocambolesque ce vendredi.

Effectivement, il y a de quoi avoir d’énormes regrets après la belle performance de l’Eire face à cette Equipe de France absente, sans doute par la pression de l’enjeu. Les Irlandais ont été dominateurs dans le jeu mais incapables de conclure ses occasions face à un grand Hugo Lloris, le gardien des bleus. Tout à bien sûr basculer à la 103eme minute avec un coup franc de Malouda qui atterrit sur la main de Thierry Henry, qui a pu contrôler ce ballon avec « la main de Dieu » en deux temps pour offrir du pied à William Gallas la qualification à la Coupe du Monde 2010.

Trapattoni a affirmé que sa sélection a été victime d’un « meurtre » ! Il poursuivi en disant que « Même une personne aveugle aurait pu voir la double faute de main de Henry. Le juge de touche, comme les images le montrent, était dans l’alignement et avait une vision parfaite. Je suis sûr que M. Hansson a parlé avec le quatrième officiel et avec quiconque suit le ralenti. Pourquoi alors, sachant qu’il avait commis une erreur, n’a-t-il pas corrigé sa décision ? »

Visiblement hors de lui lors de cette interview à la Gazzeta dello Sport, le « Trap » semble atteindre toutes ses critiques à la FIFA. « Je voudrais savoir ce que j’ai fait de mal à Blatter, C’est de la tricherie. Je pense même que Michel Platini, le président de l’UEFA, était contre notre qualification.» Il conclut que la solution serait la vidéo en déclarant « Je pense qu’il est temps de recourir au ralenti pour les cas extrêmes. En 30 secondes, cela permettrait d’éviter des injustices colossales.»

En tout cas, Giovanni Trapattoni semble bel et bien énervé par ce match. Il reste sur le coup de la déception de la manière dont les arbitres n’ont pas effectuer leur travail. Sa colère est grande, énorme même.

Sources: http://www.lequipe.fr/Football/breves2009/20091120_135403_trapattoni-un-meurtre.html

Et http://www.eurosport.fr/football/trapattoni-un-meurtre_sto2128822/flashnews.shtml

Date : 20/11/09

Correcteur: Gido0907

Over the years I’ve had a strange old relationship with Irish Football. I love the sport and I love my country, one would think that meant I was always an avid supporter of the boys in green, but if only things were that simple. My passion for the beautiful game is rooted in the fact that it is just that, beautiful. Having grown up on the Premiership and La Liga and Serie A back in its hayday I’m used to seeing the game in all its glory played by players who love to entertain as much as win.

I’ve genuinely tried to foster some kind of affection for Ireland’s own domestic league. Try as I might, the truth remains that every 90 minute ordeal will inevitably be decided by a deflected handball own goal, leaving your’s truly in a cold sweat and desperately flicking for highlights of El Classico to restore my faith in the game. So I’ve given up on the Irish league, but what about the national side? Im very proud of my Irish heritage and would consider myself relatively patriotic. Besides, you can’t just turn your back on your country because they dont play the most attractive football!

After the highs and lows of Saipan the Republic have struggled to find any sort of direction. Managers like Brian Kerr and Steve Staunton stamped no authority on the team and failed to inject any sort of impetus. The result, failure to qualify World Cup ‘06 or Euro ‘08 and a nation left dejected. For me a sense of resentment grew, I was supporting a team whose game plan was not to let the opposition play rather than outplay them, and it wasn’t working.

The appointment of Geovanni Trapattoni in 2008 sparked curiosity. Here was a manager who must be ranked amongst the best ever and he believed he could take Ireland to the world cup. It was clear from day one that Tap had what Staunton and Kerr lacked, a vision for the team. He knew how he wanted to play and the players he needed to do it, and Ireland started winning. Lets not get carried away here, it was never Champagne football, the Italian’s flare and flamboyance wasn’t replicated by the team’s performance but a rejuvenated sense of pride and passion was clear for all to see. The fans responded and belief was simmering.

The draw was made for the WC 10 qualifiers. Ireland were matched against the World Champions Italy and Bulgaria as well as tricky customers Cyprus who had hurt us in the past, but the Irish fans knew we had a good chance. With leaders like Dunne and Keane as well as warriors in the shape of Doyle, Whelan and Andrews the side was brimming with a dogged determination and a refusal to lose. The football may not have been  the prettiest, but it wasn’t a beauty contest and was gripping to see such pride in the Irish jersey again. Four victories and six draws later we were in the play-offs…against France.

The FIFA play-off ranking system had given Ireland a raw deal. France was a side oozing with class, but a temperamental one that could be beaten. The first leg rolled round and Croke Park was a cauldron of noise. The anticipation was palpable. The performance however, lacked energy and we were undone by a deflection. The score line didn’t signify the end but the performance gave little reason to be optimistic. But, in the face of adversity this Irish team rallied and went to Paris with real belief.

By now my regard for aesthetics had long been forgotten. The courage and spirit of the current squad reignited my love for Irish football. Nobody expected the performance put in on Wednesday, certainly not the French. With ‘nothing to lose’ the Republic threw caution to the wind and really took control of the game. This wasn’t a dogged or resilient showing, it was classy and well organised. Frenetic work rate coupled with slick passing and movement saw Ireland pick the hosts apart on numerous occasions. When one such combination resulted in a fantastic Keane goal on 32 minutes it was no more than they deserved.

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the performance was the refusal of the Irish to sit back. Buoyed by the goal the visitors went in search of the killer second goal. While the game had been inspiring, anxious looks were shared between fans and players alike when Keane, Duff, Doyle and O’ Shea missed good opportunities, one of them really needed to go in.

And then it happened. Extra time and a free kick swung in by Malouda. It seemed to happen in slow motion, the ball inexcusably was allowed travel to back post, the nation collectively held its breath, clenched it’s fists and grinded it’s teeth before an outporing of disgust and rage. It was almost fitting, we had come so far and developed so much, outplayed the French in their own backyard and were thwarted by a goal assisted by an offside and a handball. A nation dejected again, but with no shortage of pride. The love affair continues…

La sentenza emessa questa mattina dalla Fifa non lascia scampo al Trap, derubato nello spareggio a Parigi per andare ai mondiali in Sudafrica 2010, deciso da un gol viziato da un clamoroso fallo di mano di Henry. Nel comunicato si legge: “La Fifa ha risposto alla richiesta fatta dalla Fai (Football Association of Ireland) di rigiocare il match contro la Francia, disputato il 18 novembre a Parigi.  Nella risposta, la Fifa dice che il risultato dell’incontro non può essere cambiato, e quindi il match non si può rigiocare. Come è chiaramente menzionato nel regolamento, durante le partite, le decisioni sono prese dall’arbitro e sono decisioni finali”. Quindi come dire? Prendi e porta a casa, anzi, direi… resta a casa!
Su internet si legge che Thierry Henry potrebbe saltare per squalifica i prossimi mondiali. Secondo il Telegraph, per la Fifa potrebbe essere questa la soluzione per uscire da una situazione abbastanza imbarazzante e Blatter per salvare il salvabile potrebbe chiedere per il francese uno stop tale da fargli saltare l’avventura in Sudafrica.
In difesa dell’attaccante del Barça arrivano però le parole di David Beckham: “Thierry non è un imbroglione. Lo conosco come giocatore e persona, non penso volesse ingannare qualcuno è un vero peccato vedere uscire l’Irlanda, perché ha una grandissima tifoseria, ma sono cose che capitano nel calcio. Anch’io ho giocato partite molto importanti in cui ho fatto cose che, guardando indietro, ho capito che erano sbagliate”.
In Francia intanto fioccano le polemiche. Il ct dei Bleus, Raymond Domenech, risponde piccato a chi invoca quantomeno una richiesta di scuse da parte della squadra transalpina: “In campo non ho visto il fallo di mano. Poi ho visto le immagini ed è stato un errore dell’arbitro. Per me questo è il calcio, non significa imbrogliare e non capisco perché dovremmo chiedere scusa ai miei occhi, la qualificazione si è giocata nella partita d’andata, cosa che sembra essere stata dimenticata. Non sopporto questo tipo di moralismo anche se capisco la rabbia degli irlandesi, anch’io al loro posto avrei gridato allo scandalo ma non faremo harakiri perché l’arbitro ha sbagliato. Sono cose che capitano”. Il Presidente della Repubblica francese, Nicolas Sarkozy, rispondendo ai colleghi irlandesi ha chiesto di rimanere fuori dalla vicenda, ma sono stati i membri stessi del suo Governo a contraddirlo: il ministro dell’Economia, Christine Lagarde, si è detta favorevole alla ripetizione della partita: “Sono ovviamente molto felice per la qualificazione ai mondiali ma è triste averlo fatto con un imbroglio – ha detto - penso che la Fifa dovrebbe rivedere le regole perché forse sarebbe bene in simili circostanze, decidere di rigiocare”.
Mi chiedo se questo Mr Henry, sa che ha macchiato la sua esistenza per tutta la sua prossima vita? E probabilmente anche il suo ricordo. È possibile che in questa società si vive sulla slealtà? È proprio impossibile aprire una propria corretta coscienza? Nella dignità umana e nel rispetto verso il prossimo? Che in questo caso è una nazione intera: l’Irlanda, ma aggiungerei anche per tutti gli sportivi e appassionati di calcio. L’accaduto ha poi superato l’indecenza vedendo nelle immagini il giocatore francese esultare dopo la realizzazione del goal, dopo aver prima stoppato la palla da giocatore di basket, per poi dargli un altro colpetto di mano per sistemarla nella posizione giusta per effettuare l’assist perfetto. Ma non solo! Dobbiamo leggere dichiarazioni da parte del giocatore francese e dell’allenatore della Francia, che chi ha sbagliato è stato l’arbitro a non vedere! E loro non sono imbroglioni! Quindi rimane la morale che per questi soggetti umani, è normale essere anti sportivi e sleali, che tutto è lecito finché non si viene scoperti.
In conclusione, lo sport sta rispecchiando quello che è la base della società civile, se un cittadino o uno sportivo è marcio, è solo perché la base della nostra società è marcia. E molti si uniformano a quella base. Ma che gli raccontate ai vostri figli? Oppure è talmente divenuta una prassi che è diventato anche un modo di essere?
Concludo con le parole di Marco Tardelli, vice allenatore dell’Irlanda del Trap, in un intervento telefonico a Dahlia Sport. “Il fair play non si può insegnare. Questo non è più sport. Purtroppo il calcio sta diventando un gioco politico. Abbiamo fatto un’ottima gara, il gol era da annullare, meritavamo perlomeno di tentare i rigori”, ha detto ancora il braccio destro di Trapattoni, “amareggiato” per il risultato del match. “Un arbitro avrebbe dovuto almeno fermare il gioco e chiedere ad Henry se avesse toccato la palla con le mani, sarebbe stato doveroso. Credo che Henry avrebbe confermato. Comunque in quel momento non ha pensato di farlo. Ha pensato che tutti i giocatori e gli allenatori fossero deficienti”, ha aggiunto. Alla domanda se la Fifa secondo lui volesse laFrancia ai Mondiali piuttosto che l’Irlanda, Tardelli ha risposto: “Ci sono alcune cose che mi sono sembrate strane. Ad esempio hanno cambiato le regole del sorteggio per gli spareggi tre mesi prima, quando alcune squadre erano in difficoltà. Siamo stati l’unica squadra non testa di serie ad aver giocato l’andata in casa”.

Ufficialmente scandalizzati, intimamente compiaciuti. La mano che Thierry Henry ha dato alla sua Francia portandola ai mondiali agita ancora le prime pagine dei quotidiani e le penne degli opinionisti italiani che finalmente, scrivendo quant’è cattivo il vicino transalpino, possono implicitamente assolvere tutte le furbate italiche, calcistiche e non.

Sul Corsera, ad esempio, Beppe Severgnini, si chiede: “E se Henry fosse stato Cassano? Se la frase il gol può non essere valido ma ce lo prendiamo l’avesse pronunciata Fabio Cannavaro invece di Sebastien Squillaci? Se fosse stata l’Italia a qualificarsi in modo sleale ai Mondiali cosa ci avrebbero detto? Risposta facile: di tutto, come al solito. Anzi: un po’ più del solito”.

Tony Damascelli, sul Giornale, parole diverse, identica sostanza: “Visto che siamo in Francia, Paese di formaggi (da ieri anche le bufale), rifugiati politici, champagne e letterati, si potrebbe citare Jean Paul Sartre e Le mani sporche. Qualsiasi riferimento a monsieur Thierry Henry è voluto al cento per cento”.

Su Repubblica un amarcord rievoca tutte le mani di dio, da Piola a Maradona, sottolineando però la nostra superiorità morale già dal titolo “Ma De Rossi confessò subito”, un gol in schiacciata al Messina nel 2003.

Come si suol dire, l’elenco potrebbe continuare a lungo. Ci fermiamo alla Stampa e a Massimo Gramellini, che sintetizza l’articolo nel titolo (Il mani-gol-do) e offre, credo, le due considerazioni più lucide: “La prima: per un giorno o due noi italiani ci sentiremo migliori dei francesi – più onesti e sinceri. E loro, per un giorno o due, abbasseranno lo sguardo senza sbrodolare il consueto disprezzo dalle labbra. La seconda riguarda l’ipocrisia di certi giudizi. Se Henry avesse rincorso l’arbitro e ammesso la sua colpa, non credo proprio che lo stadio – noto consesso di galantuomini – lo avrebbe salutato con un’ovazione. Più probabile che il reprobo sarebbe stato inseguito fino all’ambasciata d’Irlanda, dove si sarebbe affrettato a chiedere asilo politico (…) il fascino del calcio sta nella sua imperfezione e continua disonestà, così simili a quelle della vita. Ma allora la smettano di fare prediche moraliste, pretendendo da un affare che muove montagne di soldi quell’etica che sarebbe ostico rintracciare anche in una transazione fra poveracci.”.

Torniamo ad aggiornare questo blog. E lo facciamo parlando di sport. Di vero sport. Di quando lo sport è esempio (positivo e negativo).
Chi ha visto ieri sera la partita di calcio tra Francia e Irlanda, a Parigi, cioè il ritorno dei play-off per la qualificazione ai mondiali del Sudafrica, ha avuto la conferma che la nazionale guidata da Trapattoni si meritasse un posto. Più dei francesi che, secondi dietro l’Italia nel 2006, hanno particolarmente deluso in quanto a prestazioni.
Il calcio, come tutti sanno, ha una regola non scritta: la palla è rotonda, e non sempre la squadra che merita di vincere, vince. Tuttavia finché la sconfitta accade per caso fortuito, si può sorvolare: succede.
Quando invece la sconfitta accade perché un arbitro (dolosamente o colposamente, non lo sapremo mai, ma Calciopoli ha insegnato che può essere anche dolosamente) non vede un chiaro fallo di mano e convalida un gol invalido, l’unica reazione che si può avere è quella di incazzarsi terribilmente.

Il Trap, invece, ha cercato di mantenere la calma ai microfoni di Rte, come si può vedere da questo video:

Spiace vedere eliminata una squadra che ha giocato così bene, spiace ancora di più che ciò avvenga per colpa di un errore arbitrale. Con Michel Platini, francese, a capo dell’Uefa, oggi pensano tutti male. E del resto, nella cronaca ospitata dal sito ufficiale dell’Uefa, non una parola sul fallo di mano di Henry. E questo mentre invece i giornali francesi (su carta e online) continuano a scrivere di vergognarsi della qualificazione.

Ora gli sportivi veri dovrebbero sperare che la Francia perda tutte le partite del mondiale e se ne vada a casa anzitempo. E’ il minimo. Ma si potrebbe fare anche qualcosa d’altro. Ad esempio: tutte le squadre che giocheranno contro la Francia da qui al 2010 (mondiali compresi), potrebbero far indossare una fascia tricolore irlandese in testa ai propri giocatori.
La terra d’oltralpe, che sia chiaro, non dovrà dimenticarsi facilmente di questo assurdo regalo antisportivo.
Concludiamo con un altro video. Francia-Irlanda, 2007. I tifosi ospiti cantano l’inno nazionale francese.
Monsieur Platini, è quello visto ieri sera a Parigi il ringraziamento?

Okay. C’est facile. Je vais encore m’en prendre à Raymond Domenech. Mais il met une telle application à se faire haïr…

Quel contraste, mercredi soir, entre les conférences de presse des sélectionneurs de l’Irlande et de la France ! Giovanni Trapattoni a certes déploré que son équipe se soit inclinée sur une main évidentissime de Thierry Henry. Mais le “Trap” n’en pas rajouté des tonnes et ne s’en est même pas pris à l’auteur du geste répréhensible, jugeant que ce n’était pas sa faute si le but avait été accordé. Signor Trappatoni.

De l’autre côté, sieur Raymond a esquivé la question de savoir comment il aurait réagi si les rôles avaient été renversés. Motus. “Ce n’était pas le cas”, a-t-il laconiquement lâché avec l’air teinté de martialité, d’ironie et de dédain qu’on lui connaît dès qu’une conversation devient un peu sérieuse. “Raymond, ressaisis-toi”, comme dirait Roselyne Bachelot.

Il disagio è palpabile oggi tra i media francesi. Tutta colpa di quel gol che manda in Sudafrica i vicecampioni del mondo macchiato dal disonore di una doppia manata del capitano Thierry Henry, che prima festeggia come un ragazzino e poi, a fine partita, va pure a consolare gli irlandesi. Ma la stampa mette sotto accusa anche, anzi, ancora Raymond Domenech, perché la Francia vista pure ieri sera non convince nessuno.

Il primo e più duro affondo arriva dall’Equipe che per l’occasione sposta l’editoriale intitolato “Basso profilo” in prima pagina, con un’impostazione grafica che ricorda molto l’edizione del dopo finale di Berlino, quando il direttore d’allora criticò duramente la testata di Zidane a Materazzi (salvo poi fare marcia indietro il giorno dopo).

Il quotidiano sportivo stavolta confessa il disagio per un gol da annullare e poi spara a zero su Domenech visto che la partita di ieri è stata “catastrofica, conclusione parossistica di 14 mesi di un girone di qualificazione durante i quali i Bleus non sono mai riusciti a esprimere un livello internazionale convincente”. “La questione se bisogna o meno mantenere il c.t. è legittima”, scrive ancora l’Equipe che si chiede anche se Domenech sia davvero l’uomo della situazione.

Gli fa eco l’altro quotidiano calcistico Foot che ignora il risultato di ieri e pone l’interrogativo: “Bisogna tenerlo”. Lui è Domenech. Le Parisien parla di qualificazione “miracolosa” facendo da sponda alla “Mano di Dio” dell’Equipe, e poi spiega che gli “irlandesi meritavano la qualificazione”. Le Figaro scrive invece di “macchia” sul gol della discordia. Solo Libé relativizza nell’edizione redatta interamente da filosofi. Così Robert Maggiori spiega che in fondo quando la posta in gioco è così alta, tutto diventa arte, “un assist per Keane, una parata in extremis di Lloris, una mano di Henry”.

Sarà. Il diretto interessato, che sarà anche il primo Bleus a disputare quattro Mondiali di fila, ieri a fine partita ha ammesso il fallo ricostruendo così l’azione: “Ero dietro due irlandesi, la palla mi finisce sulla mano, continuo a giocare, l’arbitro non fischia. Non sono io l’arbitro”.

E qui sta il nocciolo della questione, come ha spiegato il Trap: “Sono sicuro che se l’arbitro glielo avesse chiesto, Henry avrebbe ammesso di aver toccato il pallone con la mano. Tutti possono commettere gravi errori”. In fondo, anche l’Irlanda ha gettato al vento almeno quattro occasioni incredibili per raddoppiare e chiudere definitivamente i conti.

www.gazzetta.it

da trapattoniano convinto (ma anche se del Trap me ne fregasse poco), da innamorato pazzo dell’Irlanda, da modesto e moderato tifoso di calcio non posso che patire l’ingiusta eliminazione dell’Irlanda dai prossimi campionati mondiali in Sud Africa per mano (mai modo di dire fu più appropriato!) dei francesi dello stizzoso Domenech.

Meno male che ci sono gli altri.

Quante volte commentando i mali dell’Italico paese troviamo sempre qualcuno pronto a tessere le lodi dei nostri vicini che, al nostro confronto, sembrano sempre abitare i Giardini dell’Eden.

Ma si sa che l’italiano è popolo strano, l’unico al mondo che quando va all’estero prova piacere ad insultare il proprio paese (soprattutto quando al governo c’è Berlusconi) autorizzando così gli stranieri a fare altrettanto non sentendosi nemmeno in colpa.

Quando si tratta di calcio poi si raggiunge l’apice dell’ipocrisia: noi siamo i catenacciari, quelli che pensano a distruggere e non a costruire quelli che “non c’è più il numero 10” (che poi Antognoni, Baggio, Del Piero, Totti notoriamente sono di San Marino) noi siamo quelli che simulano, insomma noi siamo i disonesti.

Vedere però i moralizzatori d’oltralpe per eccellenza, ovvero quei francesi che nella loro storia hanno sempre primeggiato nella specialità della “ritirata a passo veloce“, qualificarsi ai mondiali del 2010 con un gol in fuorigioco e di mano, fa quantomeno sorridere.

Come fa sorridere che Trapattoni l’alfiere del calcio spezzagambe abbia fatto giocare l’Irlanda in trasferta in quel di Parigi come il Foggia dei miracoli di Zeman.

Insomma da stasera nel mondo dei disonesti per eccellenza ci sentiamo meno soli ed in più, rispetto agli altri, continuiamo ad avere sempre la pizza, gli spaghetti e il mandolino.

Trei francezi, tot atâţia brazilieni, la care se adaugă câte un belgian, ghanez, englez, bosniac şi olandez: asta e reţeta mea pentru echipa ideală a jucătorilor străini care au îmbrăcat tricoul lui FC Bayern. Ale voastre care sunt? Pentru a vă uşura munca de aducere aminte, am postat mai jos lista (completă?) a stranierilor noştri.

ANGLIA

• Owen Hargreaves (mijlocaş, 1999-2007)

ARGENTINA

• Martin Demichelis (fundaş, 2004-prezent)
• Jose Ernesto Sosa (mijlocaş, 2007-prezent)

AUSTRIA

• Harald Cerny (mijlocaş, 1990-1993)
• Andreas Herzog (mijlocaş, 1995-1996)
• Stefan Maierhofer (atacant, 2005-2007)
• Peter Pumm (fundaş, 1968-1971)
• Daniel Sikorski (atacant, 2005-prezent)
• August Starek (mijlocaş, 1968-1970)

BELGIA

• Robert Dekeyser (portar, 1986-1987)
• Jean-Marie Pfaff (portar, 1982-1988)
• Daniel van Buyten (fundaş, 2006-prezent)

BOLIVIA

• Ramiro Blacut (atacant, 1965-1966)

BOSNIA

• Radmilo Mihajlovici (atacant, 1989-1991)
• Zvjezdan Misimovici (mijlocaş, 2000-2004)
• Hasan Salihamidzici (mijlocaş, 1998-2007) 

BRAZILIA

• Bernardo (mijlocaş, 1991-1992)
• Breno (fundaş, 2008-prezent)
• Giovane Elber (atacant, 1997-2003)
• Jorginho (fundaş, 1992-1995)
• Lucio (fundaş, 2004-2009)
• Mazinho (atacant, 1991-1995)
• Paulo Sergio (atacant, 1999-2002)
• Zé Roberto (mijlocaş, 2002-2006 şi 2007-2009)

BULGARIA

• Emil Kostadinov (atacant, 1995-1996)

CAMERUN

• Louis N’Gwat-Mahop (atacant, 2006-2007)

CEHIA

• David Jarolim (mijlocaş, 1997-2000)
• Ladislav Jirasek (portar, 1950-1952)

COLUMBIA

• Adolfo Valencia (atacant, 1993-1994)

CROAŢIA

• Niko Kovaci (mijlocaş, 2001-2003)
• Robert Kovaci (fundaş, 2001-2005)
• Iviţa Olici (atacant, 2009-prezent)
• Danijel Pranjici (mijlocaş, 2009-prezent)
• Bozidar Sencar (mijlocaş, 1956-1957)
• Zlatko Skorici (portar, 1972-1973)

DANEMARCA

• Johnny Hansen (fundaş, 1970-1976)
• Torben Hansen (atacant, 1973-1974)
• Viggo Jensen (mijlocaş, 1973-1974)
• Brian Laudrup (atacant, 1990-1992)
• Lars Lunde (atacant, 1986-1988)
• Sören Lerby (mijlocaş, 1983-1986)
• Allan Nielsen (mijlocaş, 1990-1991)
• Kjell Seneca (mijlocaş, 1975-1977)

ELVEŢIA

• Ciriaco Sforza (mijlocaş, 1995-1996 şi 2000-2002)
• Alain Sutter (mijlocaş, 1994-1995)

FINLANDA

• Pasi Rautiainen (mijlocaş, 1980-1981)

FRANŢA

• Alou Diarra (mijlocaş, 2000-2002)
• Valerien Ismaël (fundaş, 2005-2007)
• Bixente Lizarazu (fundaş, 1997-2004 şi 2005-2006)
• Jean-Pierre Papin (atacant, 1994-1996)
• Franck Ribéry (mijlocaş, 2007-prezent)
• Willy Sagnol (fundaş, 2003-2009)

GHANA

• Emanuel Bentil (atacant, 1995-2000)
• Samuel Kuffour (fundaş, 1993-1995 şi 1996-2005)
• Christian Saba (fundaş, 1997-1998 şi 2006-prezent)

GUINEEA

• Pablo Thiam (mijlocaş, 2001-2002)

IRAN

• Ali Daei (atacant, 1998-1999)
• Vahid Hashemian (atacant, 2004-2005)
• Ali Karimi (mijlocaş, 2005-2007)

ISLANDA

• Asgeir Sigurvinsson (mijlocaş, 1981-1982)

ITALIA

• Antonio Di Salvo (atacant, 2000-2001)
• Massimo Oddo (fundaş, 2008-2009)
• Ruggiero Rizzitelli (atacant, 1996-1998)
• Luca Toni (atacant, 2007-prezent)

NORVEGIA

• Einar Jan Aas (fundaş, 1980-1981)
• Erland Johnsen (fundaş, 1988-1990)

OLANDA

• Edson Braafheid (fundaş, 2009-prezent)
• Martin Jol (fundaş, 1978-1979)
• Roy Makaay (atacant, 2003-2007)
• Arjen Robben (atacant, 2009-prezent)
• Mark van Bommel (mijlocaş, 2006-prezent)
• Jan Wouters (mijlocaş, 1992-1993)

PARAGUAY

• Julio Dos Santos (mijlocaş, 2006-2007)
• Roque Santa Cruz (atacant, 1999-2007)

PERU

• Paolo Guerrero (atacant, 2002-2006)
• Claudio Pizarro (atacant, 2001-2007)

POLONIA

• Slavomir Wojciechowski (mijlocaş, 2000-2001)

RUSIA

• Aleksandr Karataev (atacant, 1993-1994)

SCOŢIA

• Alan McInally (atacant, 1989-1992)

SERBIA

• Duşan Jovanovici (atacant, 1973-1974)
• Miloş Milutinovici (atacant, 1960-1961)
• Anton Vuckov (atacant, 1965-1967)

SLOVENIA

• Branko Oblak (mijlocaş, 1977-1980)

SUA

• Landon Donovan (atacant, 2009)

SUEDIA

• Björn Andersson (fundaş, 1974-1977)
• Patrick Andersson (fundaş, 1999-2001)
• Johnny Ekström (atacant, 1988-1989)
• Nils-Eric Johansson (fundaş, 1998-2000)
• Conny Torstensson (atacant, 1973-1977)

TURCIA

• Hamit Altintop (mijlocaş, 2007-prezent)
• Berkant Göktan (atacant, 1998 şi 2000-2001)
• Erhan Önal (fundaş, 1976-1978)
• Ugur Tütüneker (mijlocaş, 1984-1986)

ŢARA GALILOR

• Mark Hughes (atacant, 1987-1988)

UCRAINA

• Anatoli Timoşciuk (mijlocaş, 2009-prezent)

UNGARIA

• Arpad Fazekas (portar, 1957-1961)
• Jozsef Zsamboki (mijlocaş, 1958-1960)

ZAMBIA

• Andrew Sinkala (mijlocaş, 1999-2000)

ANTRENORI

• Tschik Cajkovski (Croaţia, 1965-1968)
• Branko Zebec (Croaţia, 1968-1970)
• Gyula Lorant (Ungaria, 1977-1978)
• Pal Csernai (Ungaria, 1978-1983)
• Sören Lerby (Danemarca, 1991-1992)
• Giovanni Trapattoni (Italia, 1994-1995 şi 1996-1998)
• Louis van Gaal (Olanda, 2009-prezent)

Iată echipa celor mai buni stranieri, după părerea mea (antrenor: Trapattoni)

Pfaff

Sagnol    Lucio    Kuffour    Lizarazu

Salihamidzici Hargreaves  Zé Roberto  Ribéry

Makaay                     Elber

In episodul doi al reportajului din Dublin, am descoperit urmele remizelor Irlandei cu Italia pe afise inramate pe ziduri de toalete, incercand sa descifrez gesticulatiile portretului robot al jucatorului peninsular, si anticipand duelurile cu Franta, inaintea carora selectionerul Raymond Domenech a stiut exact ce vrea sa spuna cand s-a referit la “verzi” drept “Angleterre bis”.

(Episodul I il gasiti acum cateva postari, cu o saptamana inainte: <Capitan si spectatori impuscati in 1916 pe “Croker”, gazda barajului Irlanda – Franta>)

In zona central vestica a Dublinului, portile fabricii Guinness, avand drept simbol harpa, se deschid puhoiului de turisti descinsi la muzeul pe 6 etaje, cu un restaurant panoramic Gravity pe vechea cladire

Cateva simboluri sunt sacre pentru irlandezi. Saint Patrick, patronul lor spiritual. Verdele trifoi. Harpa. Jameson, whiskey cu e, si Guinness, berea neagra. Si nu in ultimul rand hurlingul si Gaelic football, pastorite de Gaelic Athletic Association.

Statuia lui James Joyce, autor al lui Ulysses ori Dublinezi, este la un sfert de ora de mers pe jos de arena Croke Park, unde Irlanda va primi sambata pe Franta

Dar oricat de popular a ramas traditionalul joc cu crosa in randul maselor, cand vine vorba sa-si improspateze recunoasterea sportiva internationala Republica Irlanda apeleaza mai ales la fotbal. Iar explozia demografica generata de acel succes la penaltyuri cu Daniel Timofte ghicit de Pat Bonner, in chiar prima aparitie a Insulei de Smarald pe scena mondiala, a fost inceputul veritabilei povesti de dragoste a “verzilor” cu balonul rotund. Imbratisat de pustani de la Sligo pana la Cork si din Limerick la Dublin. Nu doar capitala e nebuna dupa fotbal.

Prin centru, agentii de turism au expuse in vitrina nu numai tipice descinderi in Goa, ci si pachete de o noapte cazare, transbordare cu feribotul si bilete de meci la – se putea oare altfel!? – Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea si Arsenal. Excursii fotbalistice de pe-o insula pe alta, la fisticul din Premier League. 20 martie, Man Utd – Liverpool, 499 euro.

Oferte turistice cu nemiluita pentru fani irlandezi dornici de jocuri ale fruntaselor din Premier League...

Pe colt, in pub, n-ai unde sa arunci un ac si doar numele sponsorilor delimiteaza taberele rosii ale razboiului de peste Marea Irlandei. Carlsberg respectiv AIG. E pasiune incrancenata, e larma. Iar Torres si Ngog fac sa curga berea. Nu daneza ci neagra, irlandeza. Putin conta ca in cele doua garnituri figura un unic “verde”, John O’Shea, numarul 22 la United.

Indemnul imensei fabrici de bere de la St. James’ Gate e “sa ridici paharul pentru Arthur”. Arthur Guinness, pionierul acestui brand mondial. In pub, rosiii cu Liverpool au inaltat un pint iar pe pult am ochit un ziar de sport deschis la pagina cu rezultate, completata cu o consistenta rubrica mentionand evolutia pana si a celui mai nestiut fotbalist irlandez pentru cel mai obscur club englez. Si-atunci de ce pachete turistice doar la cele patru “mari”!?

Explicatia am gasit-o la toaleta. Pentru ca “verzilor” le place sa se bata de la egal la egal doar cu cei mai tari. Ardeau Anglia la primul lor turneu final, Euro ’88, cu golul lui Ray Houghton din primul sfert de ora, acelasi mijlocas al lui Liverpool repetand scenariul si contra Italiei, la New York, in ’94, peste ani si tinand in sah Germania, pe taram asiatic. Doar ca generatiile ’90 si 2002 n-au mai avut urmas…

Croke Park, cu tribuna I Michael Hogan si peluza "Dealul 16", vazute din gura tunelului de acces Muhammad Ali, pe unde vor iesi O'Shea si Henry...

La care Football Association of Ireland a incercat marea cu degetul, investindu-l pe regretatul Sir Bobby Robson drept tutore al noului selectioner, recordmanul de aparitii in “verde” Steve Staunton. N-a mers dar federalii au insistat sa apeleze la experienta.

Cand catedrala St. Patrick’s se darapana peste simbolul religios al celtilor, sambure al catolicismului lor, atunci baronetul parlamentar Sir Benjamin Lee Guinness a intins o mana de ajutor dintre butoaie de bere, lacasul sfant reconsolidandu-se. In fotbalul modern, FAI a cautat salvarea peste mari si tari, in persoana unui nins Giovanni Trapattoni.

La intrarea in Catedrala St. Patrick, cel mai important lacas sfant al catolicilor irlandezi, e statuia restauratorului Sir Benjamin Lee Guinness, membru al familiei nobiliare ce a dat lumii celebra marca de bere

Care uns italian a lecturat aceeasi rubrica reunind toti potentialii selectionabili si a cotrobait dupa sange proaspat prin toate ungherele fotbalului insular. Rasplata? Un 1-1 acasa la campioana mondiala. La Bari. Grupa inca se juca…

Atat curaj au prins insularii lui Trap, incat pisoarele barurilor au afisat campania de publicitate la www.soccerrepublic.ie sub titlul “Italian Gestures Explained”. O figurina squadra azzurra, brunet cu barbison, gesticuland expresiv… Arbitre, esti plecat de-acasa!? Ori… Ce rau am facut? O, Doamne! Dar nu se poate!!! Chiar nu vezi!? Degetul la tampla. Mainile rasfirate. Sau in semnul rugaciunii. Ori degetele stranse manunchi. Degetul la ochi… Posturi rastalmacite dedesubt in cel mai pur umor negru irlandez. Asadar “verzii” erau suficient de increzatori pentru a-i lua in balon pe campionii lumii.

O pagina web de fotbal si-a facut reclama pe timpul preliminariilor cu afise in toalete ale puburilor luand la misto gesticulatia tipica fotbalistilor latini. In colimator au fost italienii, cu care Irlanda lui... Trap a facut 1-1 si 2-2

Iar in retur, pe Croke Park din Dublin, un sfant modern, Sean St. Ledger, trecut de la ilustra Preston la sclipitoarea Middlesbrough, facea 2-1 in minutul 87. Gilardino a frant imediat visul, amutind “Croker”, dar recrutii lui Trap tot s-au calificat la baraj.

Dupa campioana Italia, vicecampioana Franta. O aliata geopolitica de secole. Dar Irlanda vrea acum sa rescrie istoria, cu destinatia Africa de Sud. Si “verzii” sunt si mai intaratati, de Domenech, pe care l-a scapat ca “L’Irlande, c’est l’Angleterre bis”. Cu totii au inteles ca selectionerul francez s-ar fi referit la irlandezi ca la niste rude sarace ale Angliei. Pana ce a venit un filolog sa limpezeasca apele, clarificand ca, in nonsalanta sa, Raymond a folosit bis cu gandul la “echivalent”. Adica o alta trupa de Premier League, Irlanda, aidoma Angliei…

Oare chiar la acest bis s-a referit Domenech? Ei bine, in generatiile trecute, “verzii” aliniau alde Irwin si Keane, de la Man United, sau Staunton, Babb si Houghton, de la Liverpool. Acum, Trap are nu neaparat un titular la United, O’Shea. Atat din “careul celor mari”. Atunci, pe Giants din NY, Italia era batuta de Irlanda capitanului Townsend, abia plecat de la Chelsea la Villa. Iar Lung era eliminat de O’Leary, fundasul lui Arsenal. 

Acum? In lot, trei si cate doi de la recent promovatele Hull, Stoke si Wolves, alti doi de la Coventry si Reading, plus baieti de la Scunthorpe, Preston ori Boro. Iar perechea lui Hibernian vine din Scotia. Angleterre? E drept, Kevin Kilbane, fie si de la codasa Hull, ar putea ajunge la doar o selectie distanta de recordmanul Staunton, ca de altfel si portarul Given. 101. Doar cei doi, laolalta cu Robbie Keane si Damien Duff, sunt liantul cu precedenta generatie de mondial. Dar tocmai bisul cu gandul mai degraba la “ruda saraca” decat la “echivalent” s-ar putea sa devina regretul francezului. Italianul ii pregateste ceva demn de postat pe faianta toaletei. Thierry implorand sfintii.

Va curge oare Guinnessul sambata seara la Dublin? Sau daca nu, dupa returul parizian de miercuri 18 noiembrie? Sticlele din diverse... generatii te intampina la intrarea in muzeul fabricii de bere din St. James' Gate

Unul dintre cele mai mari stadioane ale Europei se pregateste de mare meci mare. Iar in unul dintre cele 6 vestiare identice, cel rezervat oaspetilor la Croke Park, am simtit ca Franta va avea o seara fierbinte in 14 noiembrie pe o ultramoderna arena pe care candva s-a tras in multime si care e  oferita temporar de Gaelic Athletic Association si pentru jocuri de fotbal ori rugby.

Parte a turului de prezentare a Croke Park, vestiarul ce va fi folosit de Franta e in mod normal intesat cu tricourile cluburilor de hurling din liga All-Ireland, cluburi patronate de Gaelic Athletic Association, aflata la 125 ani de existenta si fiintand la acest stadion, unul al tuturora

In 1 noiembrie s-au implinit 125 de ani de la fondarea Gaelic Athletic Association, cea mai mare organizatie sportiva si culturala din Republica Irlanda, incorporand jocul national, hurlingul, practicat cu crose si o mingiuca, dar si versiuni ale fotbalului si handbalului, nu cele pe care le stim cu totii. Gaelic football…

Legatura cu fotbalul nostru o face stadionul cu 82.300 locuri Croke Park, inima nationala a traditionalului si mult iubitului hurling dar si sediu al GAA, ce imprumuta arena federatiilor de rugby si fotbal, din 2007 incoace si pana la finalizarea reamenajarii, vara viitoare, a vechiului Lansdowne Road, unde Romania incheia cu un 1-1 campania de calificare la Coupe du Monde ’98.

Peluza estica, Hill 16, dealul 1916, are scaune detasabile si muzeul GAA in pantece. Cu un istoric al asociatiei, jocurilor de All-Ireland hurling si Gaelic football, si al insasi nasterii Irlandei moderne, independenta

Anii au trecut iar finalista la zi de mondial Franta, de trei ori egala Romaniei in nici un an si jumatate, va descinde pe Croke Park intr-o seara de sambata, cu gandul la Africa de Sud, impartasit si de verzii lui Trapattoni, veniti dupa remize aici in 2009 cu Bulgaria, Italia si Muntenegru, in grupa. Irlanda – Franta, la Dublin, in prima mansa a barajului. Inca un egal?

Cert este ca la o zi dupa meci portile cu plasa vor lasa loc buturilor, pentru jocul de rugby Irlanda – Australia, din seria de toamna patronata de Guinness, semn ca Gaelic Athletic Association este intr-adevar o gazda buna cu federatiile “verisoare”. La ora partidei cu francezii, casa hurlingului va pune deoparte tricourile zecilor de cluburi angrenate in jocul cu crosa, altfel expuse pe locurile din vestiarul ce va fi ocupat de “Cocosul Galic”. De fapt unul dintre cele 6 vestiare, absolut identice, de pe Croke Park, dovada ca arena nationala reuneste toate culorile jocurilor de hurling si Gaelic football.

Tribuna nordica, Michael Hogan, purtand numele capitanului de hurling ucis pe acest teren, in care iau loc oficilaitatile. Cliseul, din "gura" tunelului Muhammad Ali

De-acolo, printr-o sala cu teren sintetic “invelita” in plasa, francezii vor intra pe gazonul reasezat in vara, dupa cele trei concerte ale localnicilor U2 ce-au strans 160.000 oameni, prin faimosul tunel Ali, denumit in cinstea pugilistului ce a boxat pe “Croker”, cum ii zic localnicii, in ’72.

Tunelul iese dintre tribunele Maurice Davin si Michael Cusack, denumite in memoria primului conducator al GAA respectiv al initiatorului constituirii Gaelic Athletic Association. Ei au pus bazele iar la inaugurarea arenei, in 1913, a existat o unica tribuna, peluza Cusack din zilele noastre. Iar apoi si-a intrat in rol istoria, in urma Revolutiei de la Pastile din 1916 toate daramaturile ramase din inabusirea rebeliunii de catre ocupatorii britanici fiind adunate intr-un imens damb, ce a constituit a doua tribuna de pe Croke Park. Hill 16. Dealul 16.

O crosa de hurling, in muzeul Gaelic Athletic Association

Mingi de Gaelic football si un cliseu cu Croke Park la primul meci in nocturna, tot in muzeu

In versiune actuala, peluza Hill 16 este unica tribuna neacoperita a arenei, laudandu-se in schimb cu cel mai mare ecran panoramic de pe stadioanele Europei si avand scaune detasabile, ca prin Bundesliga, utilizate la jocuri sub egida UEFA ori FIFA dar lasand loc unei peluze in picioare, plina ochi la meciuri de hurling sau Gaelic Football.

Pe firul istoriei, a urmat Duminica Sangeroasa din 21 noiembrie 1920, cand trupele de ocupatie britanice au descins inclusiv cu tanchete pe Croke Park, intesat la un meci Gaelic intre Dublin si Tipperary, ucigand 13 spectatori si pe capitanul oaspetilor, Michael Hogan, al carui nume e purtat de a patra tribuna, cea rezervata oficialitatilor dar si bancilor echipelor, si in care, pare-se, treptele spre inmanarea trofeelor sunt si mai numeroase decat pe Wembley. “Pedeapsa” venea aici tocmai pentru ca sub flamura GAA se reuneau jucatori si oameni de sport din lumea hurlingului si a Gaelic Football militand pentru independenta Irlandei.

Echipe de fetite jucand hurling pe latul Croke Park, in preajma tunelului Ali

Acum, din inaltul Hogan Stand, “Dealul 16” pare micut, insa cate nu spune, de-acum aproape un secol, in fascinantul muzeu al GAA din incinta, cu peste 40 de aplicatii multimedia dar si obiecte de arhiva…

In versiune 2009, stadionul este o adevarata fabrica ecologica, recicland pentru surse alternative de energie inclusiv apa de ploaie dar si exceland printr-un lux functional. De la zeci de mii intrand pe 10 euro, tata plus fiu, ori adultul pe gratis ca insotitor al unui grup de 10 copii, si pana la cele 250.000 euro anual platite pentru una dintre cele 65 loje a cate 60 locuri din braul celor trei tribune acoperite. Iar daca vrei un loc individual pe Croke Park, mia anual dar, vorba aceea, cu intreg tacamul. Caci arena gazduieste peste 60 de evenimente pe an, de la traditionalul hurling si Gaelic football al locului, pana la rugby ori concerte. La vizita noastra, echipe de fetite jucau hurling pe latul terenului. Portile, ca de fotbal dar cu “H”-ul rugbyului drept coarne…

O macheta a arenei, sugestiva in privinta diferentei dintre "U"ul celor trei tribune acoperite si "dealul" 16. Care, in timp, din venituri sporite incasate cu gazduirea diverselor evenimente, ar putea fi extins prin cumpararea proprietatilor din spatele peluzei

In tunelul Ali, “Cocosului galic” i se va face pielea gaina sambata pe 14, la opt… Cum se vor simti apoi francezii, in sala de receptie a oaspetilor, cu candelabre sub forma a 62 de mingi de hurling si Gaelic football reflectand culorile echipei vizitatoare? Albastri oare?

Pe sub tribuna a doua trece nu doar o cale ferata, ci si Grand Canal, delimitand sub forma unui cerc buricul Dublinului, cu raul Liffey pe post de linie de centru, strabatand capitala de la vest la est, in port. De pe Croke Park, patru zile mai apoi caravana fotbalistica Irlanda – Franta va trece marea, pentru retur, iar marele stadion cu scaune albastre se va reintoarce la menirea sa. Hurling si Gaelic football.

"Spatele" tribunei a doua, cu cai de acces pietonale si pentru vehiculele de intretinere si aprovizionare suspendate peste calea ferata si Grand Canal, ce da ocol zonei centrale a Dublinului

Ca irlandezii sunt pasionati de sporturile lor traditionale, hurling si Gaelic football, stau marturie tabelele cu invingatoarele competitiei, expuse intr-un pub de la intrarea in faimosul Phoenix Park.

Dublinul si portul limitrof Dun Laoghaire leaga estul Irlandei cu destinatii in Marea Britanie si Franta. Unde irlandezii lui Trap vor descinde in returul din 18 noiembrie, cu gandul la Africa de Sud 2010. Henry ori Given? In ultima trecere prin Dublin, Henry semna un 1-0... Ce va fi sambata 14 noiembrie?

Succesele in deplasare ale campioanelor Romaniei in grupele UEFA Champions League sunt cadouri surpriza in octombrie, insasi oportunitatea de a da piept cu grupari mai puternice din Europa si de a invata mai ales din esecuri primenind incet-incet competitivitatea in fruntea fotbalului romanesc de club. 

“Bilete? Vrea cineva bilete de meci? Nu-i vorba in acest caz de oferta unui vanzator stradal ilicit, ci a unui posesor de abonament anual la Arsenal, intrebandu-se daca ar fi doritori printre colegii sai de la Daily Telegraph pentru jocul cu Olympiakos de pe Emirates. Sorry old boy, dar ma spal pe cap la ora jocului”.

Astfel incepea Kevin Garside, desemnat in noiembrie 2008 redactor-sef pe sport la Daily Telegraph, editorialul publicat exact acum o luna sub titlul “Michel Platini omoara vise aruncand stridiile marilor pesti”,  ziaristul glumind in continuare ca “nu exista un motiv evident de a nu pune mana pe sampon oriunde pe continent” in serile meciurilor din grupe, faze incipiente pe care le considera balonate, “invaluite de inertie”.

O “bomba” gen Barcelona – Rubin 1-2 nu e nici primul, nici ultimul rar soc si poate nici nu va genera improbabila calificare a “buturugilor mici” in dauna favoritelor, care intr-adevar, intr-o covarsitoare majoritate, finalmente se redreseaza, insa dovedeste anumite merite ale formatului competitiei in viziunea presedintelui UEFA.

Lasand la o parte tachinarile lunare intre editorialisti insulari si Platini, la urma urmei un… francez, este fortata pretiozitatea respectivilor formatori de opinie de a atribui scena Ligii Campionilor doar “elitelor prestigioase”, carora le-ar cadea nasul prin “fundaturile estului Europei”, pentru a-l cita pe acelasi jurnalist, care a adaugat: “Va puteti imagina fata lui Jose Mourinho cand Inter a cazut in aceeasi grupa cu Rubin Kazan?”

Ei bine, n-avem imaginatie ci doar am vazut fata lui Guardiola martea trecuta, aducandu-ne aminte ca Rubin e campioana tarii semifinalista la C.E. 2008 si care a dat Europei castigatoarele Cupei UEFA in 2005 si 2008, CSKA respectiv Zenit, triumfuri ce au inaltat Rusia in ultimii 5 ani in ierarhia coeficientilor UEFA pe locurile, in ordine, sapte, iarasi 7, zece, patru si din nou 7. Comparativ, Albionul a pus tot de doua ori mana pe Cupa UEFA in ultimii 28 de ani, prin Spurs in ’84 si Liverpool in 2001 dar mai sugestiva e treapta urcata cu hotarare de Sevilla, o recenta dubla castigatoare a competitiei “verisoare”, ce acum troneaza in grupa Unirii.

Din insula si alte cateva campionate puternice, grupele par plictisitoare. Dar Platini a intuit ca prin formatul cu iz populist ofera outsiderelor mai multe sanse sa se puna la incercare cu “greii” si implicit sa castige experienta competitionala la cel mai inalt nivel, daca nu cumva chiar si puncte aducatoare de venituri, eventual chiar si de calificari, sume ce ar putea fi reinvestite in cresterea valorica a loturilor reprezentantelor, ridicand stacheta competitiei interne.

Daca tot a alterat initial formatul democraticei Cupa Campionilor Europeni, dand Cezarului cate 3 si 4 reprezentante in Liga Campionilor, forul european incearca macar sa dreaga busuiocul cu zaharele financiare pentru nevoiase, la masa bogatilor. S-a scris despre paguba facuta de Poli lui Shakhtar, eliminand-o din drumul spre grupe, “gaura” sugestiva in privinta foamei unor cluburi suficient maturizate pentru a lua Europa de coarne macar pentru un an, doi.

Rangers, creditata de bookmakers cu 7/1 sa castige cu 3-0 finala Cupei Scotiei din mai 2009, pe care o transa cu 1-0 contra lui Falkirk, nu si-ar fi putut imagina ca va sfarsi umilita pe Ibrox de necunoscuta din Urziceni, Romania. Europa Centrala, adaug...

Timisoara nu e inca in respectiva categorie dar succesele campioanelor CFR si Unirea la Roma respectiv Glasgow ofera speranta ca o invingatoare pe drept a competitiei interne, fie ea si a Romaniei, poate nadajdui la ceva puncte si bani in plus pe drumuri europene si mai ales creste importanta castigarii unui loc de acces in UEFA Champions League si intensifica disputa la varf. Cu efecte pozitive infiltrandu-se in josul ierarhiei. Deci mai ales in campionat e o paine de mancat, prioritatea revenirii macar in calificari, daca nu direct in grupele competitiei, fiind mai mult decat evidenta.

Iar victoriile si fiecare banut in plus cucerit de alde CFR, Unirea sau Timisoara le intaresc incet-incet in disputa deseori inegala cu Triunghiul Bermudelor bucurestean. Triumful lui Dan Petrescu cu 4-1 acasa la finalista de anul trecut a Cupei UEFA este si un raspuns indirect ignorantei mai sus amintitului editorialist, care, folosind numele Urziceni drept corolar al deranjului cu “fundaturile”, “inertia” si “balonarea” din grupe, a intrebat ironic daca “este Urziceni acea acceptabila contractie, Michel?” Contractia are aceeasi functie ca si abrevierea, in limba franceza in particular mentinand fluenta sunetului.  In fond, Kevin, Urziceni e doar un nume ca oricare altul, si-atat, nu-i asa? Un nume de oras… Aproape impronuntabil de presa insulara dar… urzica a dat furnicaturi vicecampioanei Scotiei.   

Franta, cap de serie la baraj, fata in fata cu Given, o data invingator si alta data invins in noiembrie la baraje        

Si vorbind de surprize in grupele cu finaluri totusi previzibile, de urmarit confruntarile de baraj, care pe care in dubla mansa, ce au suferit modificari de format pe ultima suta de metri, prin introducerea de catre FIFA a capilor de serie. Se va infaptui vrerea oficialilor, de a le vedea calificate in noiembrie pe europenele mai bine clasate in ierarhia forului mondial, sau revolta verbala a unuia ca Shay Given va naste oarece surprize?

In 18 noiembrie, la Paris, portarul Irlandei ar putea stropi egalarea la 102 selectii in nationala a recordmanului “verzilor”, Steve Staunton, cu eliminarea Frantei, desemnata cap de serie, din drumul barat de sarbi spre Africa de Sud. Given, un scolar pe cand acum doua decenii, in 15 noiembrie ’89, Irlanda se califica in premiera la Campionatul Mondial, cu un 2-0 in Malta, a fost insa in poarta la mansele de baraj pentru descinderea la Coupe du Monde ’98 respectiv in Coreea de Sud si Japonia.     

Mai intai, in 15 noiembrie ’97, rata prezenta in Franta cu un esec la Bruxelles, 1-2 cu Belgia, venit dupa un 1-1 la Dublin. Apoi, in 15 noiembrie 2001, se califica pentru mondialul asiatic la Teheran, desi dupa un esec cu Iran: 0-1. Fusese insa 2-0 in Irlanda…

Cert e ca irlandezii i-au dat prompt credit septuagenarului Giovanni Trapattoni, confirmat in post pana la finele urmatorului turneu preliminar, iar Signor i-ar putea surprinde pe vicecampionii mondiali asa cum ii “intindea”, chiar si cu baieti “doar” de la Stoke ori Boro, si anume Lawrence, Whelan si St. Ledger, pe campionii lumii.

Mingea rotunda poate asculta si tineri antrenori de “buturugi mici” in Champions League, si seniori ai nationalelor non-cap de serie la baraj, si se poate rostogoli nastrusnic fie si in ultimele nici 15 secunde ale minutului 90, cum se intampla odata la Paris, intr-un 17 noiembrie, in ’93, cand Kostadinov rapunea “Cocosul galic” la finele “snurului” desirat dintr-o lovitura libera de Ginola in coltul opus de teren, uluiala ce se rasfrangea pe ecran cu eroarea Franta – Bulgaria… 2-1, Platini fiind eliminat dintr-un drum spre SUA acontat la aceeasi ora de micuta Irlanda, cu un 1-1 in Nord.

Si-atunci, sa dai o potentiala surpriza pe-un spalat pe cap!?! Sfidare.

Domenech:Back in the Day

At approximately 14: 07 CET on Monday afternoon, there was a collective sigh around the country. The Republic of Ireland were drawn against France in the FIFA World Cup Qualifying Play-off. ”Feck it anyway” we muttered. But of the 4 potential opponents in the draw for Ireland, 3 of them would have provoked a similar reaction. Having avoided facing the freezing cold of an away leg on a plastic pitch in Russia, and sidestepped the now strangely likeable Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal, now we must turn our attentions to the French and analyse the dangers posed by Raymond Domenech’s mismanaged side.

News of Bayern Munich’s Franck Ribery’s recurring knee injury has been met with jigs of glee all around the emerald isle. But the illusive winger has not been firing on all cylinders for club or country this season. Rumours are abound that he doesn’t see eye to eye with club coach Louis Van Gaal. He is seemingly frustrated at Bayern’s refusal to sell him to Real Madrid in the summer, and has had a certain amount of his thunder stolen by the arrival of Arjen Robben at the Allianz Arena. With just 2 Bundesliga starts under his belt this term, he has failed to start any of France’s final 4 Group 7 games. For most nations, Ribery’s absence would be severely felt. But France aren’t most nations.

Domenech has experimented with playing 3 strikers in recent games. Big-name stars Thierry Henry and Nicolas Anelka have been forced to play out wide, with the lesser-known Andre-Pierre Gignac of Toulouse playing in a central role. This has seen £35 million Karim Benzema on the bench, apart from in the final group game against Austria. Ribery would struggle to break into the side even if he were fit. But it’s not their just formidable attack we must fear.

In an advanced midfield role, playmaker Yoann Gourcuff is living up to the promise of his youth at Rennes. After a disastrous spell at AC Milan, Gourcuff joined Bordeaux on loan in the summer of 2008. He inspired them to their first league title in a decade, and was voted Ligue 1 Player of the Year. His stunning individual effort against Paris St-Germain was Ligue 1 Goal of the Season. It will be interesting to see how Ireland deal with Gourcuff’s threat. With excellent close-control and balance, his dribbling ability will test the resolve of the Irish defence. Perhaps a plan to man-mark Gourcuff could be implented, but if we go down this road then what of the 3 front-men? These are the decisions that will prove whether Giovanni Trapattoni is worth his €2 million salary or not.

There are numerous tactical elements to consider. And Trapattoni has proved himself a master-tactician over the years. While we can comfortably predict the system that Ireland will use, it’s a question of how it can be adapted to deal with the threat of France.

The pace of the French all over the field is unlike anything Trapattoni’s side will have dealt with in the qualifiers to date. The only player of lightening speed Ireland have faced would be Martin Petrov of Bulgaria, but he was returning from injury and looked rusty back in June. Even on the wrong side of 30, Henry and Anelka’s speed and acceleration are still amongst their prized assets. Patrice Evra’s marauding runs from full-back have given Manchester United another dimension, and now France. Amazingly Evra has only 14 international caps to his name, with Domenech preferring the cumbersome Eric Abidal at left-full for quite some time. If selected, Bacary Sagna will provide similar penetration from right-back.

With such adventurous full-backs to contend with, this will surely be factor in who Il Trap selects in his wide midfield positions. Liam Lawrence nullified Fabio Grosso threat from left-back in the draw with Italy a fortnight ago, while Aiden McGeady on the opposite flank was often caught napping during  Gianluca Zambrotta’s ventures upfield. Damien Duff will surely start and has the ability to put Sagna and Evra on the back-foot. The Fulham star is disciplined enough to track his man back also. It’s been a long time since the Irish crowd witnessed a Duff performance to remember. At 30, this is surely his last chance at making a 2nd World Cup. Ireland expects.

Set-pieces are have been a great source of goals for Ireland throughout Group 8, with half of their 12 goals coming from dead balls. It is most certainly an area where France could struggle. For all his qualities, William Gallas has never been dominant in the air. His likely central defensive partner Abidal is 6′1” tall, but jumps like he’s 5′8”. Richard Dunne, Sean St Ledger and John O’ Shea will provide lofty targets for Lawrence to aim for.

With the first leg at Croke Park, many see this as a disadvantage. However this will suit the Irish better. A 0-0 at Croker would mean a score draw in France would see Ireland in South Africa. If the first leg was drawn away, a defeat in the Stade de France of 2-0, for example, would end Ireland’s dream. As the away team, Domenech’s men will not want to give too much away. Nor will Trapattoni as the hosts.

A predication I hear you ask? I think the French will have too much quality for us. I’ll stick my neck on the line, with France prevailing 1-0 in Dublin, and 2-1 in Paris. The head has ruled the heart, but I sincerely hope I am proved very wrong.

Fatevi insegnare da Trapattoni e da Lippi come si fa a confezionare deliziosi biscotti senza farsene accorgere dal 99% del popolo bue… (Marco Meccia, certo che lo “incassa con grande fair-play il pareggio Giovanni Trapattoni”… lo sapeva già!).

Big Jack: The Waterboy

As age catches up with us, cynicism is a number of unwanted traits we acquire. Suddenly, scanning through the history of our lives, we focus on memories of our younger years. We scoff  at our previous pastimes, hobbies, favoured television programmes, fashion sense and cringe at times when we embarrassed ourselves through the folly of our youth. It seems like a different life. However, this transformation into a cynic can bring us to realise that certain things we were enthralled by at this early stage in our lives were not all they were cracked up to be. Like the Republic of Ireland under Jack Charlton.

Despite an unbeaten qualifying campaign on the road to South Africa 2010, the Irish footballing public are still not happy. The exclusions of Andy Reid and Stephen Ireland have dominated the headlines for almost a year. RTE’s fabled panel of experts have never hesitated to stick their oar in regarding the performances of this group of players. Negative tactics, players not good enough, established players not performing. Largely ignored is the fact that with arguably the weakest Irish squad for the best part of 25 years, Giovanni Trapattoni has brought Ireland within 180 minutes of the World Cup.

It’s been a case of making do with what you have got. With no recognised left-back in the squad, Kevin Kilbane has slotted in. His transition from left-winger, to central midfielder, to left-back has meant he will win his 100th cap at Croke Park tonight against Montenegro. The midfield is made up of a combination of Keith Andrews and Glenn Whelan. The former was playing in League 2 18 months ago, whilst the latter is in and out of the Stoke team. Sean St Ledger has emerged from nowhere to be part of Ireland’s first-choice central defensive unit. He is yet to make his bow in the Premier League, but has already made an impression at international level.

With so many of the first XI novices at this level, there is not much experience in reserve. Strikers Leon Best and Caleb Folan’s first time in Dublin was for their home international debuts. Martin Rowlands and Liam Miller are expected to line-up in midfield tonight. Rowlands played his first Ireland game in over 5 years Saturday, whilst Miller did not have a club a month ago.

Taking just a random sample of the squad, we can see how well Trapattoni has done to get us this far. The fact that he refuses to move from his Milan base, and is rarely seem attending club matches involving his players can be excused. Football is a results based business. Jack Charlton got the results. But had a far higher calibre of player available to him.

At Italia ‘90, the country went football mad. Tri-colours outside every house, the streets were full of people of all ages sporting replica kits. Opel was the most famous brand in the country. This scribe settled for an outrageously fake Irish kit, something that my cynical self of today would not have approved of. A gallant defeat to hosts Italy made a villain of Salvatore Schillaci. It even encouraged Colm Meaney to sport a t-shirt with the immortal phrase ‘F**k Schillaci ‘ on it. Caught up in the frenzy of it all, I didn’t realise how short we were selling ourselves.

Charlton had a squad of immense ability. Packie Bonner was a solid and reliable, most of the time, goalkeeper. Captain Fantastic Mick McCarthy alongside Kevin Moran was as tough a centre-back pairing as you could come across. David O’Leary, arguably the classiest defender in Britain at the time, played just 26 minutes in World Cup. Arsenal’s record-holder for appearances couldn’t break the Moran-McCarthy axis. Another centre-back by trade, Paul McGrath, was played in midfield. The Black Pearl was a player of such immense natural ability, he could have lined up anywhere on the field and stood out. Liverpool’s Steve Staunton and Ray Houghton had just claimed the league title. Club-mate Ronnie Whelan couldn’t get into the team.

Kevin Sheedy was an integral part of Everton’s most successful ever. Housewives favourite Andy Townsend was a highly influential player, captaining Chelsea and Aston Villa during his career. Up-front there was Niall Quinn, the Peter Crouch of his era (apart from the fact he was good in the air), and the greatest post-war goalscorer in English footballing history: John

Aldridge Has A Quite Word

Aldridge. The Scouser never managed to reproduce his incredible scoring exploits at club-level for Ireland, and was often made a scapegoat by Charlton, being substituted when things weren’t going to plan.

A sample of that squad shows the gulf in class compared to Trapattoni’s charges. But Ireland’s displays at Italia ‘90 were so negative and primitive. Splendid results against England and the Netherlands were sandwiched between dour draws against Egypt and Romania. With the players at Big Jack’s disposal, there should have been a different approach used. Whelan was one of the best passers Liverpool ever had. O’Leary, despite not being everyone’s cup of tea, has ahead of his time: a centre-back with a unique ability to spot a pass and carry the ball out of defence. Those are just two players, regulars for the two best teams in England at the time, and they were used sparingly.

It was long balls up towards Quinn or Cascarino, the ‘put them under pressure’ philosophy. The midfield of such footballing talent and vision was bypassed, merely assigned to force the opposition into mistakes rather than create anything constructive of their own. Something that they were well capable of doing.

Before Euro ‘88, Charlton controversially left Liam Brady out of his 22-man squad for the finals. Suspension ruled him out of the opening 2 group games, whilst there were doubts over his fitness following injury. However, room should have been made for a player described by many as one of Serie A’s finest imports. Chippy never fitted into Charlton’s ideals. He was too elegant for his liking. Many consider him the greatest Irish footballer of all time. Others compare his relationship with Charlton similar to the one Andy Reid enjoys with Il Trap. Whereas Juventus needed Micheal Platini to replace Brady, Reid’s place at Tottenham was taken by Hossam Ghaly. That’s the difference in class we have here.

Failure to qualify for Euro ’92 was sealed with 2 very careless draws with Poland. A 2 goal lead was lost in the away leg to the Poles. Victory in either of these games would have meant qualification ahead of old rivals England. Gary Linker denied us a place in Sweden with a late equaliser in Poland. Looking at how the tournament, one must wonder how Ireland would have fared.

USA ’94 is remembered for a stunning victory over Italy, and little else. A meagre exit to the Netherlands was an extremely disappointing end to a tournament that promised so much. However, much of the squad was past its peak, and the stifling heat was a major factor in Ireland’s struggles. Putting the matches in the middle of the day to suit television attendances was probably not the wisest move.

Charlton did a lot of good for football in the country, and was a larger than life character that seemed to have time for everyone. His reckless exploitation of the ‘Granny Rule’ meant that roughly half his squad would be born in the United Kingdom. He deserves his freedom of Dublin and his record of qualifying for 3 tournaments in 6 years is not to be sniffed at. As I mentioned earlier football is a results based business. But we should expect better results when there is a better calibre of player available. His record in the major championships stands at:

Played 12 Won 2 Drawn 6 Lost 4 Scored 6 Against 9

Maybe it’s the cynic in me, but looking back I would have expected a bit more.

Late Drama

It was the sort of goal that you would expect the team leading 2-1, rather than those chasing the game at the wrong end of a 2-1 scoreline, to get. Catching the opposition out on the break with a swift counter-attack in the 90th minute to put the gloss on a convincing 3-1 triumph. However, this is Ireland we are discussing here, and for the old habit of magically turning wins into draws has again reared its ugly head. But from the slick move that resulted in Vincenzo Iaquinta setting up Alberto Gilardino for Italy’s equaliser, there are valuable lessons to be learned. And one’s that Giovanni Trapattoni must teach his players before next month’s play-offs.

The reaction of both sets of players at the final whistle was a sight to behold. The world champions celebrated like they had reclaimed their crown, whilst many of the Irish lay crestfallen on the Croke Park turf. Liam Lawrence was one who took Gilardino’s late intervention particularly to heart. Not only did he lay in Shay Given’s goalmouth after the Italian’s second, he dropped to his knees, head in hands after the 90+ minutes elapsed. His despair was understandable, after a display of industry and no little skill in what was a competitive debut for the Stoke City midfielder.

At club level, Lawrence seems to have a manager in Tony Pulis that demands maximum effort and he has benefited from this more disciplined approach. Scandals and rumour seemed to hound Lawrence during his time at Sunderland, where he was tufted out by Roy Keane. Pulis has turned this rough diamond into a more complete player, but the winger has been in and out of Stoke’s first XI this term. Quite baffling, given the Potter’s reliance on set-pieces as a source of goals, and Lawrence’s undoubted ability in dead-ball situation. Ireland have benefited from this in consecutive internationals. He nullified Italian left-back Fabio Grosso’s bursts forward for the most part, so much so that Grosso was replaced on 78 minutes by debutante Salvatore Bocchetti. The Juventus star will rarely have been so diligently monitored.

On the opposite flank, Aiden McGeady showed his skill and ability to run at defences on a few occasions. However, in keeping with his international career to date, the end product was lacking. Yet to register a goal in 30 appearances, this must be a worry, particularly as set-pieces apart, Ireland struggle to break teams down. His infuriating habit of letting his full-back drift past him was evident, but luckily for McGeady, this was the 2009 version of Gianluca Zambrotta. The 2006 model would have run riot down Ireland’s left.

Ireland Celebrate Whelan's opener

For the most part this was a very solid Ireland performance, but the 2 goals will be a source of fury for Trapattoni and Co. Allowing 5 ft 8¹⁄₂ inch Mauro Camoranesi a free header to score Italy’s first was careless, but the 2nd equaliser is particularly hard to stomach. John O’Shea, in one of his finest displays in a green jersey, got a rush of blood and ended up in the midfield 70 yards from his goal. Substitute Simone Pepe darted down the left, before releasing Iaquinta, and we all know what happened then.

With just 3 minutes, plus stoppage time to hang on, it was imperative Ireland keep the ball. Preferably in the Italian half, and as far away from Shay Given as humanly possible. But instead of patiently stroking the ball around, and running down the clock, there was a gung-ho attitude suddenly adopted for the first time in Trapattoni’s reign. At the worst possible time. We could have done with this type of urgency in the games against Montenegro and Bulgaria. Not when you have the chance to beat the world champions, potentially handing them their first World Cup defeat since Ahn Jung-Hwan’s header sent them crashing out of Korea and Japan in 2002.

Quite what was going through O’Shea’s head we will never know, but it would be very unfair to attribute all the blame on the Waterford-man. There were plenty of men back to deal with the breakaway. Kevin Kilbane and nearly-man of the hour Sean St Ledger were within striking distance of Gilardino, but not close enough to stop him. O’Shea’s Eircom man of the match award will be of little consolation.

On an evening when Croke Park was buzzing with atmosphere, mostly positive for a change, it was a match worthy of the stadium. The attendance of 70, 640 meant there was barely empty seat in the house. And hardly a bum on a seat during a tension-filled last 5 minutes. Cries of encouragement rather than groans in the aftermath of both Italian goals, along with roars of delight and pride following Glen Whelan’s and St Ledger’s strikes, this was a night where ‘the best fans in the world’ went some way towards justifying this tag.

After Wednesday, we will have a clearer picture of who Ireland could face in the play-offs. The potential opponents will most likely be one of Russia, France, Greece and Portugal. Each brings with it different propositions, but it would be country on the list most recently victorious in international competition that would interest most of the Green Army. Euro 2004 winners Greece seem like the easiest draw, but whomever Ireland will face there will be no easy path to South Africa 2010.

Having come so close to getting one over his own country, and more importantly old rival Marcello Lippi, Trappatoni will be disappointed with the manner of Gilardino’s goal. While it was a blow, it is not fatal to Ireland’s qualification hopes. A win against the world champions would have been a massive boost to morale for the squad, and the country as a whole. But a goal in similar circumstances next month may not be so irrelevant.