The Ireland squad have an uphill challenge to progress out of a very tough Group C
Ireland's only previous appearance in the European Championships was 24 years ago in 1988. They didn't make it out of the group stage that year and this year they will be playing free of any lofty expectations that face their group opponents. Don't count them out straight away though; they are definitely a side that can cause some damage to the big guns and they always play with a never-say-die attitude.
Ireland haven't played in a major tournament since the 2002 World Cup, where they made it to the Round of 16, only to be knocked out on penalties by Spain, who they will meet on June 14 in their second group game, wedged in between matches against Croatia and Italy.
Captain and all-time Ireland top goalscorer Robbie Keane will, as always, be the player to watch from Ireland's squad which is comprised mainly of players from the British leagues. In fact, not a single player in the squad plays their club football in the Irish leagues. Keane has scored an impressive 53 goals at international level and he has represented sides such as Inter Milan, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur in what has been an impressive career to date. Although he currently plies his trade for LA Galaxy in the American MLS, his recent loan stint at Aston Villa proved he can still take on the best and perform at a high level.
The other attacking options available to coach Giovanni Trapattoni include Kevin Doyle who, despite being relegated with club side Wolves, will be keen to impress any possible suitors at the tournament and will hope to be given a starting berth alongside Robbie Keane. Trappatoni also has Simon Cox, Shane Long and Jonathan Walters to choose from to play up front.
Without a doubt, Ireland's strength is in the defensive third. In front of the always reliable Shay Given, the defensive line will include experienced defenders John O'Shea and Richard Dunne, from Sunderland and Aston Villa respectively. Joining them is 27-year-old Sean St. Ledger of Leicester City. St. Ledger is not only solid at the back but offers a big threat going forward, especially from set-pieces.
The biggest test for Ireland will be in the middle of the park. Their group opponents all boast very talented midfielders and it could be a case of the Ireland midfielders such as Darron Gibson, James McClean and Glenn Whelan being bullied in the middle third by players such as Xavi, Daniele De Rossi and Ivan Rakitic. Trappatoni will be looking to Damien Duff, Aiden McGeady and Stephen Hunt to offer the creative spark and create chances against the likes of Spain and Italy.
Prediction: Group Stage
Unfortunately for Ireland, it will be a huge challenge if they wish to make it out of the group stage. It is likely that Spain and Italy will prove a class above Ireland and that will leave them fighting it out with Croatia for third place. However, Ireland do have a glimmer of hope in the two draws they managed against Italy during the 2010 World Cup qualifiers, but even a point against Italy may not be enough to see them through to the quarter-finals.
Sunday, June 10, 2012 v Croatia
Thursday, June 14, 2012 v Spain
Monday, June 18, 2012 v Italy
Goalkeepers: Shay Given (Aston Villa), Keiren Westwood (Sunderland), David Forde (Millwall).
Defenders: John O'Shea (Sunderland), Richard Dunne (Aston Villa), Sean St Ledger (Leicester City), Stephen Ward (Wolves), Kevin Foley (Wolves), Stephen Kelly (Fulham), Darren O'Dea (Celtic).
Midfielders: Keith Andrews (West Brom), Glenn Whelan (Stoke), Darron Gibson (Everton), Damien Duff (Fulham), Aiden McGeady (S Moscow), Stephen Hunt (Wolves), Keith Fahey (Birmingham), James McClean (Sunderland).
Forwards: Robbie Keane (LA Galaxy), Kevin Doyle (Wolves), Shane Long, Simon Cox (both West Brom), Jonathan Walters (Stoke).
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