From looking at previous tournaments where groups have consisted of 4 teams each playing a total of 3 matches.
Historically 4 points is the minimum amount of points needed from the group stage in order for qualify for the next round of the Euro Finals.
That equates to P3 W 1 D 1 L1 !!
Greece the winners in 2004 only picked up 4 points from their group matches. AND their goal difference was zero!!
In order to finish as runners up with 4 points you usually need to have the top side in the group winning all 3 and finishing on maximum points of 9.
Then it is up to the other 3 sides in the group to scrap it out for the remaining points.
Interestingly when Ireland were last in the Euro Finals we finished on 4 points after winning One, drawing One and Losing One match. But we were pipped for second by Holland who won 2 and lost 1 !!!
So if we can somehow manage to beat Croatia on Sunday we will be taking a massive step towards qualifying for the Quarter Finals!!
Well we can dream !!!
4 points minimum to qualify for Euro QFinal
posted on 5/6/12
Is that you Kevin Foley with the One star ratings Don't worry you'll get your chance to play for Ireland again
posted on 5/6/12
We'll need luck in order to go through, and if we are to squeeze through it was definitely come down to the Italy match
posted on 5/6/12
I really think we have a chance of getting to the quarters! The big game is the croatia game. If we win that I can see us frustrating Italy and even Spain with an organised display. Then we would face the winner of Englands group.
If its France, revenge will bear high in the mind. If its England I would be confident as England are simply poor.
posted on 5/6/12
Its a pity the Italian match is the last. I would have preferred to have played them before Spain.
posted on 5/6/12
I think England could be a dark horse to at least get to the Finals to be honest.
For the first time ever their media aren't building them up to be winners before a ball is even kicked.
They have a good experienced side and they will definitely benefit from the low expectations
posted on 6/6/12
Except everyone has been banging on about the 'low expectations' around the England team that the expectation level is rising! Only the English media could pull that off!
As for ourselves, fair play to anyone brave enough to look forward to our potential 1/4 final opponents, if we don't pick up at least a point on Sunday I fear it won't be something we have to worry about!
posted on 6/6/12
i honestly dont know why we fear the italians ...
they are no great shakes .....and as usual ireland are going in as the underdogs .......
posted on 6/6/12
All the games will be tough, but I firmly believe Spain will concentrate fully on the Italy game and then underestimate us in the next game.
All their star players have had very long seasons and I don't think they'll fancy a long frustrating battle against Trap's Ireland only 3 days after the big Italy game.
Call me crazy but I think we could sneak a 0-0 there
posted on 6/6/12
colin im definitly calling you crazy