The view from block 116

Well I said we would win and predicted a 2-1 victory, so I can feel rather smug on that count.

Not overly impressed with the performance, but again this really was in essence a "cup game". We had to win [or at least draw] or they NEEDED to win and so the manner of the victory matters not-a-jot when you really get down to it.

Some good performances, some not so good.

Cox I think proved his worth. I thought he and Doyle played well together and indeed, like I said yesterday, played up front together as a pair with Cox dropping off to help out the middle.

We did attempt to use the wings and Duff was more effective than McGeady as acting as our "out" but also as our main attacking platform. I think McGeady was poor in the first half because frankly he was not faster than the guy marking him who neutralised his game. Second half he switched sides and made more of an impact. It was he who made the space and crossed the ball in for the goal we won the game by. Kelly was terrible and really needs to improve or to get a transfer to the IFA team.

I thought John O'Shea had a good game as did Dunne. I do not think Shay will be happy about the goal that went in, even though he saw it late. I personally would expect him to save that shot 19 times out of 20.

In terms of the controversy over the sending off, I would say this to our opponents. I thought the Armenian side were very good going forward, but were under pressure at the back. You can't really disagree with that when you consider that one of the defenders was so pressurised that he stuck the ball in his own net. Cox handled the ball on the way toward the net for the sending-off and it should have been a freekick out. However I am convinced, having looked at all the footage, that the ball struck the keepers chest AND then his RAISED right arm. Had it hit his LOWERED [at his side] arm after hitting his chest, then no-sending off and play on. However it hit his RAISED arm and you have to ask yourself the question, what were his arms doing in the air, if not to block the shot outside the box? So unlucky that the referee [who was gawd-awful all night long] did not see Cox's initial infringement but thats the game. The referee also failed to award Ireland two stonewall penalties for another raised arm, above head height in the box and the tackle on Stephen Hunt late on. The latter I feel sure he would have awarded had the game not basically been settled anyway [given the time]. He bottled that decision. Doyles first yellow, was a yellow, the second was a joke. Never a sending off. However you know these continental referees always try to rebalance the books. The SECOND Armenia goalkeeper handled the ball outside the box, which I have seen my clubside goalies being walked immediately, regardless if a goalscoring chance is on the cards. So again off the hook.

So all in all I don't think Armenia were going to win this game. I think that they proved they are a decent side going forward, technically gifted, great movement, but championships are built upon sound foundations, i.e. the defence and the goalie. That is where they must improve in order to take on tricky teams like Ireland. Well done to them. Moreover than anything else, they needed a win and they didn't even get close to a draw, so...

It was noticeable how Ireland have become a really Italian "minded" team. They knew late on that Armenia needed to score 2 goals and were content to turn away from attacks, retain possession and to go all the way back to Shay to start again. The crowd boo-ed but what do they know! This was the RIGHT thing to do. THEY can't score if they don't have the ball. They needed to score twice, so this type of prudent play, is very Italian and VERY BLOODY EFFECTIVE. I honestly don't care if we win ugly, as long as we win.

I don't think a lot of teams will want Ireland in the play-offs or indeed if we progress will want us in their groups. The Irish team are difficult to break down, very competitive and with their Italian mindset will grind teams down and play sensible football, rather than playing the football equivalent of "Russian Roulette" and shooting yourself in the head.

I think we will do allright in the Euros, provided we get there...

P.S. and well done to everyone including me for getting off your rear ends and reporting to the Aviva to support the side. 5,000 more of you next time please and have a few drinks before the game and get LOUD.