CROKER NIGHTS

Strange...

I sat in a half-empty Croke Park shortly before the Republic of Ireland's European Championship qualifier with Slovakia trying to anticipate what the atmosphere would be like later in the evening. The previous Saturday had been a big disappointment both on and off the pitch with the non-event that was the 1-0 win over the Welsh. So would tonight be any different? Would the fans turn out in their droves at GAA HQ for the second time in a few days to cheer on a team short on confidence, ideas and hope?

The answer was a resounding yes.

The atmosphere generated was amongst the best I have ever experienced at a Soccer International, Rugby International or GAA Championship match. The singing began long before kick-off with "Stand Up For the Boys in Green". To a man, the crowd arose and belted out the song over and over until the two teams strode onto the pitch.

The singing continued throughout the game with familiar chants like "Come on ye boys in green" and "Ole, Ole" surfacing any time the tempo dropped during an entertaining game. The Irish team responded with a superb all round team performance that yielded a 1-0 victory.

So what were the good, the bad and the ugly memories from that Euro qualifier?


The Good
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Damien Duff
There is nothing to gladden the heart more of the most pessimistic Irish soccer fan than the sight of Damien Duff in full flight. It has been many years since Duff has had such a positive impact in an Irish International. This point is best emphasised in the fact that Slovakia doubled-up on the marking of Duff in the second period but failed to dampen his impact or enthusiasm.

Paul Mc Shane and Richard Dunne
Mc Shane and Dunne excelled at centre back. True, Mc Shane almost gave a penalty away late in the game but apart from that, neither he nor Dunne put a foot wrong. Whilst Mc Shane took the majority of the plaudits in the media the following day, Richard Dunne put in his most consistent 90 minute performance in an Irish jersey. Their partnership bodes well for the future.

Renewed Hope
Steve Staunton cut a relieved and happy figure in his media interviews and after match press conference. Moreover, why wouldn't he. 6 points in 5 days and the Germans defeat of the Czechs means the Republic of Ireland are still in with a realistic shout of qualifying for the 2008 tournament. If the players can repeat the level of performance demonstrated against the Slovaks in the two (crucial) away games in September then who knows where Staunton's side could yet achieve.


The Bad
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Aidan McGeady
The Celtic striker/ winger repeatedly cut in from the right wing and gave the ball away on far too many occasions. His substitution came mid-way through the second half and should have occurred long before then. His replacement, Stephen hunt, made more of an impact in his first 5 minutes after his introduction than McGeady did in the whole of first half time. Hunt simply must start the next two Irish qualifiers.

Steve Finnan and John O'Shea
I do not understand the logic behind playing both Steve Finnan and John O'Shea out of position in the two full back roles. Finnan in particular cut a forlorn figure for much of the game and his body language alone suggested he does not enjoy the left back position. His performance at right back for Liverpool in their recent Champions League win in Eindhoven is surely enough to convince Staunton that this is his best position. O'Shea did well at right back, but the Waterford man is happier on the left side as his performances for Manchester United have suggested this season.


The Ugly
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Mexican Waves
The kid's section in the Hogan stand were guilty for trying to start this annoying wave throughout the second half. Thankfully there was no repeat of the previous Saturday when the Mexican Wave ended up being more enjoyable spectacle than the match was.

So on a night that began with much trepidation, the outcome resulted in a complete mood swing and renewed hope amongst the thousands of Irish fans spilling out onto Jones’s road into the cold Dublin night. Chants of "Come on Ye Boy's In Green" resonated for miles from delighted Irish soccer supporters.

Hard to believe an international match at the same venue the previous Saturday could have generated such pessimism.

Thank God football fans aren't fickle...