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Post by thevoid on Oct 12, 2015 10:05:14 GMT
OK, Wales' achievement is notable and deserved, but they have a world class player to call on plus the likes of Ramsey and Williams. But Northern Ireland don't seem to be generating as much publicity, and if Wales qualifying is a surprise, Norn Iron qualifying is a minor miracle.
They've just qualified as group winners, after winning just ONE game in their World Cup qualifying group. Not that long ago, they were losing back to back games to Luxembourg and Azerbaijan. Their team has no superstars, mainly lower league journeymen and veterans like Chris Brunt. They also suffer from losing some players to the Republic.
It's an astounding turnaround and Michael O'Neill is a miracle-worker. Don't forget, he lead Shamrock Rovers to the group stage of the Europa League a year or two ago. Wonder if any clubs will take a punt on him?
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Post by dozintheseventees on Oct 12, 2015 10:28:13 GMT
It IS a fantastic achievement by both NI and Wales and The Republic have fought a great campaign which, hopefully, will yet see them make it. I think Wales are getting a bit more of the spotlight treatment because dinausaurs roamed the earth the last time they qualified for a major international finals. Both ROI and NI have qualified for major finals more recently. Wales have had world class individuals in past years in the likes of Giggs and some bloke that manages some football club nearby. I honestly think that Wales have, at times, under-achieved for a nation sprinkled with some top class players and it's good to see them finally get there.
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Post by wokinghampotter on Oct 12, 2015 11:05:09 GMT
Congratulations to Northern Ireland. Agree that the Welsh are receiving the plaudits. I agree that Wales have under achieved over the years and I think that may be to do with some managers restricting the matches the likes of Giggs would play in. They have had some very good teams but always been undermined by this club v country argument and this has thwarted their ambitions.
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Post by fca47 on Oct 12, 2015 11:08:39 GMT
True, they have no stars etc. Done really well.
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Post by partickpotter on Oct 12, 2015 11:49:11 GMT
Quite a few "new" names will be there this summer. First time for Iceland and Albania and a resurgent Arnie inspired Austria qualified for the Euro final stages for the first time.
Should make for an interesting tournament in the summer.
But who gets the prize for underachieving? The winners of Euro 2004 - who managed to finish bottom of their qualifying group below the might Faroes!
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Post by lordb on Oct 12, 2015 12:03:13 GMT
no Holland either
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Post by mailman44 on Oct 12, 2015 12:04:16 GMT
OK, Wales' achievement is notable and deserved, but they have a world class player to call on plus the likes of Ramsey and Williams. But Northern Ireland don't seem to be generating as much publicity, and if Wales qualifying is a surprise, Norn Iron qualifying is a minor miracle. They've just qualified as group winners, after winning just ONE game in their World Cup qualifying group. Not that long ago, they were losing back to back games to Luxembourg and Azerbaijan. Their team has no superstars, mainly lower league journeymen and veterans like Chris Brunt. They also suffer from losing some players to the Republic. It's an astounding turnaround and Michael O'Neill is a miracle-worker. Don't forget, he lead Shamrock Rovers to the group stage of the Europa League a year or two ago. Wonder if any clubs will take a punt on him? Check yourself, mate. Kyle Lafferty plays for them remember?  |
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Post by partickpotter on Oct 12, 2015 12:11:19 GMT
OK, Wales' achievement is notable and deserved, but they have a world class player to call on plus the likes of Ramsey and Williams. But Northern Ireland don't seem to be generating as much publicity, and if Wales qualifying is a surprise, Norn Iron qualifying is a minor miracle.They've just qualified as group winners, after winning just ONE game in their World Cup qualifying group. Not that long ago, they were losing back to back games to Luxembourg and Azerbaijan. Their team has no superstars, mainly lower league journeymen and veterans like Chris Brunt. They also suffer from losing some players to the Republic. It's an astounding turnaround and Michael O'Neill is a miracle-worker. Don't forget, he lead Shamrock Rovers to the group stage of the Europa League a year or two ago. Wonder if any clubs will take a punt on him? Check yourself, mate. Kyle Lafferty plays for them remember? Make that a major miracle. |
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Post by Deleted on Oct 12, 2015 14:53:13 GMT
Not taking anything away from them but if they couldn't get out of this group I don't think they'd ever make it out of any.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 12, 2015 14:57:26 GMT
And congratulations to Scotland for getting independence.
England, Wales & Northern Ireland will all be in France next year, but Scotland will be independent of this and be at home.
What's the difference between a Syrian in a Dinghy and a Scottish Footballer.....The Syrian will probably be in Europe next Year.
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Post by andrewguk on Oct 12, 2015 15:07:09 GMT
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Post by NassauDave on Oct 12, 2015 23:43:37 GMT
Fair play Norn Iron.
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Post by PotterLog on Oct 13, 2015 1:51:58 GMT
It IS a fantastic achievement by both NI and Wales and The Republic have fought a great campaign which, hopefully, will yet see them make it. I think Wales are getting a bit more of the spotlight treatment because dinausaurs roamed the earth the last time they qualified for a major international finals. Both ROI and NI have qualified for major finals more recently. Wales have had world class individuals in past years in the likes of Giggs and some bloke that manages some football club nearby. I honestly think that Wales have, at times, under-achieved for a nation sprinkled with some top class players and it's good to see them finally get there. For a minute there I thought you were on about TP  |
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Post by lordb on Oct 13, 2015 9:37:59 GMT
It IS a fantastic achievement by both NI and Wales and The Republic have fought a great campaign which, hopefully, will yet see them make it. I think Wales are getting a bit more of the spotlight treatment because dinausaurs roamed the earth the last time they qualified for a major international finals. Both ROI and NI have qualified for major finals more recently. Wales have had world class individuals in past years in the likes of Giggs and some bloke that manages some football club nearby. I honestly think that Wales have, at times, under-achieved for a nation sprinkled with some top class players and it's good to see them finally get there. For a minute there I thought you were on about TP Or Rob Page |
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Post by thevoid on Oct 13, 2015 12:35:07 GMT
Albania and Iceland through as well, and Iceland with a population of about 300,000 and in a group containing Holland, Czech Rep and Turkey  They didn't come close when they had the likes of Gudjohnsen. |
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