Gareth Maher


The Republic of Ireland know that going through the play-offs is their best hope of qualifying for the 2010 World Cup, but they still need a big performance against Italy.

Forget about trying to get tickets for this one. Ireland v Italy at Croke Park was always going to be the big game in Group 8 and now it has finally arrived.

The Azzurri only need a single point from either this clash or their final group game against Cyprus to seal automatic qualification to next summer’s main event. But it is a different story for Ireland.

Giovanni Trapattoni’s require positive results from the Italy encounter and the home game with Montenegro four days later to ensure they wrap up second place in the group ahead of a resurgent Bulgaria.

The qualifying thus far has been a case of so far, so good for Ireland. Even though they are unbeaten, there is still a lot for them to tweak going into their final two qualifiers with the proof coming in their less-than-convincing 2-1 win over Cyprus last time out.

Kevin Doyle put the Irish in front after five minutes in Nicosia and that goal should have ignited a period of dominance for the visitors. Instead, they cowered back into their shell as the home side created several chances before drawing level on the half hour mark.

Ireland were struggling to find any sort of rhythm with aimless long balls being launched out of defence and the midfield failing to keep possession. Memories of the 2006 defeat suddenly started to rush back as Giovanni Trapattoni’s side gasped for air.

“We began very well, but after 15 minutes lost the midfield,” said Trapattoni afterwards.

All at once, fresh debates kicked off about whether this Irish team are good enough to reach South Africa or not. Former Ireland boss Johnny Giles chipped in with his opinion that the negative style of play comes from the manager and that his instructions need to change.

“When you get into a winning position having scored the first goal, then you force it home. You keep playing the way that got you the goal in the first place,” said Giles.

“He (Trapattoni) does bring discipline and certain qualities to the side that are not visible and certainly not easy on the eye, but why not win the match and win it well?”

Despite some flashes of good play, there was no consistency in how Ireland played that night. The same type of performance against Italy, however, would not lead to a similar result. But the Irish players know that and they are expected to raise their game for the visit of the world champions.

Trapattoni might have come under pressure from certain sections of the Irish media, although he has made a big difference since taking charge of The Boys In Green and his impact that not passed Italy coach Marcello Lippi by.

“He (Trapattoni) has brought a serious organisational capacity to Ireland and he has made them into a real team,” said Lippi.

“He has also done a lot for their self-belief, making them capable of providing serious opposition for any side.”

With so much at stake for Ireland, this match offers the perfect platform for the players to show that they are good enough to qualify for a World Cup and for Trapattoni to prove to his doubters that he is still one of the best managers around.

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