We Want A Replay

Sign The Petition For A Replay

2009-11-18T20:56:00.000-08:00

We Want A Replay

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/WeWantAReplay1/

Ireland v France A travesty

After being robbed in tonights game we are setting up a petition to give to FIFA requesting a Replay.
Are we going to stand back and let this happen or can we do something to support the boys in green who put up a heroic performance in the Stade de France. The Irish team dominated the game only to be foiled by not one but two deliberate handballs by Thierry Henry.
We cant blame Henry as a professional and attack him personally as many a player would try the same and he did seem to show some remorse after the game. However even if the situation was reversed and Keane or Doyle had done this, I am sure many an Irish fan would condemn it. It should not be part of the game, where has sportsmanship gone? It has left a bitter taste in many a football fans mouth not just in Ireland but surely across the world.
Over the two legs Ireland were the better team and the fact is the better team is not going to South Africa.

Some Quotes after the game:

Giovanni Trapattoni speaking to Tony O'Donoghue of RTE:
'I wish not to speak I am still angry because it is a bitter evening,this evening... All European people saw we deserved to win.'
When asked if this is one of the greatest injustices you have seen in your career Trapattoni said 'Yes..he (the referee) could ask Henry, I saw the replay, it's clear, too clear.'
'We deserved to go to Africa'.

Kevin Doyle speaking to Tony O'Donoghue of RTE:
'To see the goal, I seen it afterwards it's just sickening.'
'Linesman had a better view than anyone on the pitch apart from Shay Given, it wasn't a hand down by the side it was a hand out.'
'Don't blame the player as much if you can get away with it fair do's but if that obvious, should be seen.'

Tardelli speaking to Tony O'Donoghue of RTE:
'Henry is a very good champion but tonight maybe he want to say I take the ball with the hand because (pause) for the football, it is important for the football...I think to score this goal is not good for the football.'

Kevin Kilbane speaking to Tony O'Donoghue of RTE:
'We feel as though we have really been let down by the officials tonight but it seems to be the same old story with us doesn't it.'
'In extra time we get done by a terrible decision.'

Sean St Ledger speaking to Sky Sports:
'We were robbed.'
"Everyone can see it all around the world, it's blatant."

Can we do anything about this?
We think we can with the support of the Irish people this match can be replayed. 'Yes we Can' has been the slogan of the year thanks to Barack Obama and Bob the Builder so why can't we.
On a serious note this is possible, remember another Frenchmans display of sportsmanship. Arsene Wenger offered Sheffield United a replay after "ungentlemanly circumstances" occured in the 1999 FA Cup match between Arsenal and Sheffield United. Kanu scoring a goal after receiving the ball from a throw in which should have been played back to the keeper as a player had received treatment.
There is a precedent so don't give up yet.

Sign the petition and request a replay from FIFA as this is another case of 'ungentlemanly circumstances'.

If we do nothing, the night will only be remembered as a shame for Ireland, and shame on Henry.

This is a serious petition which we intend to submit to FIFA so please do not use profanities.

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/WeWantAReplay1/

Irish Soccer Team 1994-2002

2009-11-18T19:48:00.000-08:00

Mick McCarthy was appointed manager of Ireland after Charlton narrowly missed out on guiding Ireland to the Euro 96 Finals in England. On an emotional night which would be Charlton's final game in charge, the Irish succumbed to a two nil defeat at the hands of the Dutch in a playoff. The team was now in transition, an ageing team had to make way for youth, and a long ball game had to make way for the now worldwide pass and move philosophy. It was McCarthy's job to steady the ship and build on past successes. Unfortunately his immediate impact did not have a desired result. The Irish failed to qualify for the next two Tournaments, the World Cup in France 1998 and the Euros in Belgium and the Netherlands 2000. With some dismal performances in both qualifying campaigns although again narrowly missing out on both tournaments it was a disheartening period in Irish football until qualification for the World Cup in 2002.
In a qualification table including Portugal and Holland the Irish showed the fighting spirit of the previous era. With a mixture of some old stalwarts and youthful exuberance the team were not overawed. They finished the group in second place with the same points as winners Portugal and advanced to the World Cup Finals after a playoff with Iran. The qualification featured probably the greatest game ever played at Lansdowne Road not for flair or a flurry of goals but for drama. This game was against the Dutch, a nerve wracking nail biting match that no one who was there or who just watched in the pubs around the country will ever forget. To set the scene, the Dutch needed to win the game in order to keep their hopes alive, the Irish could not afford to lose. The Dutch team was filled with the superstars of the day, the De Boer brothers, Van Der Sar, Kluivert, Stam, Davids, Van Nistelrooy, and Seedorf. The Irish were underdogs with a capital 'U'. They had managed a 2-2 draw away from home against the Dutch, a remarkable result but could they really prevent the Dutch from reaching the World Cup Finals?
If the Irish did not believe they didn't show it spurred on by the best midfielder in the world Roy Keane, he did not let the Dutch breathe never mind pass the ball, undoubtedly his greatest performance in a green jersey. It may have been this over exuberance that caused the only moment of silence at that game, the moment Gary Kelly received a red card. Marc Overmars had been running rings round Kelly in the first half leading the Irish man to be yellow carded, the second half began as the first and thirteen minutes in a reckless tackle on Overmars again, saw Kelly see his second yellow of the game followed by the dreaded red. The Irish fans were disheartened but not silenced, the team were holding on to a nil all draw although the Dutch had missed chance after chance, it seemed only a matter of time. Shay Given was lucky not to concede a penalty when he seemed to bundle over Van Nistelrooy who surely would have been left with a simple tap in.
However a moment came that few are privileged enough to see in a football match. In the 67th minute Ireland for the first time in the half broke forward in numbers, Roy Keane led the charge, was strong on the ball, fouled, the ball breaks to Duff, ref waves play on, he spreads the ball wide to Finnan, he attacks Cocu down the right, forced to check back onto his left, crosses to the far post, and somehow it breaks to an unmarked Jason McAteer who on the half volley slots the ball past an imposing Van Der Sar. What a moment and the Lansdowne roar was never heard so loudly. For 23 and a bit minutes Ireland defended for their lives, eventually seeing out a one nil win. When the final whistle blew the Irish fans broke into a chorus of 'Ten Men and we beat the Dutch', few wanted to leave that stadium that day, even the Dutch fans, who played their part in the remarkable atmosphere, applauded as they had witnessed something special.
The 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan got off to an auspices start. After a qualification campaign of mainly highs the World Cup before it even started brought a great low. The Irish team had shown great unity, determination and spirit which was characterised in the Dutch match, a training camp in Saipan brought disunity, and tore through the heart of the team literally. A training ground bust up involving Roy Keane and some of the coaching staff was blown out of all proportions. A critical article in an Irish newspaper from Keane and a team meeting which seems to have been a shambolic bit of man management from McCarthy resulted in the man considered to be the best midfielder in the world, Roy Keane being sent home. The world's media attention was on the Ireland team now but for all the wrong reasons. Everyone had an opinion on this issue and the players, the media and the fans were split into two camps, those who believed McCarthy was right to send Keane home and those who supported Keane in his comments on the Irish set up. Keane had stated that the Irish lacked professionalism in every aspect of their preparation for the World Cup, obviously more heated exchanges occurred behind the scenes which led to Keane's dismissal. Although politicians were even called in to resolve the issue Keane remained in his Manchester home and Ireland began the World Cup without their best player.
Whatever people may say about what happened in Saipan and many have and will continue to have their say it is evident that both men should have been able to resolve any personal differences they had for each other for the more important matter at hand.
The Irish faced Cameroon in the first match of the group stage. A strong physical team Cameroon imposed themselves on the game from the first whistle. Up front they had Samuel Etoo leading the line and his break down the right hand side of Ireland's defence led to the opening goal. He skipped passed Staunton leaving him on his backside, entered the penalty area and squared the ball to Mboma who placed the ball into the gaping goal. Ireland managed to reorganise themselves and snatched an equaliser in the second half, a crisply struck shot from Matt Holland (Keane's replacement) from outside the box nestled into the bottom right hand corner of the net. An opening draw in the campaign and some relief that the team had not capitulated under the undue pressure that had preceded the match.
Next up were the ever resilient Germans. The Germans although lacking the skills of previous teams could never be written off. In the 19th minute they took the lead with a Klose goal. However after they went one nil up Germany sat back and tried to sit on their lead. In a poor game, but another determined performance saw Ireland snatch an equaliser in the 92nd minute. A long ball up to Niall Quinn (reminiscent of the old days), headed into the box and latched on to by Robbie Keane who slots the ball into the corner of the net. Another memorable moment as Ireland now just needed to beat Saudi Arabia to qualify for the next round.
In the third match of the group they did just that. With a few nervous moments at the beginning of the game Ireland went on to win the match 3-0 with goals from Robbie Keane, Gary Breen and Damien Duff. They may not have been at their best against the Saudis but the result saw them progress to the Second Round.
The Second Round was a mouth watering tie with Spain. The Spaniards had started the Finals brightly with three wins from three and most were comfortable, 3-1 on two occasions. So when Fernando Morientes headed in after only eight minutes things looked bleak. However the Spanish began to sit back and the Irish threw everything they had at the Spanish defence. There were signs of the defence creaking under the pressure and it did just that in the 62nd minute, Damien Duff fouled in the area, penalty. Up stepped Ian Harte... Casillas saves. The luck of the Irish seemed to be running out until the unlikeliest of events transpired, in the ninety second minute Robbie Keane was brought down in the box, another penalty. This time up stepped Robbie Keane...GOAL!
The match ended 1-1 and extra time got under way. With further twists Spain ended that game with nine men on the pitch not through ill discipline but injury. Although Ireland looked the more likely they could not press home their two man advantage. This would be a fatal error as the penalty shootout resulted in a win for Spain. Yet again the Irish had given it their all and their supporters admired them for it.

Provided by http://www.findirishpubs.com

Irish Soccer 1994 World Cup

2009-11-18T19:47:00.000-08:00

The World Cup USA 94 was a heated affair both on and off the pitch. The sweltering heat had the entire Irish team running for refreshments during the match never mind at half time and many most notably Stan Staunton had turned beetroot in colour.
The Irish had only qualified for the Finals after a late Alan McLaughlin goal against Northern Ireland in Windsor Park. The match probably one best forgotten due to its sectarian atmosphere, was aptly portrayed by Marie Jones' in 'A Night in November'. However Ireland marched on after the 1-1 draw due to the fact that Spain had beaten Denmark that same night.
USA 94 was a mixed tournament on and off the field for Ireland and it could be said that this was the case for football in general. It saw the demise of one of the legends of world football Diego Maradonna. He was sent home after failing a drugs test which would be the last time we would see the Argentinean maestro on the world stage. Of much greater magnitude was the fate of a Colombian defender Escobar. Colombia who had been considered a dark horse to go all the way in the tournament were tamely knocked out in the group stages. Escobar had scored an own goal against the United States, a match they lost 2-1. Tragically he paid for this with his life ten days later when he was shot outside a pub in a Medellin suburb, Colombia.
Ireland was drawn in a group with Italy, Mexico and Norway. Their first match was against Italy their victors four years previously. In the Giants Stadium the Irish team walked tall as they recorded their first ever victory in the World Cup Finals. Yet another memorable day as Ray Houghton chests down a poor header from Franco Baresi, adjusts his feet, swings a left foot, the ball loops over Gianluca Pagliuca and dips under the bar and into the net. The goal celebration says it all and determination allowed the Irish to shut out the Italians and hold on to a one nil victory.
Later on that day Irish fans and indeed the players would learn of the events at home which would overshadow that great occasion. Loyalist paramilitaries had gone into a pub full of people watching the Italy, Ireland match in Loughinisland, spraying the pub with bullets and in turn killing 6 people watching a football match. Players and fans alike were devastated as it marked another low point in Irish History and yet another atrocity added to the long list, carried out by both sides.
However the football continued and Ireland's next match was against Mexico, a decent side which by no means lacked style as is characterised by their flamboyant Goalkeeper Campos. His jersey, designed by himself should not let us be distracted by the fact that he was one of the best Goalkeepers around at this time. It was always going to be a hard fought match with two contrasting styles, unfortunately Ireland lost out this time, going down to a 2-1 defeat. The match will be remembered more for outbursts on the touchline, as confusion and indeed a delay in John Aldridge coming on as substitute, led to rants and tempered exchanges with officials. The aftermath was that Aldridge finally came on and scored and Jack Charlton was suspended from the dugout for their next game against Norway.
The Norway game turned out to be a dull affair. Both teams lacking goals in their side and as both played similar styles it was inevitable that they would cancel each other out. The game ended nil nil, however results went their way in the other game as Mexico held Italy to a one all draw. With each team ending on four points Ireland managed to progress to the Second Round as a result of John Aldridge's crucial goal in the defeat against Mexico.
The Second Round saw them pitched against the Dutch. The 4th July was the date and Orlando the setting. It was set up for another remarkable story, if Ireland beat a lacklustre Dutch team the prospect of playing the mighty Brazilians in the Quarters was mouth watering. However as most well laid plans end so did the hopes of the Irish team. A few defensive errors proved costly as Denis Bergkamp sent the Dutch on their way with 11 minutes on the clock and it got worse in the 41st minute when an innocuous hit and hope attempt by Jonk was fumbled by Packie Bonner into the back of the net. Unfortunately it would be the end of an era as we would not see many of the great Irish players play again on the world stage, including unbelievably Roy Keane. It was also the last tournament Jack Charlton would steer us to.

Provided by http://www.findirishpubs.com

Irish Soccer 1990 World Cup

2009-11-18T19:45:00.000-08:00

After finishing second to Spain in the qualification table Ireland were on their way to Italia 90. Ireland didn't play the most attractive style of football in that tournament but the team as we have become accustomed to showed great heart and determination.
In a group including Holland England and Egypt the Irish managed to advance without winning a single match and only scoring two goals. A memorable one again against England , scored by Kevin Sheedy and a goal against the Dutch, another classic just for the expression on Packie Bonner's face a now familiar sight but one which encompasses the team spirit, when he put all he had into a long punt upfield characteristic of how Ireland played, a poor clearance, a fortunate fumble, and a long leg of Niall Quinn sent the Irish into the Second Round.
The Second Round saw Ireland face Romania, again they were never going to do it the easy way. A tense nil nil draw and it came down to a penalty shoot out, could it be possible that a team in the world cup without winning a match and only scoring two goals could advance to the quarters, well as they say the rest is history.
With eight penalties taken and eight goals scored, up stepped Daniel Timofte. A firmly struck penalty to the keepers bottom right hand corner, Saved, Packie Bonner will always be remembered for that moment the greatest of his career, however although exhilarated you can almost see the realisation on his face that the job was only half done, it still rested on one mans shoulders to do the unthinkable. This man was David O'Leary and can anyone forget the commentators infamous words before the ball was struck. 'The Nation holds its breath' and for that one moment I really think it did, a re-spot of the ball, an eternity, a side footed shot to the keepers left, the keepers gone right, and 'it's there'. Ireland through to the World Cup Quarter Finals.
Next up were the Italians on there own turf, but first a more pressing matter, an audience with Pope John Paul II, this just added to the almost dream like occasion. I am sure people were asking themselves just that, was this a dream?
Well it wasn't and Ireland lined up in a quarter final against a team which included legends such as Franco Baresi, Paolo Maldini, Toto Schillaci, Roberto Baggio, the list in fact could include their starting eleven. Well as much is to say the dream ended that night but it was certainly not a nightmare. The Italians won the game 1-0, a blistering shot from Donadoni could only be parried by Bonner and unfortunately it landed at the feet of Toto Schillaci, a prolific goalscorer, who slotted it into the empty net.
The celebrations throughout Ireland in the pubs, homes and streets during that tournament will be hard to replicate and maybe only surpassed if Ireland actually win a World Cup. The homecoming just emphasised the great supporters this team has, undoubtedly the best in the world. It is said that Jack Charlton never had to buy another pint in Ireland after Italia '90, it was always on the house, I can believe that, a more interesting anecdote is that he used to offer to buy the whole pub a pint and would pay for it by cheque as he knew the owner of the bar would not cash it instead opting to frame it on the wall. Whether true or not it just adds to the legend and character of Big Jack.

Provided by http://www.findirishpubs.com

Irish Soccer Team 1924-1988

2009-11-18T19:37:00.000-08:00

The Irish team made its competitive debut at the 1924 Olympics and in the process they reached the quarter finals.
Between 1924 and 1936 the team competed as the Irish Free State and from then until 1950 the team was known as Ireland. After some confusion as the north of Ireland and the south were both called Ireland and the fact that players were playing for both sides FIFA intervened and after 1950 the team became known as the Republic of Ireland and this remains the case today.
After a troubled period in the 1960's, the Irish team regained respectability in the football world under the direction of Johhny Giles, only narrowly missing out on qualification for the 1978 World Cup.
Eoin Hand took the reigns for the 1982 World cup qualifications and again narrowly missed out this time on goal difference to France. Disappointing campaigns followed in 1984 and 1986 for the European Championships and World Cup respectively which ended his stint in charge.
The Republics greatest era came under the management of Jack Charlton 1986-1995, during his reign Ireland qualified for the 1988 European Championships in Germany, 1990 World Cup Finals in Italy and the USA 1994 World Cup. Not only did the Irish qualify but they left there mark on each championship they qualified for.
In the 1988 European Championships in Germany the Irish failed to advance from the Group stages but with only 8 teams in the competition Ireland finished a very respectable 5th. It also provided the Irish fans with the first but not the last great moment in Irish football. A 1-0 win against England with a Ray Houghton goal provided the Irish with their first memorable moment in a competitive championship.

Provided by http://www.findirishpubs.com