With the Euros underway I thought I’d have a say on the international team I support; the boys in green from Ireland.
It’s been a while since we’ve got to a major finals but it wasn’t for the lack of trying (don’t get me started on Thierry Henry and France!).
I’m not saying there’s an easy group or team to play but we couldn’t have got a harder group if we tried.
I can see Spain in the final but not winning it; I think there is one team better than them but more on that later. They are a world class team in every department and aren’t the world champions by luck.
Italy is a hard side to judge right now; very Jekyll and Hyde. On the day they can beat you 6-0 and look unstoppable and yet if you played them a day later you might beat them the same score.
They are not the great side they once were but are still formidable opponents, although one of our finest memories in 1994 came against them.
Last but not least is Croatia; a side that to me is in the middle of a rebuild. Don’t get me wrong; to get to the Euros you have to be playing well but I think for them to get beyond the group stages is a great result.
Spain play Italy first and I can see Spain winning this by two or three clear goals; it’s the first game on Sunday.
Ireland’s first game is Croatia which kicks off after the first game is finished. Some might say that’s an advantage but this early in the tournament I can’t see it. Lose and its a disaster.
There are two players that should be watched in a green top; one is James McClean. McClean is somewhat of an unknown to a lot of fans but I think he’ll shine for the Republic after a top breakthrough season for Sunderland.
The other is Richard Dunne; a man that plays with his heart on his sleeve. This will be his first major championships and at the age of 32 it’s an ideal age.
There won’t be much that gets past the Aston Villa man, who tends to play better in the big games.
The goals of Robbie Keane I think will take us to the quarter finals; after finishing second behind Spain in the group.
As for who I think will win it; Holland with Van Persie finishing top scorer; a goal ahead of Keane. There’s optimism for you.
Do you agree? How will Ireland fare at Euro 2012?
image: © law_keven
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
