Big Match Preview: Switzerland v Ireland
By Ade O`Connor October 10 2003
The Republic of Ireland go into Saturday’s vital qualifying game in the knowledge that only a win will leave them in control of their own destiny, anything less would rely on Georgia taking points from Russia – an unlikely scenario.
By Ade O`Connor October 10 2003
The Republic of Ireland go into Saturday’s vital qualifying game in the knowledge that only a win will leave them in control of their own destiny, anything less would rely on Georgia taking points from Russia – an unlikely scenario.
Brian Kerr’s side only miss regular captain Kenny Cunningham through suspension, apart from that Kerr has a full pool of players to choose from. They will need to be at their best to gain a victory in Bern.
Switzerland has grown in confidence since the start of the qualifying campaign and were top of the ground until they became unstuck against Russia, Ireland knows this challenge cannot be taken lightly.
Despite the uphill task facing the Irish, Kerr remains confident that his team, which he has been in charge of around a year, can do what it takes to make the finals in Portugal.
Ireland held highflying Turkey at Lansdowne Road in a 2-2 draw, with a number of men making an impression on the Irish boss.
David Connolly out paced and then out manoeuvred the Turkish defender Alpay, before finishing with real conviction, an area which Ireland have lacked up front since the John Aldridge days.
Together with the returning Robbie Keane, Kerr could well have a pair of match winners in the front line for the battle against the Swiss, though strength in depth should ensure the opposition are kept guessing until the last minute.
Clinton Morrison, Gary Doherty and Damien Duff could also line up next to Keane; Kerr however is likely to give Connolly a chance to make a name for himself as a modern day Irish football hero.
In the defence, Kenny Cunningham is a massive loss for the team, but not an irreplaceable commodity. John O`Shea is likely to switch to centre back from the left of defence, with either Ian Harte or Steve Finnan taking his place on the left.
Steve Carr is also in the frame to start at left back, but his exceptional form on the right is likely to see him hold firm, Ian Harte’s attacking abilities are in no doubt, but Kerr must balance this with his defensive frailties and lack of match practice.
So Finnan may well be the ideal option, the Liverpool player is in no doubt good enough for International level but competition for places has seen him rather frozen out, a good performance on the left will see him assured of a place once more.
The heart of the Republic midfield is also cause for a selection headache for manager Brian Kerr, Colin Healy seemed to have claimed his position alongside Matt Holland in the centre of the park, but a poor performance against Russia may see Kerr look elsewhere.
Mark Kinsella is waiting to come in from the cold, his experience could be just what is needed under such a tense scenario, but many argue Kinsella is not the same player he once was and offers little in an attacking role.
Lee Carsley has received the occasional selection on the right of the midfield for Ireland, but with mixed fortunes; Kerr could see the Everton battler as a useful weapon in Bern. However, Healy is likely to maintain his place on the basis of superb club form at Sunderland.
Given the confidence that Kilbane is playing with at present, surely it would make no sense to displace him from the left of midfield, Damien Duff could play on the right side following a string of starts there with Chelsea.
After the line up and tactics are sorted, all that’s left is to go out and win on the road.
Of course it is nowhere near that simple, whatever happens on Saturday it is sure to be a roller coaster ride, but it will be the ending to decide whether us Ireland fans will raise a glass to victory, or drown our sorrows.
Switzerland has grown in confidence since the start of the qualifying campaign and were top of the ground until they became unstuck against Russia, Ireland knows this challenge cannot be taken lightly.
Despite the uphill task facing the Irish, Kerr remains confident that his team, which he has been in charge of around a year, can do what it takes to make the finals in Portugal.
Ireland held highflying Turkey at Lansdowne Road in a 2-2 draw, with a number of men making an impression on the Irish boss.
David Connolly out paced and then out manoeuvred the Turkish defender Alpay, before finishing with real conviction, an area which Ireland have lacked up front since the John Aldridge days.
Together with the returning Robbie Keane, Kerr could well have a pair of match winners in the front line for the battle against the Swiss, though strength in depth should ensure the opposition are kept guessing until the last minute.
Clinton Morrison, Gary Doherty and Damien Duff could also line up next to Keane; Kerr however is likely to give Connolly a chance to make a name for himself as a modern day Irish football hero.
In the defence, Kenny Cunningham is a massive loss for the team, but not an irreplaceable commodity. John O`Shea is likely to switch to centre back from the left of defence, with either Ian Harte or Steve Finnan taking his place on the left.
Steve Carr is also in the frame to start at left back, but his exceptional form on the right is likely to see him hold firm, Ian Harte’s attacking abilities are in no doubt, but Kerr must balance this with his defensive frailties and lack of match practice.
So Finnan may well be the ideal option, the Liverpool player is in no doubt good enough for International level but competition for places has seen him rather frozen out, a good performance on the left will see him assured of a place once more.
The heart of the Republic midfield is also cause for a selection headache for manager Brian Kerr, Colin Healy seemed to have claimed his position alongside Matt Holland in the centre of the park, but a poor performance against Russia may see Kerr look elsewhere.
Mark Kinsella is waiting to come in from the cold, his experience could be just what is needed under such a tense scenario, but many argue Kinsella is not the same player he once was and offers little in an attacking role.
Lee Carsley has received the occasional selection on the right of the midfield for Ireland, but with mixed fortunes; Kerr could see the Everton battler as a useful weapon in Bern. However, Healy is likely to maintain his place on the basis of superb club form at Sunderland.
Given the confidence that Kilbane is playing with at present, surely it would make no sense to displace him from the left of midfield, Damien Duff could play on the right side following a string of starts there with Chelsea.
After the line up and tactics are sorted, all that’s left is to go out and win on the road.
Of course it is nowhere near that simple, whatever happens on Saturday it is sure to be a roller coaster ride, but it will be the ending to decide whether us Ireland fans will raise a glass to victory, or drown our sorrows.
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