Ireland Amongst Favorites For World Cup Qualification

Giovanni Trapattoni was not afraid to make early changes in the recent game against Italy and the changes worked out.  It is not often we see that happening in a game of football. A manager taking players off so early in the game usually backfires.

Perhaps he lucked out or perhaps he got it right on the day? The Irish boss continues to remind his squad and supporters that not losing is their key to qualifying. He's including a home and an away play off in his goals and it's working. The ball is bouncing Ireland's way and they are having more good luck than bad.

However this is a team that must be given credit for getting a 1-1 draw in Italy two weekends ago. And boy did they have luck when Italy's Giampaolo Pazzini was sent off in the 4th minute. With the mighty Blues down to ten men so early on meant Ireland was in with a shout. It was a chance to get a result and that included a win. Then Italy scored in the 10th minute. But there was a long way to go. Eventually Robbie Keane equalized in the 89th minute. 

A big change Trapattoni made in the 54th minute was Darron Gibson for Keith Andrews in the middle of the park. Now Ireland owned the midfield as pressure mounted towards Italy's box but to no avail. Fortunately as the final whistle approached the game was stopped as Italy gave the ball back to Shay Given. For the first time in the half Given went route one. Keane latched on and got the ball over the line. The goal was a gift from Italy. And down a man for most of the game was a blessing in disguise for the Irish.

It's hard to figure out this Irish team. Not too many have been impressed so far but two ties with Bulgaria and Italy respectively makes Ireland a team that can upset Group Eight. They have some young players in the squad and they are getting time. The veterans also know that giving away late goals has cost them in the past. Now it is Ireland's turn for late drama. 

In Ireland's opening game Glenn Whelan scored a 90th winner against Georgia. It was not a convincing result and it certainly did not dissuade Irish criticism. Unfortunately Ireland has a lot of doubters. When they tied 0-0 with Montenegro the jury was out. As disappointed as every one was Trapattoni was about the only one who insisted that they didn't lose. 

Then against Cyprus we saw a very fast goal by Robbie Keane in the 5th minute as the Irish held out to make a statement in Group 8. Bulgaria took notice while Italy remained poised but threatened. Next game for over an hour against Georgia the jury was out again as Ireland found themselves down a goal in the first minute. However in the 73rd minute the referee gave the green and white a dubious penalty kick. You have to take advantage of these calls in the game and Keane made no mistake. Within 5 minutes Keane was at it again.  The Irish striker pounced to take home the big 3 points that put Ireland level with Italy at the top of table. They must have been doing something right at this point luck or not. Now we know they are capable of pouncing and we also know they can score late goals. In fact they could have beaten Bulgaria and Italy with last minute chances.

Clearly they have a chance to qualify but most fans still hold doubt in the back of their minds. But we have been forewarning you all the way not to miss Ireland's growth as a team. We have been telling you all this time that Ireland can upset Group Eight and that's exactly what they did in their last two games.  Ireland is five points ahead of Bulgaria with a match in hand. Qualifying for the runners-up play off spot looks really good. As for winning the group Ireland are two points behind Italy who still must travel to Croke Park.

The qualifying teams are shaping up for FIFA's 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Ireland is amongst the favorites to qualify whether it is automatic or a runner up play off game. Here's the pick, Denmark, Greece, Germany, Russia, Spain, England, France, Italy, Ireland and the Netherlands. Teams with great outside chances are Hungary, Switzerland, Slovakia, Turkey, Croatia, Serbia, Scotland and Northern Ireland. You can't say you haven't been told that Ireland is truly in the mix.