Póg Mo Goal

Paul Green

We Need to Talk About Kevin…and 9 Other Points

Temperatures are plummeting in Stockholm and news of Trapattoni’s starting eleven has met a frosty reception among Irish fans. Much of their ire is directed at the inclusion of Paul Green in midfield but amidst the clamour to condemn the manager, Trapattoni has named possibly his most adventurous team since taking charge of the Republic. He’s also pulled off something of a transformation of the Irish squad that failed so badly in Poland. Ahead of the crunch tie with Sweden, here’s ten key talking points.

Saipan II: Gibson Ga-Ga Over Green in Gdansk

He may have refused a call-up this week but Darron Gibson was on the brink of storming out of the Irish squad in Poland after the mauling by Spain in Gdansk , if the newspapers are to be believed.

Spud Watch – The Chips Are Down, And So Am I

I don’t even want to do this anymore. I’m sick of it. I don’t care about the team no more. Why should I? They played like a team who doesn’t care about me. They played in a style like the old Commodore 64 games where everybody is always in the same place doing the same thing, like animatronics.

State of Play: Ireland 2 Uruguay 3

Póg Mo Goal’s no-holds-barred player ratings –
HAD Ireland equalised to make it 3-3 at the Aviva Stadium against Uruguay, they would have been full value for the draw. Playing with an abandon that was sorely missed on Saturday, a mix of the naivety but confidence of youth, and the excessive enthusiasm of those out to impress, saw an Irish side produce ambitious football that almost came up trumps.

Preview: McCarthy & Co. Take Ur Chance

Ireland V Uruguay –

AFTER the huffing and puffing and eventually getting over the line against Macedonia on Saturday, patrons of the Aviva tonight may see a team of pace and energy, capable of playing attractive football to entertain the masses…and Uruguay will be there too.

Ireland’s Green Machine Ready to Rumble

THE always-excellent Mary Hannigan’s interview with Ireland’s new midfield maestro, Paul Green

The 27-year-old lines up in midfield in tomorrow’s Euro 2012 opener against Armenia.

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