Spain were the victors today in a close battle with South Africa, but then again we were never really expecting anything different. The rose above the South Africans with a 3-2 win. So what to expect then from the Spaniards?
Lets think like our Manager and the squad, and focus on Spain as a cunning, fast and furious football nation. Regardless of what the media has painted them with over the years, and although they don’t have much World or European silverware, they are far from under achievers. Yes it was 1964 when they last won the European Championship, and a third place in the 50s World cup, but this will mean nothing as far as we are concerned on Sunday.
The majority of the Squad have won many domestic trophies in la Liga, and with 9 goals in the opening phase of this tournament they mean business. Their striking partnership of Raul, Morientes and Tristan will give our back four hell. But their weakness is in the defence and the tiring legs of Nadal (pictured above) and Hierro will not look upon the presence of the Duffer and Keano as a nice sight.
The game will be played in the "Suwon World Cup Stadium" which was a purpose built stadium for the World Cup 2002 Finals. And it will be the final game of the 2002 tournament to be played in that particular stadium
Transfer news
Gary Breen, centre back and stand in Republic of Ireland captain is without a club. After failing to agree terms with Coventry city under new boss Gary McAllister, Breen will surely have no worry about finding a top-flight English club. David Moyes of Everton has already shown an interest of offering GBP£4mil. And judging by Breen’s performances in the World cup so far, surely his Agent need only be concerned about the increase in Gary’s price tag.
Keane and Kilbane tested
Robbie and Kevin were held back for drug testing after yesterday’s game with the Saudis, and this made it a second time for Keane. For he was also tested after the clash with Germany earlier last week. Needless to say Robbie was not happy to be selected again. All three physicians have every reason to be satisfied because there has not been a single positive result among all the doping tests carried out so far in Asia.
And our Final table standing after the first 32 was
Germany------3------2------1------0------11------1------7
Republic-----3------1------2------0------5------2------5
Cameroon-----3------1------1------1------2------3------4
Saudi--------3------0------0------3------0------12------0
Back to current news page Republic of Ireland Archive news Home
