One of my two existing stories crashed... so I thought I would do an international team because it would be quicker to get into the future & do a longer story with.
Loaded: English Premier League, Italian Serie A, French Ligue 1, German First Division & Spannish LIGA BBVA (also loaded all players from Ireland).
Chapter 1 starts in June 2009 & ends in March 2010
Tuesday 30th June 2009 – Ireland appoint Grundy as manager
Paul Grundy has been appointed as the new Ireland coach in succession to Giovanni Trapattoni. The announcement was made at the Irish FA's headquarters this morning. In a statement to the press, the FA's chief executive commented that Grundy was the unanimous choice of the FA's selection committee & was the only person for the job in their eyes. Grundy has released the back room team from their international duties as he looks to make his mark on the national side.
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Wednesday 15th July 2009 – World Rankings announced
Ireland have dropped 1 place to 39th position in the latest World Rankings list.
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Sunday 26th July 2009 – Ireland chief picks his back room team
The back room of Grundy's new Ireland regieme will look like this:
ASSISTANT MANAGER:Chris Hughton, currently caretaker manager of Newcastle United, has been appointed assistant manager to Grundy. It is the second time Hughton has held this role in his coaching career.
COACH: Trevor Croly has been appointed coach of the first team. He will combine this role with his assistant manager position at Shamrock Rovers.
GK COACH: Eddie Van Boxtel has been appointed goalkeeper coach of the first team.
U21 MANAGER:Eddie Gormley has been appointed Ireland Under 21 manager. He will continue to manage Bray Wanderers & will provide a good scout for young talent in the Irish Leagues.
U19 MANAGER:Martin Russell, the UCD manager has been handed the Under 19 management role.
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Thursday 6th August 2009 – Grundy announces Ireland squad / Duff out in the cold
Ireland coach Paul Grundy has named his squad for the friendly against Australia on Wednesday. Burnley central midfielder Chris McCann could be given the opertunity to win his first cap along with a number of players including: James McCarthy, Marc Wilson, James O'Shea, Stephen Quinn & Brian Murphy. There are otherwise no real surprises in the squad & Grundy is sure to take the oppertunity to experiment with players & tactics.
Damien Duff is the highest profile player to have been excluded by Ireland manager Paul Grundy from his squad to face Australia in this week's friendly. Reports have suggested that the 30 year old is being rested but the speculation on the Fulham left winger's Republic of Ireland future will continue to mount untill the team's next World Cup qualifying match.
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Wednesday 12th August 2009 – SENIOR MATCH
Line Up: Shay Given, Kevin Kilbane, Richard Dunne, Andy O'Brien, John O'Shea, Andy Reid (Daryl Murphy), Lee Carsley (Marc Wilson), Aiden McGeady, Liam Lawrence (James McCarthy), Robbie Keane ©, Kevin Doyle.
Report: It took just 10 minutes for Celtic's Aiden McGeady to score his first ever international goal & put Ireland 1-0 up with a well placed shot after Andy Reid played the ball to him from the left wing. Andy Reid picked up a knock & was subbed off on 25 minutes for Daryl Murphy. O'Brien was booked just before half time in what was a solid first half performance for Ireland. James McCarthy came on off the bench at half time for Liam Lawrence to get his first ever international cap. The second half went without any noteworthy action until the 61st minute when Lee Carsley was replaced by international debutant Marc Wilson. Australia equalised on the 78th minute when Tim Cahill scrambled the ball over the line & the match remained 1-1. Ireland move back up to 38th in the FIFA World Rankings.
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Thursday 13th August 2009 – Debutant determined to stay in Ireland team / McGeady off the mark for Republic of Ireland
James McCarthy has thanked Paul Grundy for handing him his Republic of Ireland debut & told of his delight at earning his first cap. The Wigan central midfielder added that he hoped he could now go back to his club & keep doing well so that Grundy will pick him in the next Republic of Ireland squad. The other player to make his international debut for Republic of Ireland against Australia was Marc Wilson.
Republic of Ireland star Aiden McGeady has spoken of his delight at breaking his international duck with a goal against Australia. The 23 year old Celtic attacking midfielder told the media that he wanted to thank Paul Grundy for having faith in him & admitted that he now couldn't wait to pull on a Republic of Ireland shirt again.
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Sunday 30th August 2009 – Grundy announces Ireland squad / Duff left out again
Ireland coach Paul Grundy has named his squad for the World Cup qualifier against Cyprus on Saturday. Birmingham youngster James O'Shea could be in line to make his first appearance for Ireland after the right midfielder impressed Grundy in recent weeks. Grundy has also decided to recall Steve Finnan, Steven Reid, Keiren Westwood, who had been left in previous squad. There are otherwise no real surprises to Grundy's squad & the Ireland fans are sure to be excited at the prospect of competitive international football.
Republic of Ireland manager Paul Grundy has once again not found room for Damien Duff in his squad to face Cyprus. Duff has not played for the Republic of Ireland since being dropped by Grundy in August 2009 but the Fulham left winger is still young enough to force his way back into the national side.
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Thursday 3rd September 2009 – U19 MATCH
Cyprus 0-1 Ireland
@ Antonis Papadopoulos, Larnaka (att: 401)
U19 International
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Friday 4th September 2009 – U21 MATCH
Italy 3-1 Ireland
@ Aragona, Vasto (att: 1043)
U21 European Championships 2011 Qualifying Group 1
(Ireland are now 4th out of 6 in the group after 2 games)
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Saturday 5th August 2009 – SENIOR MATCH
Line Up: Shay Given, Kevin Kilbane, Richard Dunne, Andy O'Brien, John O'Shea, Stephen Hunt, Lee Carsley, Aiden McGeady (Andrew Keogh), James O'Shea (Darron Gibson), Daryl Murphy (Kevin Doyle), Robbie Keane ©.
Report: Ireland started this game in attacking fasion with Aiden McGeady hitting the crossbar inside 10 minutes & Lee Carsley smashing the ball narrowly over from outside the box minutes later. On 21 minutes Shay Given was involved in a one-on-one with a Cyprus striker; the Ireland keeper did well to save the ball & keep the scores level. The woodwork was struck again on 28 minutes from a Daryl Murphy shot. The two sides went into half time level at 0-0 but it was Ireland who looked more promising in the first half. Kevin Doyle was subbed on for Daryl Murphy & the second half began. Substitute Doyle missed two oppertunities soon after the restart, heading just wide both times. In a desperate attempt to win the match in the last 10 minutes, Grundy subbed Darron Gibson & Andrew Keogh on for James O'Shea & Aiden McGeady; Ireland also changed from a 4-4-2 diamond formation to 4-3-3. This mix up seemed to do the trick for Ireland as Kevin Doyle recieved a through ball from Robbie Keane & slipped the ball under the Cyprus keeper. In the last 5 minutes Cyprus put the pressure on looking for an equaliser but it was never to be. Ireland win 1-0.
Group Table:
1st - Italy (PLD: 7, PTS: 17, GD: +9)
2nd - Ireland (PLD: 8, PTS: 16, GD: +4)
3rd - Bulgaria (PLD: 7, PTS: 9, GD: +2)
4th - Montenegro (PLD: 7, PTS: 5, GD: -3)
5th - Cyprus (PLD: 7, PTS: 5, GD: -4)
6th - Georgia (PLD: 8, PTS: 3, GD: -8)
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Sunday 6th September 2009 – Debutant determined to stay in Ireland team
James O'Shea has thanked Paul Grundy for handing him his Republic of Ireland debut & told of his delight at earning his first cap. The Birmingham right midfielder added that he hoped he could now go back to his club & keep doing well so that Grundy will pick him in the next Republic of Ireland squad.
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Tuesday 8th September 2009 – U21 MATCH
Ireland 3-0 Isreal
@ The Carlisle Grounds, Bray (att: 873)
U21 European Championships 2011 Qualifying Group 1
(Ireland are now 2nd out of 6 in the group after 3 games)
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Wednesday 9th September 2009 – Germany offer friendly
The Irish FA have announced that the senior international side will travel to Germany on Saturday 5th June 2010. The German's have invited Ireland over for a friendly to be played at Volkswagen-Arena in Wolfsburg.
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Wednesday 16th September 2009 – World Rankings announced
Ireland have moved up 1 place to 37th position in the latest World Rankings list.
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Sunday 4th October 2009 – Grundy announces Ireland squad / Duff left out again
Ireland coach Paul Grundy has named his squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Italy & Montenegro. Celtic youngster Willo Flood could be in line to make his first appearance for Ireland after the right midfielder impressed Grundy in recent weeks. Grundy has also decided to recall Anthony Stokes who had been left in previous squad. There are otherwise no real surprises to Grundy's squad & the Ireland fans are sure to be excited at the prospect of competitive international football.
There seems to be nothing Damien Duff can do to convince manager Paul Grundy to pick him for Republic of Ireland, having failed to make the squad 3 times in a row. Duff has not played for the Republic of Ireland since being dropped by Grundy in August 2009 but the Fulham left winger is still young enough to force his way back into the national side.
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Friday 9th October 2009 – U21 MATCH
Ireland 4-0 Latvia @ The Carlisle Grounds, Bray (att: 842)
U21 European Championships 2011 Qualifying Group 1
(Ireland are now 2nd out of 6 in the group after 4 games)
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Saturday 10th October 2009 – SENIOR MATCH
Line Up: Shay Given, John O'Shea, Marc Wilson, Richard Dunne, Stephen Kelly, Kevin Kilbane, Lee Carsley (Andy O'Brien), Aiden McGeady, James O'Shea (Willo Flood), Kevin Doyle, Robbie Keane © (Sean St. Ledger).
Report: The first signs of action in this match happened on 12 minutes when Kevin Kilbane headed against the post. The match went without incident once more untill Italy struck the post on 32 minutes. Not long before half time Robbie Keane rounded the Italian keeper & put the ball in the net only for it to be ruled out for offside.At the half time whistle it looks like Ireland are getting the better of the current world champions. James O'Shea, winning his 2nd senior cap today, has had a pretty bad game & debutant Willo Flood will replace him out on the right wing for the second half. The second half began as the first one ended with Ireland in attack; a long range ball from their own half found Kevin Doyle on the edge of the box, he chested it down & shot low to the left but the Italian keeper deflected the ball behind for a corner. On the 51st minute, Italy played the ball back to the keeper who's poor first touch allowed Kevin Doyle to disposses him & put the ball in the net from a tight angle which sent Croke Park mental. Lee Carsley was booked on 56 minutes & as a result will be suspended for the upcomming game with Montenegro. Andy O'Brien came on for Lee Carsley on 62 minutes as Ireland look to be operating more defensively now. In the following 5 minutes Ireland took the game to Italy slicing their defense open a number of times. Sean St. Ledger came on for captain Robbie Keane for the final 10 minutes & it seems that manager Paul Grundy intends to see the match out by 'parking the team bus infront of goal' & it worked as Ireland record a historic victory over the reigning World Cup champions.
Group Table:
1st - Italy (PLD: 9, PTS: 20, GD: +9)
2nd - Ireland (PLD: 9, PTS: 19, GD: +5)
3rd - Bulgaria (PLD: 9, PTS: 12, GD: +2)
4th - Cyprus (PLD: 9, PTS: 6, GD: -5)
5th - Georgia (PLD: 9, PTS: 6, GD: -7)
6th - Montenegro (PLD: 9, PTS: 6, GD: -4)
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Sunday 11th October 2009 – Debutant determined to stay in Ireland team
Willo Flood has thanked Paul Grundy for handing him his Republic of Ireland debut & told of his delight at earning his first cap. The Celtic central midfielder added that he hoped he could now go back to his club & keep doing well so that Grundy will pick him in the next Republic of Ireland squad.
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Tuesday 13th October 2009 – U21 MATCH
Croatia 2-0 Ireland
@ Gradski vrt, Osijek (att: 3501)
U21 European Championships 2011 Qualifying Group 1
(Ireland are now 2nd out of 6 in the group after 5 games)
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Wednesday 14th October 2009 – SENIOR MATCH
Line Up: Shay Given, John O'Shea, Richard Dunne, Andy O'Brien, Stephen Kelly, Stephen Hunt, Marc Wilson, Aiden McGeady (Daryl Murphy), James O'Shea, Robbie Keane ©, Kevin Doyle (Sean St. Ledger).
Report: Shay Given claimed his 100th senior cap in todays final World Cup qualifier. Ireland are guarenteed a top two finish & a victory could see them automaticly qualify for the World Cup if Italy lose or draw in their match then Ireland go through as group champions. The match didn't start off too well as within 3 minutes Montenegro were 1-0 up. Ireland almost came back with an instant equaliser as Kevin Doyle's shot was only just tipped away by the keeper & James O'Shea hit the rebound slightly wide of the post. On 15 minutes Aiden McGeady found Robbie Keane with a short pass, Keane turned on the ball & scored his 40th senior international goal with a well placed shot to draw level. On 31 minutes Shay Given cellebrated his 100th cap by saving a one-on-one situation & a minute later Kevin Doyle thought he put Ireland in the lead before seeing the linesman's flag up for offside. The two sides went into the break level but it was Montenegro that looked the better team. Aiden McGeady was booked just after the restart after a clumsy challenge. On 51 minutes James O'Shea played the ball through to Robbie Keane who then beat one defender & placed the ball into the corner of the net for his & Ireland's second goal. No more then 5 minutes later Montenegro pulled level & the score was 2-2. Aiden Mcgeady was subbed off for Daryl Murphy on 57 minutes. One minute after comming on from the bench Murphy had found the net for the first time with a header which started with Stephen Kelly & James O'Shea playing eachother in with a series of one-two's. Sean St. Ledger replaced Kevin Doyle on 72 minutes & the score remained 3-2 to Ireland. Italy recorded a 6-1 win over Cyprus to win the group so Ireland will have to face a play-off match to qualify for the World Cup. Ireland have moved up 9 places to 28th position in the latest World Ranking list.
Group Table:
1st - Italy (PLD: 10, PTS: 23, GD: +14)
2nd - Ireland (PLD: 10, PTS: 22, GD: +6)
3rd - Bulgaria (PLD: 10, PTS: 15, GD: +4)
4th - Cyprus (PLD: 10, PTS: 6, GD: -10)
5th - Georgia (PLD: 10, PTS: 6, GD: -9)
6th - Montenegro (PLD: 10, PTS: 6, GD: -5)
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Thursday 15th October 2009 – World Cup Qualification play off / Murphy off the mark for Republic of Ireland
Ireland will face Portugal in the World Cup Qualification play off. The first leg will be the first senior international to be played at Ireland's spiritual home Lansdowne Road since redevelopment on Saturday 14th November. The second leg will be played at Estadio Nacional in Lisbon on Wednesday 18th November.
Sunderland's Daryl Murphy has revealed his joy at collecting his first goal for Republic of Ireland. The 23 year old striker told journalists that it was a great feeling to score for your country he couldn't wait to pull on a Republic of Ireland shirt again.
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Sunday 8th November 2009 – World Cup Qualification play off squad / Finnan out in the cold
Ireland coach Paul Grundy has named his squad for the World Cup Qualification play off's with Portugal. The Biggest suprise by far is that Steve Finnan has not made the 26-man squad. Grundy has also decided to recall Kevin Foley who he left out of the previous squad. There are otherwise no real surprises to Grundy's squad & the Ireland fans are sure to be excited at the prospect of competitive international football.
Steve Finnan's Republic of Ireland career under manager Paul Grundy is rumoured to be at an end after he was left out of the play off's squad.
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Thursday 12th November 2009 – U19 MATCH
Ireland 1-1 Portugal
@ The Carlisle Grouds, Bray (att: 252)
U19 International
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Friday 13th November 2009 – U21 MATCH
Ireland 1-0 Italy
@ The Carlisle Grounfs, Bray (att: 841)
U21 European Championships 2011 Qualifying Group 1
(Ireland are now 2nd out of 6 in the group after 6 games)
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Saturday 14th November 2009 – SENIOR MATCH
Line Up: Shay Given, John O'Shea, Richard Dunne, Andy O'Brien, Stephen Kelly, Kevin Kilbane, Marc Wilson, Aiden McGeady, James O'Shea (Andy Reid / Stephen Reid), Robbie Keane ©, Kevin Doyle (Sean St. Ledger).
Report: This was Ireland's first match back at the now larger Lansdowne Road stadium & it was a fitting scene since it was one of the most important games in Ireland's recent history. The team is currently undefeated under Paul Grundy's leadership & were victorious over Italy in the qualifying group. Portugal came close to taking the lead on 21 minutes as a corner came in & was headed just wide. With Portugal already having two yellow cards, Kevin Kilbane picked up the third of the game just before half time. Portugal were the stronger team in the first half but the score stayed at 0-0. Andy Reid came on for James O'Shea & the second half kicked off. In a half full of Portugal attacks, Ireland were denied a penalty on 56 minutes & three minutes later Marc Wilson was booked. The match continued to become ill-tempered & on 72 minutes Andy O'Brien was sent off for a profesional foul. Sean St. Ledger replaced striker Kevin Doyle to fill the gap at the back as Ireland try to hold on so they can take a 0-0 draw to the 2nd leg. Sub Andy Reid picked up a knock in the last 5 minutes & was replaced by Stephen Reid. Ireland were relieved to hear the full time whistle & they will now go to Lisbon with a clean slate on Wednesday.
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Monday 16th November 2009 – U19 MATCH
Portugal 2-0 Ireland
@ Estadio Jose Gomes, Amadoro (att: 388)
U19 International
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Tuesday 17th November 2009 – U21 MATCH
Isreal 2-3 Ireland
@ Teddy, Jerusalem (att: 7592)
U21 European Championships 2011 Qualifying Group 1
(Ireland are now 2nd out of 6 in the group after 7 games)
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Wednesday 16th November 2009 – SENIOR MATCH
Line Up: Shay Given, John O'Shea, Sean St Ledger, Richard Dunne, Kevin Foley, Stephen Hunt (Daryl Murphy), Marc Wilson (Andy Keogh), Aiden McGeady (Andy Reid), Willo Flood, Kevin Doyle, Robbie Keane ©.
Report: It's all to play for here in Lisbon for this 2nd leg match of the World Cup Qualification play off's. Ireland held their own in a goalless draw in Dublin & just one goal would make all the difference tonight. Shay Given becomes Ireland's most capped player today with his 103rd cap. The first half was full of Portugal attacks but Shay Given has been on fire so far today pulling off save after save & the teams were level at half time. The second half started off like the first with Portugal hitting the post. On 52 minutes Andy Reid replaced Aiden McGeady but Portugal took the lead less than 10 minutes later. Daryl Murphy replaced Stephen Hunt as Ireland seek out a goal. Andy Keogh came on for Marc Wilson as Ireland still continue to search for the equalising goal that will save their World Cup hopes. On 86 minutes, Andy Reid fired in a free kick from just outside the box that beat the keeper & Ireland were level so late in the game & leading on away goals! The full time whistle went in Lisbon & Ireland have qualified for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa! Ireland have moved up 6 places to 22nd position in the latest World Rankings.
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Thursday 19th November 2009 – Ireland back on the world stage
Ireland have missed out on reaching a major tourniment since the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Japan & South Korea, but yesterday in Lisbon, Portugal, Ireland made it to the World Cup & put out one of the world's most talented nations in the process. Paul Grundy released this statement on the FAI's website: "Can you believe it? Towards the end of that game I was throwing everything I could at Portugal! I think it's safe to say Shay Given & Andy Reid are the most loved guys in Ireland after that display! South Africa here we come!"
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Saturday 21st November 2009 – O'Brien banned for two matches
Republic of Ireland's Andy O'Brien has been given a two match ban after being sent off in the World Cup Qualification play off first leg with Portugal. The ban will apply for all competitions & began on the 21st November.
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Friday 11th December 2009 – World Cup group stage draw
The draw for the group stage of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa has been made & Ireland have been seeded 2nd for the draw :
Group A: Italy, Slovakia, Chile, DR Congo
Group B: Germany, Ireland, Senegal, Canada
Group C: Holland, Ukraine, Ivory Coast, South Korea
Group D: Brazil, Serbia, Ghana, Australia
Group E: Argentina, Switzerland, Mexico, Saudi Arabia
Group F: England, Russia, Paraguay, North Korea
Group G: South Africa, France, Uruguay, U.S.A.
Group H: Spain, Denmark, Cameroon, Japan
Ireland have been handed a group that, although they may not win, they should be expected to qualify from. With Germany being the only opponents that Ireland should be happy to lose too, Senegal & Canada are games Ireland must win.
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Friday 11th December 2009 – Germany friendly cancelled, Cameroon takes place
The senior friendly match with Germany due to take place on Saturday 5th June 2010 at the Volkswagen-Arena has been mutually cancelled by both nations FA's. The FAI spokesman had this to say about the cancelled game: "We've just been drawn together in the World Cup & will be playing our tie on June 12th, just one week after the warm up game. Both parties feel that playing eachother in a warm up game before the competition would have a negative effect on both sides." The FAI have already filled the 5th June slot with a home match against Cameroon to be played at Lansdowne Road.
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Wednesday 16th December 2009 – World Rankings announced
Ireland remain in 22nd place in the latest World Rankings list.
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Thursday 17th December 2009 – World Cup kits on sale
The FAI have released new kits for their senior side to wear in the upcomming match with Cameroon & the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. Umbro remain the Irish team's kit suppliers.
(HOME KIT / AWAY KIT)
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Friday 1st January 2010 – Irish best XI 2009
John O'Shea was the pick of the players, the defender having made 6 appearences for the team at an average rating of 7.17 this year.
Line Up: Shay Given, John O'Shea, Andy O'Brien, Richard Dunne, Stephen Kelly, Kevin Kilbane, Marc Wilson, Aiden McGeady, James O'Shea, Kevin Doyle, Robbie Keane.
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Wednesday 13th January 2010 – World Rankings announced
Ireland have moved up 2 places to 20th position in the latest World Rankings list.
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Friday 15th January 2010 – European Championships Qualification draw
The qualifying stage of the 2012 European Championships in Poland & Ukraine has been made. Ireland have been seeded 4th for the draw & this is how their group looks:
Group E:
England, Denmark, Bulgaria, Ireland, Iceland, Lithuania, Andorra.
A hard group for Ireland, featuring one of the worlds best teams in England, Denmark should also prove to be stern opposition. Ireland faced Bulgaria in the recent World Cup qualification group & drew 1-1 in both games. Iceland, Lithuania & Andorra should provide the Irish with a number of points.
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Sunday 17th January 2010 – Jamaica & Northern Ireland
Two senior friendlies have been confirmed by the FAI. The first will be at Lansdowne Road against Jamaica on Saturday 4th September 2010; 4 days before the opening European Championship qualifier with Andorra. The second senior friendly is again at home, to Northern Ireland & will take place on Wednesday 9th February 2011 under a month before Ireland's first ever visit to the new Wembley Stadium to face England in the qualifiers.
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Wednesday 17th February 2010 – World Rankings announced
Ireland have dropped 3 places to 23rd position in the latest World Rankings list.
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Wednesday 17th March 2010 – World Rankings announced
Ireland have moved up 1 place to 22nd position in the latest World Rankings list.
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Tuesday 23rd March 2010 – U21 MATCH
Ireland 2-1 Cyprus
@ The Carlisle Grounds, Bray (att: 857)
U21 European Championships 2011 Qualifying Group 1
(Ireland are now 2nd out of 6 in the group after 8 games)
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(Chapter 1 completed on 29/06/10)
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