You couldn’t have made this stuff up. Ireland’s chances of making it to the Euro 2012 Finals got an added boost last night as Armenia shocked Slovakia.
Our boys in green gave the backs-to-the-wall performance needed to steal our first ever competitive point in Russia to keep our qualification hopes alive.
That, in itself, was a pleasant shock – going by the tactics employed – but no-one could have predicted the 4-0 drumming tiny Armenia gave to the Slovakians later last night.
Here’s how the table stands after the night’s action:
|
P |
W |
D |
L |
F |
A |
GD |
Pts |
|
|
Russia |
8 |
5 |
2 |
1 |
10 |
4 |
6 |
17 |
|
Ireland |
8 |
4 |
3 |
1 |
11 |
6 |
5 |
15 |
|
Armenia |
8 |
4 |
2 |
2 |
17 |
7 |
10 |
14 |
|
Slovakia |
8 |
4 |
2 |
2 |
6 |
8 |
-2 |
14 |
|
Macedonia |
8 |
2 |
1 |
5 |
6 |
9 |
-3 |
7 |
|
Andorra |
8 |
0 |
0 |
8 |
1 |
17 |
-16 |
0 |
From here on we can map out all the possibilities regarding results in forthcoming games, but the bottom line for Trapattoni and his players is that if we win our last two games – against Andorra and Armenia – we’re guaranteed at least a play-off place.
Depending on other results, however, we just might finish in top spot. We still live in hope!
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