Russian manager Dick Advocaat has stirred the pot big-time before the crucial Euro 2012 qualifier this evening.
A war of words has sparked between the Dick and Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni as the sides prepare to go to battle in Moscow later today.
Advocaat, who watched his side scrape past minnows Macedonia by a solitary goal at the weekend, has brazenly said that meeting Ireland will be a less arduous task than what they encountered against the Macedonians.
“I think it was tougher to play against Macedonia than it will be against Ireland as the Macedonians had nothing to lose and were completely relaxed on the pitch,” Dick said.
“I don’t expect any surprises from Ireland. They have their own style and I think they will stick to it.”
He might have a point on that one, seeing as Ireland looked like a side without much of a plan bar maintaining a conservative approach in the 0-0 draw with Slovakia.
This, however, is something Trap refutes with gusto.
“If only I had a defensive attitude, I wouldn’t have achieved what I have as a coach for 25 years,” he said.
Join us for our live Russia v Ireland blog live and updated throughout the day. We’ll be counting down to kick-off from mid-morning.
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