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Tag: world cup

  • Ireland men’s football team on the brink of World Cup heartbreak

    Ireland men’s football team on the brink of World Cup heartbreak

    By Alex Brady

    Ireland is on the brink of elimination from the men’s FIFA world cup qualifying, with this international break being the most crucial set of games so far.  

    “The boys in green” sit bottom of UEFA qualifying group B after two games, with pressure mounting on manager Heimir Hallgrimsson after an abysmal loss to Armenia and a hard-fought draw to Hungary at the Aviva Stadium in early September. 

    “It’s do or die, I think not only mathematically but mentally, and especially for Heimir [Hallgrimsson] as a manager,” Matthew Brennan, of OffTheBall, added. 

    Brennan added: “Portugal away is the toughest game, but you’d be thinking there needs to be something there for us to qualify, and Armenia at home should be a win. If you can’t win the on paper easiest game of qualifying, you don’t deserve to go to the World Cup.” 

    Hallgrimsson’s men will travel to group leaders, and one of the favourites for the whole World Cup, Portugal on October 11.  

    Spearheaded by an aging Ronaldo, Portugal will be looking to keep their 100% record by the end of the break, with the potential to qualify for 2026 World Cup should they beat both Ireland and Hungary. 

    Although the game against Portugal may seem like a write off, Ireland were very unlucky to not beat Portugal in 2021, also a World Cup qualifying game.  

    Manager at the time, Stephen Kenny, had the boys less than a minute away from a famous win, until a Ronaldo double broke the hearts of the nation.  

    The must-win game for Ireland is the second game versus Armenia. What was thought to be a routine game which would see Ireland climb up to second, turned to disaster.  

    Ireland was dominated in both halves, conceding 2 goals in 51 minutes, before Roma’s Evan Ferguson clawed one back before the hour.  

    Should Ireland lose to Portugal, they would have to hope for Armenia to draw to Hungary to have the best chance at qualifying.  

    However, two losses this international break will see Ireland eliminated from qualifying.  

    This would mean a decade-long absence from men’s football tournament finals and would stretch the World Cup drought to 24 years. 

    There are positives for Ireland fans, with Brennan adding his players to watch for the games.  

    “[Jayson] Molumby is a great addition, he might get some stick from supporters, but he’s having a great season for West Brom in the [English] Championship. Will Smallbone as well for Millwall is always one to perform and bringing back John Egan you know even with a few years absence from the squad is experienced and played in the [2-1] loss to Portugal,.” he said.  

    “It’s good to see Festy [Ebosele] back, he’s performing well with İstanbul [Başakşehir], he gives an extra burst of pace you might not normally get.” 

    With the games just days away, injury has already struck the team, with both Sammie Szmodics and Callum O’Dowda pulling out of the squad due to injury, with Dundee United midfielder Will Ferry accepting the call up in their place.  

    This leaves Hallgrimsson with just 23 men for the two games (as opposed to the usual 24).  

    Ireland’s two qualifying games will take place on October 11 and 14, with the game against Portugal being first, and available to watch on RTÉ.  

  • The uncrowned mascot of the Qatar World Cup- “Metro Guy”

     

    A Kenyan man gets hired for a security job at the World Cup but instead has to give directions to tourists and fans. He goes viral on TikTok just for saying ‘Metro.’ ‘This Way.’

    By Nimra Ahmed 

    Abubakr Abbass, a 23-year-old from Mombasa Kenya, whose job is to direct World Cup fans in Doha, Qatar to a metro station, in the historic market of Souq Waqif has gone viral on social media. 

    He feels God had a greater purpose for him. He was excited about the World Cup and had always wanted to travel to a foreign country. So, Abbass applied for the advertised security job. He nearly missed the interview in Nairobi, Kenya because he was informed of the job a day before the deadline.

    As luck would have it, the job was his. However, when he reached Qatar, he was informed he would give fans directions to the metro station. Even though it wasn’t the job he had applied for, Abbass still decided to take it. 

    Abbass, in a reflector coat, sits in a tennis umpire chair and has a large purple foam finger. His job is to direct hundreds of people to the nearby metro station with the help of his megaphone. 

    Abubakr Abbass,“Metro Guy”- courtesy of mozzartsport

    He became an overnight social media sensation because he found an ingenious and interesting way to direct fans to the nearby metro station. His job was mundane, but he put a twist on it, and he caught the world’s attention. 

    A clip of him is even found on the FIFA World Cup’s Twitter page. Every time he says ‘Metro’, fans from different countries either repeat after him or chant, ‘This way!’.

    https://twitter.com/FIFAWorldCup/status/1595961490380828672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1595961490380828672%7Ctwgr%5E5894b02c4705bb498881ea45a374df967f3a7896%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fnewsroompost.com%2Fsports%2Ffifa-world-cup-2022-kenyan-man-goes-viral-for-showing-way-to-doha-metro-watch%2F5211861.html

    The way he says, ‘Metro’. ‘This way’. ‘Metro’. ‘This way,’ has now become a catchphrase. Fans are recording videos and posting them on social media platforms.

    @chappzz

    Meet the viral metro man 👨 #qatar🇶🇦 #fifaworldcup2022 #metro #thisway #viral #vedio #guy @metro_man001 ♥️😂

    ♬ original sound – Shafla Imthiyaz

    ‘Metro Guy’, as he is now referred to, has captivated audiences with his enthusiastic calls. TikTok videos were posted showing him in action. #metroguy and #metroman, as he is dubbed, has been viewed 12.4 million times on TikTok. He brings a smile to everyone’s face and cheers everyone in person and online. 

    “Qatar has managed to make us laugh!”

    Cindy Taylor, 19, a student from Dublin. 

    The TikTok account ‘metro_man001’ that he started on Monday 21st November 2022 (on the second day of work) already  has 46,100 followers in just three days and has made Kenya, a country in East Africa, popular. Tourists and football fans are even trying to mimic his catchphrase into his own megaphone.

    He made his TikTok account after gaining popularity. #Metro Guy is busy doing his job while a Brazilian fan copies his actions and records a video.

    https://www.tiktok.com/@metroguy00/video/7169317941433912582?is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1

    His employers felt the need to award him for his efforts, as he was in the limelight of the world stage and had drawn attention to the area. He was presented with gifts – a pair of sneakers and World Cup merchandise. He is touched by this gesture and notes that he was never given a gift in his life.

    https://www.tiktok.com/@arsenal.champion/video/7169364482873969921?is_from_webapp=v1&item_id=7169364482873969921&lang=en

    Have you heard of the ‘Metro Guy’ in Qatar? 

    “Yeah, I have seen his TikToks. He is hilarious and he does a good job of lightening the mood. I want to go to Qatar just to feel the ambiance of the place and be a part of #metroman’s day! We all need some good old-fashioned laughs,” commented Steve Byrne, 22, a student from Dublin. 

    “Qatar has managed to make us laugh! In all the somber and serious allegations against Qatar about the bad treatment of workers, here is a simple man breathing fun into his job. In today’s fast-paced life, we just don’t have the time to appreciate the small things,” said Cindy Taylor, 19, a student from Dublin. 

    “There is a lot of controversy surrounding the World Cup. I can’t wrap my head around it. But there is, hope ‘Metro Guy’ lives.”, said Oliver Wilson, 28, a tourist in Dublin.

    The official mascot is La’eeb which means ‘super-skilled player’. It is a ghutra – the Arabic term for a headdress for men – popular in Arab countries. But Abbass is the uncrowned mascot of  the Qatar World Cup! 

    This can be motivating for young people to take their jobs seriously no matter how small and try to enjoy the task at hand and be innovative at the same time. Some amusement at the end of the day for tired tourists!

  • Qatar reportedly sending English and Welsh ‘spies’ to promote positivity at the World Cup. 

    Qatar reportedly sending English and Welsh ‘spies’ to promote positivity at the World Cup. 

    The World Cup is up and running in Qatar, but controversy continues to surround the tournament. 

    ‘The Guardian’ reported that several English and Welsh fans are allegedly being paid to promote the event with a generous offer. 

    These fans are said to have been given free tickets to the opening ceremony as well as fully paid flights to the event and free accommodation for a minimum of 14 days.  

    This offer came at the price of a ‘certain terms and conditions contract’.

    According to ‘The Guardian’, they must attend ‘selected and scheduled’ events that promote a positive image for the host country. 

    Fans will also appear in a short section of TV coverage during the opening ceremony. Organisers told the potential travellers that “ideally, we hope you will stay for the entire duration of the 29-day tournament”.  

    This ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity was given to members of the group, ‘Fan Leader Network’ who Qatari authorities say, “contribute to tournament planning through fan insight, research, content creation and message amplification,” reported by ‘The Guardian’. 

    The contract has been rumoured to encourage positive posting by fans as well as re-sharing posts and flagging social media content critical of the event. 

    According to ‘The Guardian’, the conditions have been compared to that of a social media influencer with a paid promotion.

    Although, these terms have not discouraged some fans as it has been reported by ‘The Times’ that 40 English fans and 40 Welsh fans have agreed to take up the offer as well as fan representatives from all 32 countries.  

    Photo credit: Robin Hursthouse, The Guardian  

    This year’s tournament is expected to be double the cost of the 2018 World Cup held in Russia.  

    ‘The Guardian’ reported that a letter was sent from “President of FIFA, Gianni Infantino to the general secretary of the Fatma Samoura, calling on all 32 competing countries to put concerns over the host country to one side and let football take the stage.” 

    Whilst ignoring the pressing concerns over human rights in Qatar, Infantino wrote that “there are many challenges and difficulties of a political nature all around the world,” but football should not be expected to have the answer to every one.  

    Qatar is said to be building seven stadiums for the World Cup accompanied by a new airport, a new metro station, many new roads and approximately 100 new hotels. 

    The Qatari government has said that about 30,000 foreign labourers have been hired, originating mostly from Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Philippines to build the new stadiums.  

    The ‘BBC’ reported that on 14 August at least 60 workers rallied outside Al Bandary International Group’s Doha offices in protest about unpaid wages. Some reportedly had not been paid for seven weeks.

    According to the ‘BBC’, “a number of protesters were detained, and some were deported, although it’s not known how many.” 

    Many people have spoken out about the terms and conditions and said that they are not surprised by the host country’s actions.  

    As the tournament progresses, concerns are rising over the constant setbacks and last-minute changes that have been made. Despite this, the show goes on.

  • Twitter reacts to England’s 2022 World Cup squad

    Twitter reacts to England’s 2022 World Cup squad

    By Johnathon Pearl

    There was a frenzy of social media activity as Gareth Southgate announced England’s World Cup squad for the 2022 Qatar World Cup. 

    Southgate largely stayed loyal to the squad that reached the Euro 2020 final, with only 7 new members included in this squad compared to the Euro’s squad.

    While there was a small element of happiness with the inclusion of players such as James Maddison and Callum Wilson, the overall emotion was anger towards Southgate over his selection of the squad. 

    Supporters from both Ireland and England took to Twitter with Southgate springing a few surprises. 

    Ex English international Gary Lineker congratulated the players that were picked to represent England in Qatar.

    Some of the surprise omissions included Brentford striker Ivan Toney, who has been prolific in the Premier League for the past two seasons, Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse and winner of the Italian league (Serie A) last season Fikayo Tomori.

    Toney – who had scored two goals against Manchester City the previous weekend – was a huge omission from Southgate, with a large number of people backing him to get into the 26-man squad.

    Harry Maguire and Kalvin Phillips received a lot of criticism online. Previously, Southgate had stated that he would only be picking players based on their club form.

    Kalvin Phillips has played one game all season for Manchester City, while Maguire has been dropped by new Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag and has only started two games all season.

    Ireland supporters won’t have been surprised that previous underage players Jack Grealish and Declan Rice had been chosen to go on the plane, a regular occurrence in Southgate’s squads.

    Even if Ireland fans haven’t forgotten Grealish and Rice’s betrayal, it is thought that both will have a significant influence on whether or not England will win the World Cup.

    However, one player that the majority of England were delighted to see in the England squad was Leicester midfielder James Maddison. 

    Maddison – who hasn’t been picked in an England squad since 2019 – has had the second most goal involvements of any England player in the Premier League since the start of last season. 

    England captain Harry Kane will likely break the all-time record for England goals during the tournament, needing two goals to surpass Wayne Rooney.

    Kane is also currently 10 goals shy of being the World Cup’s all-time leading goal scorer. Former Germany striker Mirsolav Klose remains top of the table with 16 goals.

    A closer look at the squad

    The average age of England’s squad is extremely young with the new generation branded as the ‘golden generation’. Jude Bellingham (19), Bukayo Saka (21), Phil Foden (22) and Mason Mount (23) are all likely to be starting in Southgate’s team, reflecting the inexperience within the squad.

    England boast the ninth youngest squad in the 32-team tournament, with an average age of 26.4 years old. 

    PlayerPositionClub▲ Age
    Jude BellinghamMidfielderBorussia Dortmund19
    Bukayo SakaForwardArsenal21
    Conor GallagherMidfielderChelsea22
    Phil FodenForwardMan City22
    Declan RiceMidfielderWest Ham23
    Mason MountMidfielderChelsea23
    Aaron RamsdaleGoalkeeperArsenal24
    T. Alexander-ArnoldDefenderLiverpool24
    Ben WhiteDefenderArsenal25
    James MaddisonForwardLeicester25

    There has been a general trend towards having younger squads in recent years. This squad is one of the youngest squads ever picked by an England manager. Even though the age of the squad is young, it is in fact the second most capped (820) English squad in World Cup history.

    Club Composition

    Club composition is always a fascinating angle of the England squad. Historically, Manchester United have produced the most English players of all time (43). The squad that Southgate has chosen has a varied number of players from a lot of different clubs as shown on the graph below:

    Aaron RamsdaleGoalkeeperArsenal
    Ben WhiteDefenderArsenal
    Bukayo SakaForwardArsenal
    Jude BellinghamMidfielderBorussia Dortmund
    Conor GallagherMidfielderChelsea
    Mason MountMidfielderChelsea
    Raheem SterlingForwardChelsea
    Jordan PickfordGoalkeeperEverton
    Conor CoadyDefenderEverton
    James MaddisonForwardLeicester
    T. Alexander-ArnoldDefenderLiverpool
    Jordan HendersonMidfielderLiverpool
    John StonesDefenderMan City
    Kyle WalkerDefenderMan City
    Kalvin PhillipsMidfielderMan City
    Phil FodenForwardMan City
    Jack GrealishForwardMan City
    Harry MaguireDefenderMan Utd
    Luke ShawDefenderMan Utd
    Marcus RashfordForwardMan Utd
    Nick PopeGoalkeeperNewcastle
    Kieran TrippierDefenderNewcastle
    Callum WilsonForwardNewcastle
    Eric DierDefenderTottenham
    Harry KaneForwardTottenham
    Declan RiceMidfielderWest Ham

    Manchester City are the most dominant club, with five players representing Pep Guardiola’s team. Surprisingly Liverpool only have two players that have been picked with both Joe Gomez and Harvey Elliot missing out. Other English heavyweights such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Newcastle and Manchester United all have three players in the squad

    Southgate’s position as England manager

    Gareth Southgate’s position as England manager has become increasingly unstable, particularly after the Nations League defeats to Hungary and Italy. Various shouts of getting rid of the manager before the World Cup were rejected, but failure to progress deep into the latter stages of this tournament could spark the end of his reign in charge.

    The negativity coming into this tournament for Southgate is quite unusual, in the previous two major tournaments he led England to the World Cup Semi-final in 2018 and in 2021 he reached the European Championship final, losing to Italy on penalties.

    When asked about his future surrounding recent negativity in the build up to the Qatar World Cup, Southgate responded with a sense of realism.

    ‘’I’m not foolish. I am realistic about that (the negativity). I’ll be judged on what’s delivered in Qatar and I am perfectly happy in that way,” Southgate said.

  • A McClean eye for goal

    A McClean eye for goal

    Wheeling away in delight in the aftermath of his crucial goal against Wales in the Cardiff City Stadium, an argument could be made that James McClean needs this Ireland team more than the team needs him.

    Of course, McClean’s energetic chastising of opponents and marauding left-wing runs have been paramount to Ireland’s success under Martin O’Neill. However, in this World Cup qualifying campaign, it has been McClean’s goals that have been most crucial in leaving Ireland two games away from Russia 2018.

    McClean’s four goals in Group D directly led to Ireland gaining six points. His goals against Moldova, Austria, and that fateful goal against Wales were the difference between Ireland walking away with just one point or achieving victory.

    James McClean
    Opponent Goals Scored Final Score Points Gained
    Moldova 2 3-1 Ireland 2
    Austria 1 1-0 Ireland 2
    Wales 1 1-0 Ireland 2

    The six points earned by the West Brom winger for the Republic of Ireland was only bettered by Poland’s prolific goalscorer, Robert Lewandowski.

    The Bayern Munich striker fired Poland to the World Cup with 16 goals in qualifying, becoming the top scorer in European qualification. Moreover, Lewandowski’s goals led directly to  Poland gaining 11 points, which allowed them to top their group, finishing ahead of Ireland’s playoff opponents, Denmark.

    Robert Lewandowski
    Opponent Goals Scored Final Score Points Gained
    Kazakhstan 1 1-1 draw 1
    Denmark 3 3-2 Poland 3
    Armenia 1 2-1 Poland 2
    Romania 2 3-0 Poland 0
    Montenegro 1 2-1 Poland 2
    Romania 3 3-1 Poland 3
    Kazakhstan 1 3-0 Poland 0
    Armenia 3 6-1 Poland 0
    Montenegro 1 4-2 Poland 0

    Speaking of Ireland’s playoff opponents, Denmark’s playmaking maestro Christian Eriksen had a scintillating campaign for De Rød-Hvide.

    The Tottenham midfielder scored eight goals in qualifying, with his goals leading to his team gaining five points. The 20-point haul the Danes accumulated was good enough to ensure a playoff spot.

    Ireland will have to be wary of the diminutive Dane as he looks to continue his terrific run of goalscoring form.

    Christian Eriksen
    Opponent Goals Scored Final Score Points Gained
    Armenia 1 1-0 Denmark 2
    Kazakhstan 2 4-1 Denmark 0
    Kazakhstan 1 3-1 Denmark 0
    Poland 1 4-0 Denmark 0
    Armenia 1 4-1 Denmark 0
    Montenegro 1 1-0 Denmark 2
    Romania 1 1-1 draw 1

    Plenty of other goalscorers led their teams to five points over the course of World Cup qualifying.

    In Poland and Denmark’s Group E, Montenegro captain Steven Jovetic scored seven goals as The Brave Falcons finished in a respectable third place.

    Both Italy’s Ciro Immobile and Serbia’s Aleksander Mitrovic both scored six goals, also leading to their teams gaining five points each.  

    By Sean Meehan

  • Ireland dealt massive blow in World Cup bid

    Ireland dealt massive blow in World Cup bid

    Ireland’s hopes of hosting the 2023 Rugby World Cup have been dealt a major blow after World Rugby have decided not to endorse their bid, choosing 1995 host South Africa instead.

    World Rugby have selected their preferred candidate to host the 2023 World Cup after months of technical appraisals. South Africa came out on top with 78.97%, France second with 75.88% and Ireland last with only 72.25%.

    Each country was assessed on five categories: finance and tournament guarantees, venues and host cities, tournament infrastructure, vision and concept, and tournament organisation and schedule.

    Ireland didn’t top any of these categories and came last or joint last in all but one as shown on the table below.

    world cup criteria

    World Rugby Chairman Bill Beaumont said: “The comprehensive and independently scrutinised evaluation reaffirmed that we have three exceptional bids but it also identified South Africa as a clear leader based on performance against the key criteria, which is supported by the board in the recommendation.”

    This news, which came in the form of a 220-page document from World Rugby, is devastating for Irish rugby who received strong government backing, unlike France and South Africa.

    Over €4 million has already been spent on Ireland’s bid to host the tournament by the IRFU and while it is not impossible for Ireland to be chosen as hosts, it now seems highly unlikely.

    By Leo McGuinn

  • The City sports podcast episode 4: World Cup Play Off Draw special

    The City sports podcast episode 4: World Cup Play Off Draw special

    Leo McGuinn, Shane O’Brien, Scott Howe, Sean Meehan, and Daniel Osborne give their live reactions to the 2018 World Cup Playoff Draw.

  • Stephanie Roche hopeful of securing top-three spot in 2014 FIFA Puskás Award

    Stephanie Roche hopeful of securing top-three spot in 2014 FIFA Puskás Award

    Republic of Ireland international Stephanie Roche is aiming to take her place among football’s elite when the three-person shortlist for the chance to win the 2014 FIFA Puskás Award in announced on December 1, 2014. 

    Stephanie Roche discusses her chances of landing the prestigious award Photo: James Hopper
    Stephanie Roche discusses her chances of landing the prestigious award. Photo: James Hopper

    The 25 year-old from Shankill in Dublin would be the first woman to ever win the award should she ultimately secure a majority vote at the FIFA Ballon d’Or ceremony on January 12, 2015.

    Established in 2009, the Puskás Award is given to the player – male or female – that has scored the best goal of the year in world football as voted for by the general public. Ferenc Puskás, the Hungarian legend who the award is named after, is one of the top scorers from the 20th century with 512 goals in 528 matches.

    Roche’s strike for Peamount United against Wexford Youths on October 20, 2013 is the only goal scored by a female player on the list of ten candidates.

    With a viral campaign on her side and the whole of the Republic of Ireland adding their support, Roche is certainly in with a chance of creating history. And with family and friends betting in her favour, Roche is trying not to get too excited.

    “A few of them have placed bets yes, I haven’t done it myself so I don’t want to jinx it! A lot of people have been sending me Paddy Power screen shots and stuff like that,” said Roche.

    “The support has been unbelievable to be honest with you. I would just like to say thanks to all of the Irish people, I’ve been trying to say it all week. I’ve obviously been away, but my family have been telling me there’s so much in the paper and on Twitter, so the support has been phenomenal.”

    Back at the 2010 FIFA ceremony, Matty Burrows of Glentoran claimed third place in the Puskás Award after seeing off the likes of Lionel Messi, Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Neymar. With competition proving just as fierce this year, Roche is hopeful that a lesser celebrated league can gain recognition once again.

    “Yeah definitely, I think someone mentioned that to me the other day,” said Roche.  “It’s great to see that he got so far and hopefully I’ll be able to do that as well.”

    Stars of last summer’s World Cup such as James Rodríguez, Tim Cahill and Robin van Persie will likely provide Roche’s sternest opposition. However, should the striker lose out to one of the leading names in world football, she has no doubt as to who deserves to win the award.

    “I follow Manchester United, so I would probably say Robin van Persie. I like him as a player and I remember watching it at the time, thinking it was a great goal, so I’d probably say that.”

    After signing for French Division 1 side ASPTT Albi in July from Peamount United, Roche is still settling in to life in the south of France. And after an encouraging start which has seen the striker score two goals in her first eight games, Roche is looking to take her form into the second half of the season.

    “It’s been really good to be honest, the football has been great. Obviously, it’s a different culture and a different lifestyle, that’s the only difference,” said Roche.

    “Football-wise I’ve loved it; I just want to play as much as I can. I played on Saturday and had a really good game so I just want to build on that and give them everything I can for the year.”

    Voting is open on www.fifa.com until December 1 to reduce the list of candidates from ten to three, with the eventual winner being announced at the FIFA Ballon d’Or gala in Zurich, Switzerland on January 12, 2015.

  • King bows out after controversial spell as interim boss

    King bows out after controversial spell as interim boss

    Noel King’s time as interim manager after Giovanni Trapattoni’s swift departure as Ireland’s head coach was originally seen as a breath of fresh air by the majority of Irish fans.

    The 57-year-old Dubliner is no stranger to the beautiful game, having played for more than two decades in the League of Ireland, managing in it for twelve, and even had a spell at French second division club Valenciennes.

    Having managed the Irish women’s international team from 2000-2010 and the Irish U-21s for the last three years, King has more than enough experience to work with the senior players of the national team, having coached a handful of his squad at the U-21 level.

    Trapattoni's spell in charge took a drastic turn after the miserable performance in Euro 2012. Photo courtesy of Davit Hakobyan on flickr
    Trapattoni’s spell in charge took a drastic turn after the miserable performance in Euro 2012. Photo courtesy of Davit Hakobyan on flickr

    His decision to invite a couple of the Airtricity League’s top players to train with the national team before the Germany game was revitalising and invigorating to see, compared to Trapattoni who continually denied the fact that there is a competitive football league in Ireland.

    The easy approach for King to adapt in the last two qualifying fixtures of the campaign was to deploy an attractive, attacking philosophy of play with a ‘nothing to lose’ mentality, which has been called for on numerous occasions by the Irish supporters and also by some sections of the media.

    In doing so, King may have won some fans and finish his interim spell earning some plaudits for giving it a go against Germany and Kazakhstan.

    However, this was indeed the easy choice and King opted to take the harder and more courageous route by stamping his own authority on the squad for those two games and no Irish supporter can complain about the two results recorded, regardless of the performance against Kazakhstan in the Aviva.

    King’s defiant and belligerent reaction to RTE’s Tony O’Donoghue in the final post-match press interview was met with great interest. Asked about his team selection after the game, he jumped into a histrionic defence of his choices and berated the journalist after walking out of the interview.

    His short spell in charge has been a drastic contrast to his Italian predecessor and his outburst illustrated his passion, emotion and patriotism for the country’s football, unfortunately this also showed a certain naïveté about the demands on those involved at the top level of management on the world stage.

    Former Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill is the bookmakers' favourite for the Ireland job. Photo: dalli58 on flickr
    Former Sunderland boss Martin O’Neill is the bookmakers’ favourite for the Ireland job. Photo: dalli58 on flickr

    Noel King has been and will continue to be an influential character on the Irish football circuit, but he was never going to be chosen to fill the void as the national coach.

    John Delaney and the FAI have a tremendously important decision to ponder regarding the appointment of the future manager of Ireland, with Mick McCarthy, Martin O’Neill and Roy Keane all being deemed early frontrunners for the post.