2008 Euro Qualifying: The Luck of the Irish?
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by Foolsgold
Earlier today it looked as if it would be up to the Ireland Rugby Union Team at the World Cup tomorrow to salvage the weekend for the Irish, but in the end they could have gotten off much worse. First, Northern Ireland lost on the road at Latvia 1-0, thanks to an own goal by Chris Baird. Then just as it seemed Ireland was going to get the three points on the road against Slovakia, a goal by Marek Čech in injury time equalized the sides at two apiece.
For Northern Ireland, the result seemed devastating as Spain was set to take on Iceland and sitting just a point behind the Green and White Army, it appeared the Spaniards would leapfrog them. About 20 minutes into the Spain vs Iceland match though, Xabi Alonso was sent off for a stamping incident. Spain was down to ten players and the Strákarnir okkar took advantage, going up a goal with five minutes left in the half. Despite Spain equalizing late in the second, the draw kept Northern Ireland second in the group, still with a decent chance to qualify.
Ireland wasn't as lucky. Coming into today's fixtures, The Boys in Green needed a win to stay level with the Czech Republic, who had a relatively easy assignment in San Marino. With the Czech win, the Irish fell three points behind into third place. The only consolation is that they play the Czechs on Wednesday, which now pretty much becomes a must-win. Unfortunately, it will be held in Prague.
The best thing about today's results? Now we have a cracker of a match to look forward to on Wednesday and if Spain and Northern Ireland can stay relative close to one another, they face off on the last day of qualifying in what could essentially be a one-match playoff.
Originally posted here
