Martin O'Neill, Roy Keane Leave Republic of Ireland Roles 'By Mutual Agreement'
Nov 21, 2018
DUBLIN, IRELAND - NOVEMBER 15: Republic of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill during the International Friendly match between Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland at Aviva Stadium on November 15, 2018 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Craig Mercer/MB Media/Getty Images)
Republic of Ireland national team manager Martin O'Neill and assistant Roy Keane have left their positions "by mutual agreement."
According to RTE. coaches Steve Guppy and Seamus McDonagh have also given up their positions. The FAI confirmed the news on its website.
Chief executive John Delaney confirmed the departures in a statement:
"There have been many highlights during Martin's reign—none more so than Euro 2016 in France, which will live long in the memory of all Irish supporters.
"Martin did a great job guiding the team out of a difficult qualifying group—where we beat world champions Germany along the way—to reach Euro 2016 and advance to the last 16 following a historic victory over Italy in Lille."
O'Neill had been in charge of the team since 2013 after spells with Celtic, Aston Villa and Sunderland. He found plenty of success initially and guided the nation to UEFA Euro 2016, making it to the knockout stages.
But after losing to Denmark in a play-off for the 2018 FIFA World Cup the Irish team went on a downward spiral. The UEFA Nations League campaign turned into a disaster:
1 - The Republic of Ireland scored just one goal in the 2018 UEFA Nations League; only San Marino (0) scored fewer, while the Irish also attempted fewer shots than every other team (22). Departure. pic.twitter.com/FU2sWJplzU
The team won just a single match since October of last year, a friendly against the United States.
Perhaps even worse than the poor results were the dire style of football and lack of faith from the fans. Criticism mounted quickly in the last year, and O'Neill didn't help himself with a controversial statement bemoaning the lack of talent in the squad, per Goal's Ronan Murphy:
“Technically, we’re short. We know that. On technical ability, we’re short and I think everybody can see that. But we’re not short of heart.”
While O'Neill made headlines for Ireland's poor run of form, Keane had issues of his own. The Manchester United legend was involved in a dispute with Harry Arter, leading to struggles within the squad, perDamian Spellmanof the Press Association (via theManchester Evening News).
Following Monday's scoreless draw against Denmark an exit for both seemed inevitable.
Ireland finished last in the Nations League B Group 3 and will be in Pot 3 for qualifying for Euro 2020, complicating their road to the next major international tournament.
Republic of Ireland Beat Uruguay in 2017 Friendly After Edinson Cavani Injury
Jun 4, 2017
DUBLIN, IRELAND - JUNE 04: Jonathan Walters of Republic of Ireland celebrates scoring the opening goal during the International Friendly match between Republic of Ireland and Uruguay at Aviva Stadium on June 4, 2017 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images)
Jonathan Walters scored a spectacular first-half goal to help the Republic of Ireland beat Uruguay 3-1 in an international friendly at Dublin's Aviva Stadium on Sunday.
Jose Gimenez answered Walters' wonder goal with an equaliser seven minutes before halftime for Uruguay, who lost star striker Edinson Cavani to injury early on. Cyrus Christie put Ireland ahead for good six minutes after the break, while James McClean added a third with 13 minutes left.
Ireland fielded a strong squad loaded with Premier League talent, including Walters, Bournemouth playmaker Harry Arter and Stoke's Glenn Whelan, per FAIreland:
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) June 4, 2017
Meanwhile, Uruguay started Paris Saint-Germain goal machine Cavani, as well as Southampton defender Martin Caceres, per the national team's official Twitter account:
Ireland started brightly and went close twice in quick succession when Jeff Hendrick and Robbie Brady were denied. Uruguay looked sluggish out of the blocks and were hit with a blow when Cavani left the field injured to be replaced by Cristhian Stuani.
Football-Italia.net confirmed Cavani's withdrawal and what it could mean for Uruguay's next fixture:
Edinson Cavani injured, now in doubt for #Uruguay v #Italy on Wednesday.
With the visitors blunted in attack, Ireland took full advantage when Walters struck brilliantly on 27 minutes. The Stoke City forward blasted a shot high into the top corner from well outside the box.
In the process, Walters moved up the scoring charts for Ireland:
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) June 4, 2017
To their credit, Uruguay didn't buckle and were level after 38 minutes when Atletico Madrid defender Jimenez scored after collecting a pass from Aston Villa's Carlos Sanchez.
Wanting to see greater creativity from his side in the final third, Ireland boss Martin O'Neill introduced veteran schemer Wes Hoolahan off the bench at the break. The change proved an inspired one when the 35-year-old Norwich City playmaker picked out the overlapping Christie to net the winner.
Gimenez went close to another equaliser with a powerful header ahead of the final 20 minutes. Yet Ireland soon put the game out of sight when McClean scored their third in style on the break.
McClean rounded out the scoring.
The West Bromwich Albion winger cut in off the left flank before curling home a well-hit drive. McClean's effort capped the scoring and put an exclamation point on an impressive display from O'Neill's side.
Ireland will now turn their attentions to next Sunday's 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Austria.
Republic of Ireland vs. Uruguay: 2017 Friendly Time, Live Stream and TV Schedule
Jun 4, 2017
Uruguay's Edinson Cavani celebrates after scoring against Brazil during a 2018 World Cup qualifying soccer match in Montevideo, Uruguay, Thursday, March. 23, 2017. Brazil won the match 4-1. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)
The Republic of Ireland will play host to Uruguay in an international friendly on Sunday, in preparation for the upcoming 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Austria.
The Irish sit second in their qualifying group, tied on points with Serbia and four points ahead of Wales and Austria. The Boys in Green need to keep winning, and Uruguay should provide them with an excellent test.
La Celeste sit ahead of both Chile and Argentina in CONMEBOL qualifying and have tremendous attacking firepower―on paper, they should be favourites in this match.
Uruguay have travelled to Europe without two key players, as Atletico Madrid's Diego Godin and Barcelona's Luis Suarez have already started their summer vacations. La Celeste have little to play for and can afford to hand minutes to youngsters or fringe players looking to convince themselves.
That doesn't mean the team is bereft of talent, however. Paris Saint-Germain's Edinson Cavani is expected to lead the attack, and the former Napoli man is in the form of his life.
As shared by Squawka Football, he comfortably replaced Zlatan Ibrahimovic as the team's main striker:
Zlatan Ibrahimovic for PSG in 2015/16: 51 games, 50 goals
Edinson Cavani for PSG in 2016/17: 50 games, 49 goals
Cristhian Stuani and Diego Rolan also figure to play a big role offensively, and Jose Maria Gimenez will get the chance to prove he can lead the defence without Atletico team-mate Godin by his side.
In comparison, Ireland don't have as much raw talent in their squad, with Darren Randolph, James McClean and Wes Hoolahan among the best-known players. Mexico outclassed the team in Thursday's friendly, but it's worth noting the team that had travelled to the U.S. was not at full strength.
Owen Cowzer of the Irish Sun explained there were quite a few holes in the squad:
Not just up front where Ireland are short of options. No recognised left back in the Ireland squad for Mexico. pic.twitter.com/5IOmDJOxxD
Jonathan Walters will give the hosts another option in attack, although manager Martin O'Neill could refrain from plugging him into the team immediately, preserving his health ahead of the match against Austria.
The World Cup qualifier is the crucial fixture in this three-match set—Sunday's clash is but another chance to experiment ahead of that showdown.
Iceland Beat Republic of Ireland 1-0 After Hordur Bjorgvin Magnusson Goal
Mar 28, 2017
DUBLIN, IRELAND - MARCH 28: (L-R) Sverrir Ingason of Iceland, James McClean of Republic of Ireland, Rurik Gislason of Iceland and Kevin Doyle of Republic of Ireland challenge for the ball during the International Friendly match between Republic of Ireland and Iceland at Aviva Stadium on March 28, 2017 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images)
Iceland beat Republic of Ireland 1-0 in an international friendly at Dublin's Aviva Stadium on Tuesday night. The visitors won thanks to a goal from Bristol City defender Hordur Bjorgvin Magnusson, who struck a low free-kick into the bottom corner in the first half.
Ireland piled on the pressure in the second half. But a mixed team missing several senior figures, including injured captain Seamus Coleman, couldn't find a breakthrough.
It's Ireland's first defeat in 16 matches at the Aviva Stadium, according to Omnisport (h/t Yahoo Sport UK).
Republic manager Martin O'Neill fielded a changed side featuring Burnley winger Robbie Brady as skipper, per the Irish FA:
A reminder of the starting 11 as John Egan and Conor Hourihane are set to make their international debuts! #COYBIGpic.twitter.com/s4HbMIGmuS
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) March 28, 2017
A predictably physical contest saw Brentford centre-back John Egan require treatment after being bloodied by an elbow to the face. Thankfully, Egan quickly returned, although sporting a bandage. The hosts needed all their defenders available to deal with the aerial bombardment from Iceland.
Striker Kristjan Finnbogason nearly reached a typically long throw from skipper Aron Gunnarsson in the ninth minute. Derby County defender Alex Pearce was able to head clear as claps of thunder could be heard from the Dublin skies.
Aron Einar Gunnarsson of Iceland during the UEFA EURO 2016 quarter final match between France and Iceland on July 3, 2016 at the Stade de France in Paris, France.(Photo by VI Images via Getty Images)
However, it was Iceland who were determined to rain down on the Irish goal. The visitors found their breakthrough when Magnusson curled in an excellent free-kick on 21 minutes.
The set piece had come after senior international debutant Egan had been drawn into a reckless challenge on the edge of the box. Egan appeared to struggle with the pace of play early on, as Iceland consistently went direct.
Finbogason twice went close as Iceland played with greater pace, power and intensity during the opening 35 minutes. In fact, radio station Newstalk Sport called for more from the hosts:
Wide from Finnbogason, another decent chance. Ireland really need to wake up #IRLICE
Yet the home side couldn't oblige, largely because O'Neill's men were struggling to muster any threat up front. In particular, veteran target man Kevin Doyle's inability to find space was wasting some bright play from wingers Aiden McGeady and James McClean.
Brady, McGeady and Co. continued supplying Doyle with chances, though, and an astute through ball from the captain forced a rare corner. Yet a lack of intuitive movement in the box saw the set piece go to waste.
Ireland were more lively after the break, with Jonny Hayes teasing in a fantastic cross that Doyle again failed to meet. Cyrus Christie also began finding room on the right flank as he made more raiding runs from full-back.
DUBLIN, IRELAND - MARCH 28: Sverrir Ingason of Iceland is closed down by James McClean of Republic of Ireland during the International Friendly match between Republic of Ireland and Iceland at Aviva Stadium on March 28, 2017 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo b
O'Neill took the chance to make a few changes, including handing an international debut to Preston North End winger Daryl Horgan. His first contribution was to drop a cross just inches away from the boot of McClean, who had made a smart run through the middle.
It was McClean's last contribution as O'Neill soon replaced him with Southampton forward Shane Long. Horgan and Long kept Ireland on the front foot, but the hosts failed to make the most of their numerous corners.
The home side also couldn't release Long's pace behind a stubborn Iceland defence content to sit deep and play out time. Ultimately, the visitors delivered a near-flawless away performance, based on stifling possession and making the most of their own select opportunities to break.
Meanwhile, Ireland may have got some young and fringe players involved, but they will rue their lack of quality in the final third.
Post-Match Reaction
O'Neill singled out impressive debutant Horgan for special praise afterwards:
Martin O'Neill: I thought Horgan did really well when he came on. Robbie Brady also dealt with everything very well this evening as captain. pic.twitter.com/nKDQTgWyF0
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) March 28, 2017
The manager also bemoaned how his side failed to do enough with the lion's share of possession in the second half:
Martin O'Neill: First half we didn't do well at all. In the second half we had loads of possession but we need to create more chances.
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) March 28, 2017
On a more positive note, O'Neill did provide an encouraging update on Coleman, who continues to recover from the double leg fracture he suffered in the 0-0 draw against Wales:
Martin O'Neill: Seamus Coleman is doing much better today. I saw him earlier. He's in better spirits and has his family around him. #COYBIG
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) March 28, 2017
O'Neill will know how much his team missed its senior players. This is a squad lacking the quality and depth to mix things up and still win.
Seamus Coleman Suffers Leg Injury vs. Wales After Tackle from Neil Taylor
Mar 24, 2017
DUBLIN, IRELAND - MARCH 24: Players react as Neil Taylor of Wales (3) is shown a red card by referee Nicola Rizzoli and is sent off after a challenge on Seamus Coleman of the Republic of Ireland (2) during the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier between Republic of Ireland and Wales at Aviva Stadium on March 24, 2017 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images)
Everton defender Seamus Coleman was stretchered off during the Republic of Ireland’s clash with Wales in FIFA 2018 World Cup qualifying on Friday with a broken leg, manager Martin O'Neill confirmed to Sky Sports.
The FAI Twitter feed confirmed the serious nature of the problem, which Coleman suffered after a reckless challenge from Welsh left-back Neil Taylor, who was subsequently sent off:
Red card for Neil Taylor following a lunge on Seamus Coleman. Serious injury for the Ireland captain.. #COYBIG
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) March 24, 2017
Seamus Coleman is stretched off following that tackle.. Cyrus Christie comes on to replace the captain. #COYBIG
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) March 24, 2017
As noted by Sport Witness, broadcasters opted not to show replays of the incident, such was the severity of the 28-year-old’s injury:
Sky not replaying Coleman injury on 'grounds of decency'. Which they say gives an indication of how bad it looks.
The incident happened in the second period of the game, with the two players chasing down the ball on the flank.
As the duo converged Taylor leapt off the ground and planted his foot onto the Everton man’s leg. The Irish players rushed to Coleman’s aid following the collision, before he was administered oxygen on the field and carried off.
DUBLIN, IRELAND - MARCH 24: An injured Seamus Coleman of the Republic of Ireland is stretchered off during the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier between Republic of Ireland and Wales at Aviva Stadium on March 24, 2017 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Ian Walto
The injury is a massive blow for the Republic of Ireland skipper, who is surely set for a long spell on the sidelines.
Coleman has been a crucial cog in the Everton side of late under manager Ronald Koeman, offering a thrust going forward, chipping in with crucial goals and defending tenaciously. Finding someone who offers so much from that position will be difficult for the Toffees.
WBC cruiserweight champion and Everton supporter Tony Bellew was one of the first to wish the Irishman well on social media:
Youngster Mason Holgate filled in in the position earlier in the campaign when Coleman was injured and you suspect he’ll be tasked with doing so again.
The injury comes at the worst possible time for Everton, with the Merseyside derby against Liverpool at Anfield and a trip to Manchester United to come after the international break. But for now, the thoughts of all those tied to the Toffees will be with their stricken right-back.
Irish Football Fans Attempt to Sing Baby to Sleep on Train in France
Jun 20, 2016
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_Bp7vWvN1c
Travelling football fans at Euro 2016 have been making headlines for all the wrong reasons over the past few weeks, but the Republic of Ireland's followers have been doing their best to leave France having made a positive impression.
The latest heartwarming video to emerge from the host country shows a group of Irish supporters on a train attempting to sing a baby to sleep with a selection of classic lullabies.
The friendly troupe start with a well-synced rendition of "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" before moving onto "Hush, Little Baby."
Sleep appears to evade the wide-eyed infant, but the grinning parents seem to appreciate the effort.
The opening days of Euro 2016 have been marred by violent clashes between fans, but supporters of the Republic of Ireland don't seem to be too concerned.
Martin O'Neill's side open their campaign on Monday, when they take on Sweden in Paris, and some of their fans have already found their way onto the television.
During a preview show that aired on Ireland's national broadcaster, RTE, a handful of fans provided an amusing distraction by pretending to start a fight from behind the show's panel.
"As we get the first casualty of the night behind us," quipped the ever-professional presenter before continuing seamlessly with the broadcast.
Perhaps Irish football fans should be added to the list of things to avoid on live TV.
[Twitter]
Martin O'Neill Says Only Attractive Wives Are Welcome at Euro 2016
Mar 24, 2016
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EiG2zP3uydg
Republic of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill has been full of jokes and witty quips in recent press conferences, but one joke he made on Thursday may have been a little misguided.
Ahead of Friday's friendly with Switzerland at the Aviva Stadium, O'Neill was asked whether players' wives and girlfriends would be welcome to attend Euro 2016 with the team.
He said: "Well, it depends on how good-looking the girls are. If they are really attractive, they're very, very welcome. The uglier ones, I'm afraid not."
It is clear that O'Neill was speaking in jest, but his attempted humour has not been well-received in all quarters:
Martin O Neill might regret that joke he made during the press conference earlier 🙈
Jon Walters Leaves Celebrations to Commiserate Ex-Stoke Team-Mate Asmir Begovic
Nov 17, 2015
DUBLIN, IRELAND - NOVEMBER 16: Scorer of his team's two goals, Jon Walters of the Republic of Ireland walks off the pitch following his team's 2-0 victory and qualification during the UEFA EURO 2016 Qualifier play off, second leg match between Republic o
He'd just scored the two goals that put the Republic of Ireland into Euro 2016, but Jon Walters' first thoughts after Monday night's 2-0 win against Bosnia and Herzegovina were for his opponent.
In a classy moment, Walters was seen rushing to commiserate former Stoke City team-mate Asmir Begovic after the final whistle had blown in Dublin:
It's not the first time the Irishman has caused the goalkeeper headaches this season. In October, he scored a goal that led to Chelsea's elimination from the League Cup.
