SOCCER:THE PROSPECT of a 2,600-capacity crowd in Berceni backing host nation Romania in this evening's concluding Under-19 European Championship group game is something Republic of Ireland defender Matt Doherty believes can actually spur his side towards the semi-finals.
Results from the group games so far mean that technically each of the four nations can clinch one of the two qualifying berths into Friday’s last-four stage. Having lost both of their matches, Romania have the remotest of chances by needing a two-goal victory but that hasn’t prevented the locals getting behind their side.
Doherty, who played right back in Ireland’s 2-1 win over Greece on Tuesday and the defeat by the Czech Republic three days later by the same score, doesn’t place any store in how a hostile atmosphere could deter their own chances of claiming the victory which would almost certainly see them advance.
“Romania were beaten in their two group matches and, not being cocky about it, I definitely think we should win this one,” said the 19-year-old, handed his first-team debut by Wolves manager Mick McCarthy in the January FA Cup third-round tie against Doncaster Rovers. “I think that a full stadium would be a good thing for us because our players want to play in front of big crowds.
“The only thing we can concentrate on is winning our game. I think it would be very unlucky on us if we were to win and not go through to the semi-final.
“I think Greece have to score at least three goals (against Czech Republic) and I’d like to know at half-time how the other game is going. That doesn’t mean it won’t be full concentration from us players on the match.”
The Dubliner was honest enough to admit his concentration levels were affected by the 30 degree temperatures which provided the backdrop to Saturday’s game in Mogosoaia. Ireland were full value for their half-time lead over top seeds Czech Republic only to wilt in the conditions as the contest entered the final third with the leaders scoring twice in as many minutes.
He said yesterday: “Paul (Doolin) asked us today was there any of us feeling tired and a lot of hands went up. The pitch on Saturday was heavy and it was very humid. I think the Czechs had a bit more in the tank than us. Acclimatising was a big help but the weather can differ from game to game. In the first match, it was lashing rain whereas it was extremely hot for the second.
“I definitely went into Saturday’s game haven’t not drank as much water as I should. There was a point in the second half when I needed real energy. I kind of sat back in defence – not just me to be fair. It showed at the end when I was called in for the drugs test. I felt so dehydrated I couldn’t even go to the toilet because there wasn’t enough liquid in my body.
“I had to drink six bottles of water and it took two hours. The team were in bed by the time I got back to the hotel.”
The hip injury that caused John O’Sullivan to be substituted on Saturday means manager Paul Doolin will delay confirming his starting team until two hours before kick-off. The Irish manager hinted yesterday he will make changes to add freshness to his side.
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND(probable): McCarey (Wolves); Doherty (Wolves), Egan (Sunderland), O'Connor (Blackburn Rovers), Williams (Aston Villa); Carruthers (Aston Villa), Wearen (West Ham United), Ferdinand (Southend United), Hendrick (Derby County), Forde (Wolves); Murphy (Bray Wanderers).
What Ireland need to qualify . . .
Win, coupled with a Czech win or draw against Greece, would suffice.
Draw, coupled with a Czech victory or draw against Greece.
Defeat by one goal, if Greece lose by same or more.
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