We're all part of Marty's army, we're all off to Paris, then Bordeaux, then Lille.
Angelos Charisteas wasn't too kind to Ireland as he drew us into a group with Belgium, Italy, and Sweden, but then again nearly every group we could have been drawn in would have been tough.
While Brian Kerr and Richie Sadlier looked on the bright side in the RTÉ Studios, O'Neill was more realistic in his assessment that we will be the underdogs, and face a difficult task to qualify, but he also expressed his belief that the Irish fans will rise to the occasion:
I felt it was a tough draw. There were other groups we'd have preferred to be in; each time it was 50/50 with the teams still left in it and each time it fell the other way.
Italy should really be in Pot 1 so we're effectively talking about two Pot 1 teams, two top class teams. Belgium are considered the best side in the world in terms of their ranking and Sweden, who know about these competitions and have so much experience, just seem to know how to qualify whether it's the easy way or the difficult way.
I've just said jokingly that I was looking forward to the draw a hour and a half ago and maybe not so sure now but listen, I tell you what, I think the fans will rise to the occasion and rather than being disappointed, I think they will feel enthused by the difficulty of the games. Knowing that we're going into all the matches as underdogs.. I don't think it should frighten us. I think our fans will look forward to it. They know that when it is difficult we are perhaps at our best.
I will be giving nothing up. We have a real chance. The first match is very important and, if the World Cup in Brazil is anything to go by, then teams try to throw off the shackles in the opening match and go for it.
It's time to rise to the occasion.
Our first group game is against Sweden on June 13th, and you can bet that the Stade De France will be covered in green for the occasion.
It's time to keep a close eye on the stars of Belgium, Italy, and Sweden in the coming months, but now that we know what we're up against it's time to get planning, and time to start really looking forward to it.
via Independent.ie
