As we edge closer and closer to Ireland's Euro 2016 qualification playoff against Bosnia & Herzegovina, the managers have named their squads and are facing questions from the media ahead of what will no doubt be a tense and tight affair in both legs.
Earlier today Bosnia's manager had some very positive things to say about Ireland.. And we're worried.
Clearly, Mehmed Bazdarevic has done his homework, because this is what he's had to say, and we cant see this as anything other than mind-games:
Ireland is a serious team and will be difficult in Zenica. They are football nation and have a motivated team.
Regardless of some problems with injuries, Ireland has enough quality players who play in strong clubs, and will be a formidable opponent.
Stop that. Stop that right now.
He knows full well that Ireland do the most damage to opposition teams as the underdog, a role we not only cherish, but need in order to succeed.
Bazdarevic saw what happened to Germany. They rolled in here with confidence and a self-belief that all World champions should carry, only to hear us say how we will give it 100%, try our best, and of course, put them under pressure, and what happened?
Shane Long happened.
There are countless examples of Irish sporting teams not being able to cope with the 'favourites' tag, and it seems to be something unique to this island that if we're not punching above our weight, then we're not punching at all. Apart from Estonia, but they really were shite.
By removing our tag as underdogs the Bosnians are hoping that the Irish fans will be looking ahead to France already, but in reality, we're watching these Miralem Pjanic free kicks fly in every week and doing our usual job of making it well known that the Bosnians can play. Bazdarevic has seen this and is attempting to stop it from happening.
You're a crafty one, Mehmed, but we're on to you.
via Independent.ie
