Ireland defeated Italy 3-0 tonight as Kevin Doyle and Shane Long stand out in a match that featured little offense from normally explosive Italians. "We were strong tonight and I'm proud of my squad and this win," manager Ian Thompson said in a post game statement.
A goal by Man of the Match, Shane Long, was straddled by a Kevin Doyle brace. After scoring only one goal for the Irish during the qualification rounds, Long has become the focal point of the Irish attack. Long scored a tournament high 12 goals to easily the golden boot ahead of strike partner Doyle. "Shane [Long] has been a real lift for us this tournament." Thompson continued. "He's come a long way from being a role player to being the heart and soul of this team."
The Irish were heavy underdogs during the whole tournament but proved to have the resolve and the "requisite spark" that they needed to take home the ultimate prize. "We were not favored in this," Thompson added. "I attribute this win to each and everyone of the team buying into the plan and taking ownership in their roles."
The Italians have endured a brutal week at the media following their controversial wins in the two leg semi-final versus previously undefeated Germany. "I don't have much to say about that," stated Thompson. "I heard that there were some controversial calls and that the losing manager was unhappy with the decisions and how things played out. I'll take nothing away from my guys, they deserve this win and they deserve to celebrate every second of this, but, the way the Italians played makes me think that they were rattled by some off the field issues. They played reserved, almost tentative. I hope that this doesn't carry over to next season, Chris is a vastly improved and talented manager who deserves credit for what he accomplished."
The Irish lift the last piece of Silverware in the muddled reign of the highly controversial 2012 version of the FIFA football simulation.
Scoring Summary:
Doyle (6')
Long (17')
Doyle (31')
Match Stats:
Ireland Italy
3 Goals 0
13(9) Shots (on target) 3(2)
56% Possession 44%
Thank god it wasn't the French...
Well done. Refreshing to see the underdog bring it home. Played the better brand of footy all tournament too.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteNow into the return pile with FIFA 12
Oh it's a pile alright.
DeleteCongrats.. obviously anyone can win it with the French but to do it with the Irish is impressive. Reminds me of the days where Greece used to contend..
ReplyDelete"Stop Balotelli, stop Italy.
ReplyDeleteThere can really be no other conclusion to make. The unhinged frontman has accounted for 70% of his side's goals, and now seems just as comfortable finishing as he does creating. A remarkable transformation, indeed.
If any of the other contenders are serious about knocking Italy aside, then stopping supply to (and from) Super Mario is the best way."
That turned out to be some top-notch punditry right there.
Yeah but how dare you make prediction or assumptions based on past experiences. It's rude and mean.
ReplyDelete