U21 International Preview: Germany U21 -v- Republic Of Ireland U21
Credit:
Republic of Ireland
Republic of Ireland U21 boss Noel King heads into the game with a relatively young squad but he has belief that the “Boys In Green” can make an impression in their concluding game of the UEFA U21 Championships Qualifying Group Six against Germany.
The Irish are in Halle for the concluding fixture against the Germans. Noel King has one eye on the next qualifiers as they have a team with has players eligible for the next qualifying campaign which begins in 2015.
This isn`t the first time that they have opted to go with youth as Ireland were in a similar position at the end of the last campaign and stunned Italy – who went all the way to the UEFA U21 Final – with a 4-2 victory in Casarano in September 2012.
Pulling off such an upset against Italy, Ireland manger King admits that he would love a repeat of Casareno but acknowledges that the odds will be stacked against his youngsters – some of whom may be three years younger than their opponents.
“That Italy game was a match we’ll never forget but I’ll admit that it wasn’t one I expected – although we were obviously delighted with how the lads performed,” stated King
“This is going to be a similar challenge and it will be daunting but it’s a challenge that I believe our young players can meet.
“Training has gone very well and the atmosphere has been very good amongst the players but now we have to transfer that positive atmosphere into a positive performance.”
Celtic defender Eoghan O’Connell earned himself a late call up to the international set up due to the the injuries of Bradley Lewis and Sean Kavanagh. Aston Villa’s Jack Grealish has been the centre of attention in recent weeks but King is happy that the midfielder has been a positive influence with the U21s.
“Jack has been himself. He’s been terrific. He’s enjoying himself here but so are all of the squad,” added King.
Germany
N/A no team news or mangers quotes was available for Germany.
Referee:Andreas Ekberg
MATCH STATS
Germany U21s head into the tie 1st in the group with a total of 14 points.
Ireland U21s are 4th in the group and have 8 points.
The tie earlier in the year saw Germany run out winners with a 4-0 win in Silgo.
BETTING
Germany 1/8 Draw 11/2 Republic Of Ireland 12/1
PREDICTION
Germany 3-0 Republic of Ireland
Republic Of Ireland
Injured: Bradley Lewis and Sean Kavanagh
Doubtful: None.
Suspended:None.
Germany
Injured: N/A.
Doubtful: N/A.
Suspended: N/A.
