“The passion of the people of Munster is just like Milan. When I coached Italy the best place to play was in Milan. Thomond Park is like the San Siro. They are both famous for their passionate and knowledgeable fans. I expect an atmosphere just like Milan”, the words this week of Ireland soccer manager Giovanni Trapattoni ahead of Ireland’s game against Australia on Wednesday August 12 next in Thomond Park.
If the enthusiasm of the Italian native is anything to go by, we are in for a real treat. Giovanni was in town this week to announce his squad for the up coming game against the Socceroos, which will act as a warm up to Ireland’s World Cup qualifier against Cyprus.
Names such as Keane, Given, O Shea, Dunne, Kilbane and Gibson join young guns such as St Ledger, Nolan and Foley in a 24 man squad which includes no new caps. In fact, the squad named, bar Stephen Ireland, is the strongest that could have been announced.
“When you play these games it is easy to change 11 players and then you can lose. What do you learn from that? We will try and keep the same 11 as always and maybe make two changes. We have subs to use also, so that will give us a clue of where we are,” commented the smartly dressed and youthful looking Trapattoni.
The continued absence of Stephen Ireland and Andy Reid was the talking point for many of the “hacks” at the press conference. The fact that Ireland are playing two games on our doorstep was the more important issue for this city. Tickets are still on sale from Ticketmaster and I would recommend going. Trapattoni’s passion for football is something to behold. With the news last week that the international series has been called off, this double whammy for soccer is a unique opportunity to see Ireland play down this neck of the woods.
International soccer friendlies, as they normally go, are often lifeless and dull. However, with the squad named by Trapattoni, the local fans can expect a full blooded affair.
The opposition are the Socceroos. The Qantas sponsored Australians have already qualified for the World Cup next year in South Africa after topping Group A of the 4th round Asian qualifiers, ahead of Japan, Bahrain, Qatar and Uzbekistan.. Socceroos Head Coach Pim Verbeek has selected a 22 man squad for the upcoming international friendly match. Oliver Bozanic, Aaron Mooy and Nikita Rukavytsya all receive their first ever call up to the Qantas Socceroos squad which includes some household names this side of the World. Tim Cahill of Everton, Harry Kewell, of Galatasary, formerly of Liverpool and Leeds and Lucas Neill formerly of Blackburn and West Ham are the most notable names.
This will be the second time the Socceroos have faced the Republic of Ireland. The previous occasion was on August 19, 2003 when Ireland won 2-1 at Lansdowne Road.
With names like those mentioned, both sides should have enough to make this a memorable night for Limerick. WIth all the worries and pressures of modern day life, it is good to see the FAI offering some sporting relief for the area. With South Africa and Australia coming here in the coming weeks, the asset that is Thomond Park is beginning to show why the Limerick and indeed Munster sporting public can look forward to more sporting occasions just like these. See you in Thomond Park. The excitement is beginning to build and it’s all down to Giovanni.
