By Robbie Butler
The result in Scotland last week has damaged the chances of the Irish team qualifying for Euro 2016. Following the end of all matches on Sunday, I glanced at the groups and have to say that Ireland are in a particularly strong, if not the strongest, qualification group. This is in spite of the fact the Boys In Green were placed in the 2nd Seed pot when the draw was made in Nice last February.
Following the result last week, I'm now very worried about our qualification prospects. In fact, if I'm honest, I don't think the Irish team will make the play-off spot (3rd).
Our FIFA ranking supports this view. I know people often claim the rankings are meaningless but overall they do a fairly good job at estimating the current strength of a nation. (Click here for an explanation of how the rankings are calculated). Below is Ireland's world ranking from 2000 to 2014.
The result in Scotland last week has damaged the chances of the Irish team qualifying for Euro 2016. Following the end of all matches on Sunday, I glanced at the groups and have to say that Ireland are in a particularly strong, if not the strongest, qualification group. This is in spite of the fact the Boys In Green were placed in the 2nd Seed pot when the draw was made in Nice last February.
Following the result last week, I'm now very worried about our qualification prospects. In fact, if I'm honest, I don't think the Irish team will make the play-off spot (3rd).
Our FIFA ranking supports this view. I know people often claim the rankings are meaningless but overall they do a fairly good job at estimating the current strength of a nation. (Click here for an explanation of how the rankings are calculated). Below is Ireland's world ranking from 2000 to 2014.
Here's what has me worried. If we consider Germany, Poland and Scotland since the start of 2014 you'll see FIFA believe we are now the 4th best of these teams. Germany have moved to #1 sport since winning the World Cup. Scotland have consistently outperformed us, while Poland are now surging ahead of us.
This is some good news though. Ireland have qualified for 5 major tournaments to date; Euro '88, Italia '90, USA '94, Korea and Japan in 2002 and Euro 2012. Only once in this period of time was there a competition when more than 30% of UEFA members qualified for the finals that Ireland did not qualify; Euro 1996. The 2016 tournament in France will see nearly half of all UEFA members participate (24/53).
Will Ireland be at the party? I really hope so but I'm not so sure....
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