Nations League Preview: Republic of Ireland -v- Greece
Jason Knight on the ball for Ireland against England, with Three Lions man Ebereche Eze (right) and Boys in Green man Chiedozie Ogbene (left) Credit: Eddie Lennon (ETPhotos)
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND
Ireland know they must defeat Greece on Tuesday night to ensure the storm clouds do not gather early in Heimir Halgrimsson’s reign as boss (kick-off is at 7.45pm).
The Boys in Green were defeated 2-0 by England on Saturday evening and will be keen to avoid a similar defeat against the Greeks at home.
And a second loss in a row would leave Ireland in a difficult place to ensure League B survival this year in the Nations League.
The Boys in Green were also defeated twice by Greece in last year’s Euro 2024 qualifiers.
“The beauty of having a game a few days later gives everyone the chance to bounce back as quickly as possible and improve performances and improve everything about the performance,” Ireland assistant boss John O’Shea said.
“That's the key bit for us, if you improve the performance levels hopefully that will eventually bring consistent results in our favour.
“Make sure we are hard to beat and then we go win some matches on the back of that.”
Ireland will be without captain Seamus Coleman through injury, with Festy Ebosele drafted in as a replacement.
GREECE
Under new management, Greece visit Dublin with a pep in their step having dismissed Finland 3-0 in their Nations League opener on Saturday night.
It was an important triumph for new boss Ivan Jovanovic who took over from previous manager Gus Poyet.
But Jovanovic, who has previously led Panathinaikos in Greece, wants improvements from his side.
“We have to fix a lot of things during the games but I saw the boys trying hard,” he said, as quoted by the Irish Independent.
“What counts is the result. We saw how we can play, we have talent and lads who can carry the burden of the national team,” he said before flying out to Dublin.
“We have talented young kids as well as experienced players. Results are what we want. We represent this country, we have to show something positive, but I am happy because despite some suffering, we are learning. Until recently I worked in a team [club side Panathinaikos] where I had more time, but the victory gives us time to work in peace.”
Referee: Espen Eskås (Norway).
PREDICTION
Republic of Ireland 0-2 Greece
Republic of Ireland
Injured: Seamus Coleman.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.
Greece
Injured: N/A.
Doubtful: N/A.
Suspended: None.
