Cunningham - We can get out of Group
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Ten years ago Kenny Cunningham was preparing for the World Cup in Japan and South Korea. Now however, the 40 year-old is gearing up to line up alongside Eamonn Dunphy, Johnny Giles and Bill O'Herlihy. Speaking to ExtraTime.ie, Cunningham is delighted that he is going to be a part of the RTE panel.
"It’s been ten years since we qualified so even to be a small part of it on the panel here is something I’m looking forward to. People forget that when we were there in Japan in 2002 we didn’t get a taste of what was happening at home. We were sent a few video clips over but we didn’t get a sense of the effect it had around the country. "
Speaking on the task ahead for the Irish team, the former centre-back thinks they can get out of the group but feels that a change of tactic is needed for success.
"I think it’s a realistic ask that we can get out of this group but we will have to be a little bit bolder in our approach than we were during the qualifying campaign. If we are, then we can cause all three teams problems. Some are presuming that the Spain game is dead and buried but I don’t see it like that especially if we can play a high energy game.
Some pundits have been dismissive of Italy and their ability, Cunningham however isn't so sure that they have lost their touch but admits that they still possess quality and is confident that if Ireland were to play at their best, they can progress.
"I won’t say the Italians are a shadow of themselves but they’re not as strong as they have been in past tournaments. It’s a wonderful opportunity and if we can play to our maximum collectively as a group we are certainly capable of progressing. "
Looking at the tournament as a whole, the former Ireland captain thinks that the installed favourites are worthy but wouldn't discount France and praised the work that manager Laurent Blanc has done and thinks their key players are up to the task.
"The bookies’ favourites are there for obvious reasons. If there was going to be one outside bet I’d lean towards the French. They’ve had an awful time in recent years but were quite impressive during the qualifying campaign and have come under the radar a little bit.
"I think Blanc has done a really good job there and they’ve got some excellent young players. Benzema is one of the in-form strikers in world football. With English-based players like Cabaye and Ben Arfa then Franck Ribery, they’ve got fantastic forward-minded players.
"They’ll be one to watch if they can develop momentum as it goes on and could easily find themselves in a semi-final or final."
