Out of the way, lads, that cup is mine
Reigning world and European champions Spain have long been installed as favourites to win the tournament, so their presence in Ireland’s group can only be regarded as a major obstacle to hopes Trapattoni can lead his players to the quarter-finals.
But the tests don’t end there: the manager’s native Italy also ended up in Group C, meaning two of Ireland’s opponents were the last two winners of the World Cup.
The group is completed by another formidable side, Croatia, who Ireland play in their opening game in Poznan, Poland, on Sunday June 10.
After the draw, Trapattoni — a hugely popular presence at the draw in Kiev’s Palace of Arts — denied that beating the all-conquering Spain would amount to mission impossible.
“Yes, Spain are at the top of their game in international football,” he said, “but we have played against strong teams like Argentina and Brazil and I am convinced we can play against any team in the world. I believe our players think so too.”
Italy manager Cesare Prandelli, who played under Trapattoni and is regarded as his master’s apprentice, admitted he had hoped not to be drawn against his mentor.
“I don’t want to play against the maestro,” he said. “He is my teacher. Almost everything I’ve learned in football, I learned from him. I like to speak with him, to learn from him and to eat with him — but not to play against him.”
The unqualified good news out of the draw, from a green perspective, is that Ireland will play their group games in Poland rather than Ukraine, allowing for superior ease of access, better internal travel and great accommodation options.
While acknowledging Group C presents a “tough but glam-orous” footballing challenge, FAI chief executive John Delaney said in Kiev last night he was delighted for the fans.
“The first thing now will be to ensure that the people who follow us to games, our regular supporters, get tickets,” he said.
