RoI on revenge mission

The Republic of Ireland are determined to enact a measure of revenge on Switzerland, who have been warned: “We owe you one.”

It is exactly two years ago to the day that Brian Kerr’s side suffered a heartbreaking 2-0 loss to the Swiss in Basle in the final game of the European Championship qualifiers.

That ended Irish hopes of heading off to Portugal for the finals, with salt rubbed into the gaping wounds that night as the tannoy boomed out ‘Congratulations’, while 30,000 Swiss fans sang ’Happy Birthday’ to coach Kobi Kuhn who turned 60 the following day.

Now, as then, Ireland require a victory over a Switzerland team unbeaten in Group Four, and whose last taste of defeat was 12 matches ago, stretching back to June 2004 when they crashed 3-1 to France in the finals.

For Charlton midfielder Matt Holland, who captained the team that night in the absence of the suspended Kenny Cunningham, the game still evokes raw memories he would like to erase.

“That was a disappointing campaign in full,” recalled Holland, as Ireland started with defeats to Russia and the Swiss, ultimately costing then boss Mick McCarthy his job.

“We felt going into the European qualifying campaign, after such a good World Cup, we had a really good chance.

“Unfortunately, it didn’t quite happen for us, which was very frustrating and tough to take, so we definitely owe them one.

“It’s now down to a one-off game again, a cup final if you like, and it’s up to us to get the right result.”

Ireland have not beaten the Swiss in the last three meetings – losing two and drawing one – with Manchester City defender Richard Dunne of the same mind as Holland.

“They’ve held us back,” insisted Dunne.

“We’ve been disappointing against the Swiss, who will be on a high because they’ve had good results against us recently.

“I’m sure they will be looking to knock us out again, but the feeling is we definitely do owe them.”

Holland concedes to being unable to put a finger on why the Swiss currently have the Indian sign over the Irish, but feels confident they can shake off the jitters that saw them struggle against Cyprus on Saturday to clinch a play-off place.

“They’re a good side, no doubt about that, with their results speaking for themselves,” added Holland.

“But we feel we’re a good side as well. Man-for-man we’ve a squad and a team capable of beating them.

“With the crowd and the atmosphere generated, it’s sure to be a terrific occasion and hopefully we will rise to it, put on a performance and get the result we need.”