The Republic of Ireland will participate in their second European Championship this summer.

The Republic of Ireland will feature at Euro 2012 with Robbie Keane as their skipper.How the Republic of Ireland qualified for Euro 2012

The Republic of Ireland narrowly missed out on a major international football tournament two years ago as France controversially beat them to win South Africa 2010 tickets. Their target was to bounce back from that incident by qualifying for Euro 2012.

The Irish started their campaign with a slim victory away to Armenia followed by a 3-1 victory at home to Andorra. In their third qualifier, they lost 3-2 to eventual Group B winners Russia. Robbie Keane and Shane Long scored within the last 20 minutes to reduce their team’s 3-0 deficit.

 

This was the Republic of Ireland’s only defeat in the 2012 UEFA European Championship qualifiers. The chase for the first spot in Group B was virtually over when they only managed a goalless draw in Moscow in September 2011.

With 21 points from a possible 30, the Irish finished second behind Russia and thus had to settle matters in the play-offs. They arguably got the easiest draw in the form of Estonia. They could afford to draw 1-1 in the second leg of their tie following a 4-0 victory against the Estonians in the first leg.

Euro 2012 will see the Irish make their first appearance on the big stage since the 2002 FIFA World Cup where they suffered a Round of 16 exit. This summer’s event also represents their second participation in the European Championship.

Who is the Republic of Ireland’s coach?

The Republic of Ireland will be led by the legendary Giovanni Trapattoni during Euro 2012. As a player, Trapattoni enjoyed a 12-year period at Milan before ending his career at Republic of Ireland cach Giovanni Trapattoni possesses huge experience ahead of Euro 2012.Varese.

With the Rossoneri, Giovanni Trapattoni lifted two Serie A titles and achieved glory in the European Cup, the Intercontinental Cup, the Italian Cup and the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup.

In his eventful managerial career, the Italian has coached teams like Juventus, Internazionale and Bayern Munich. Cup expert Giovanni Trapattoni has won so many titles as a coach in club football. These include 6 Italian Serie A league titles with Juventus, on UEFA Cup triumph with Inter, 1 German League Cup with Bayern Munich and 1 Portuguese League trophy with Benfica.

The 2006/07 Austrian League title with Red Bull Salzburg was Giovanni Trapattoni’s last cup success before switching to international football.

In 2008, the Irish FA announced Trapattoni as the national team’s new coach. Since then, the Italian has won the trust of Irish football fans. The 73-year-old Italian is expected to use his wide experience to guide the Republic of Ireland as far as possible during Euro 2012.

Who are the Republic of Ireland’s key players?

Robbie Keane

MLS star Robbie Keane will be under the spotlight during Euro 2012. He holds a number of goal scoring records. The former Spurs striker is Ireland’s all-time top scorer with 53 goals in 116 international matches. Robbie Keane is one of the top forwards tipped to shine during Euro 2012.

If the Republic of Ireland are to have a good tournament, much will depend on the performance of the skipper. For Robbie Keane, this summer’s event is his first European Championship in his 14-year international career.

The Republic of Ireland’s Euro 2012 squad

Goalkeepers: Shay Given, Keiren Westwood, David Forde

Defenders: John O'Shea, Richard Dunne, Stephen Ward, Sean St Ledger, Darren O'Dea, Stephen Kelly, Paul McShane

Midfielders: Glenn Whelan, Keith Andrews, Aiden McGeady, Darron Gibson, Paul Green, Damien Duff, Stephen Hunt, James McClean

Forwards: Robbie Keane, Kevin Doyle, Shane Long, Jonathan Walters, Simon Cox

Who are the Republic of Ireland’s Euro 2012 group opponents?

Back in 1988, the Republic of Ireland played in their first and only Euro finals till date. They did not do enough and had to accept a group stage exit. During Euro 2012, the Republic of Ireland will have to defy all odds to reach the knock-out stages. The Irish face an uphill challenge against Croatia, Spain and Italy.

The Republic of Ireland’s group matches schedule

June 10, 2012: Republic of Ireland vs Croatia – Municipal Stadium, Poznan
June 14, 2012: Spain vs Republic of Ireland – PGE Arena, Gdansk
June 18, 2012: Italy vs Republic of Ireland – Municipal Stadium, Poznan

More on the Republic of Ireland’s live streaming and TV schedule info page.

FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking

The Irish are 13th in Europe. They are also in the top 20 of world football’s highest ranked nations.