Watch live in the Republic of Ireland from 6pm
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By Rory Houston
E-mail: sportonline@rte.ie Twitter: #rteeuro2012
Result: Republic of Ireland 2-1 Armenia
2216 We're going to wrap it up for today folks. Thanks so much for reading and remember we have the draw on Thursday live at 12pm. Well done Ireland as reaching the play-offs is an excellent achievement.
2206 Bosnia-Herz, Estonia, Montenegro, and Turkey are the possible opponents.
2205 The FAI have confirmed via Twitter that Ireland will be seeded for the play-off draw.
2201 Still no official word but our man in the Aviva has been told that Ireland, Czech Republic, Portugal and Croatia are the seeds. That mean Bosnia, Turkey, Montenegro and Estonia are the possible opponents.
2151 France are through to Euro 2012. Bosnia are in the play-offs and Ireland are likely to be seeded. Confirmation shortly.
2148 France clear a corner in the second of the four added minutes.
2146 Or not, as some of you tell me. This is confusing! There is some doubt over the seeding of Ireland, Turkey, Czech Republic and Bosnia. We are in added-time in Paris. It is still 1-1.
2139 That would mean a match against Bosnia, Estonia, Montenegro or Turkey.
2138 Serbia have lost to Slovenia. From what I can tell, Ireland will be seeded.
2134 Samir Nasri equalises for France against Bosnia. That means it is now Bosnia heading for the play-offs.
2130 Slovenia have done us a massive favour. They lead Serbia by one goal with three minutes left, thus putting Estonia in the play-offs.
2128 Estonia, Montenegro and Bosnia would certainly be seeded below Ireland. Turkey may pip us?
2127 Lots of speculation about the seedings but there is no doubt we need France to score if we are to stay with a chance of being seeded.
2122 Turkey, Ireland, Portugal, Croatia, Montenegro are in the play-offs. Estonia and Czech Republic look likely to join them. France and Bosnia is on a knife-edge with 24 minutes left.
2118 Simon Cox said: "It's an unbelievable night for Irish football. We needed to get six points out of six (from the last two qualifiers), and we got them and gave ourselves the best possible chance.
"We've got what we wanted in the end, which is a play-off place. Luck of the draw now and we'll take whatever comes.
"We came out with the biggest mentality that we could find and we played like heroes tonight, and we got the right result and the result we needed."
2115 We will keep the live text going while France are still in action in Paris. Ireland will not be seeded if they lose. There is 57 minutes gone and Bosnia lead 1-0.
2112 Just to remind you, the draw for the play-offs will be live on RTÉ.ie at 12pm on Thursday.
2105 Giovanni Trapattoni spoke of his happiness with Ireland as Armenia improved greatly throughout the group. He was pleased that Ireland recovered from conceding a goal and felt the red card for the Armenia goalkeeper was harsh.
2057 You can read Glenn Mason's report on the game now in the soccer section and we'll have player ratings from Michael Glennon later this evening. Simon Cox spoke of his delight with getting through and his own performance.
2051 "You can't love Barcelona and Arsenal and love that rubbish," according to Eamon Dunphy.
2049 But, if we are unseeded and France are seeded, the chance to play France will present itself and revenge. Do we want that?
2048 "We want France to not lose that game because if Bosnia finish in the play-offs instead of France, Ireland will be seeded."
Mark
2046 "At the start of the qualifying we all expected to go through the play-off system. At the end of the day we got what we asked for. Ireland will be in Poland next year."
Anthony in New York
2044 Bosnia-Herzegovina have taken the lead against France after 40 minutes. If that scores stays the same, France will be in the play-offs. We. Want. France.
2042 Eamon Dunphy: "We're not going to qualify. That team in that system will not be good enough."
2040 There is no confirmation of the seedings for the play-offs but the indications are good. Ireland look likely to be seeded.
The draw for the play-offs with be live here on RTÉ.ie on Thursday at 12pm.
2039 The Irish players celebrate completing their task and a play-off awaits next month. The attendance of 45,000 are delighted with the Euro 2012 dream still alive.
IRELAND HAVE QUALIFIED FOR THE EURO 2012 PLAY-OFF
Full-time: Republic of Ireland 2-1 Armenia
90 + 4 min Armenia are punished for pushing in the penalty area as the home fans rise to their feet to salute the effort of the Irish players.
90 + 3 min Kelly gives away a free beside the corner flag but time is up for Armenia with just 60 seconds left.
90 + 2 min Dunne kicks it in the air as Manucharyan curls the ball towards the goal. There are just two minutes remaining.
90 + 1 min Duff wins a foul close to the sideline to and they will kick it towards Walters to try to waste time.
90 min Given makes a vital save as Edgar Manucharyan cuts onto his right foot and forces Given to use his foot to rid the danger. Fahey rids the danger. There will be four added-minutes.
89 min Simon Cox wins the man-of-the-match award.
88 min Walters has been magnificent in this substitute appearance. He controls the ball from Given's punt forward and drills a shot that is marginally off-target.
86 min Walters is beaten to it by Petrosyan from Fahey's clever pass. There is no danger for the home side when they attack, the old cliche about it being the best form of defence rings loud.
85 min Walters gets the chance to run at the Armenian defences and shoots from 18 yards out. Petrosyan catches the ball as the shot is directed straight into his path.
83 min Hunt wins a corner as he is brought down by the goalkeeper but the Armenian defender got a touch on the ball so it was the correct call by the referee.
82 min That adds to our worries with eight minutes to go. Armenia still need two goals but they are likely to control possession in the closing stages.
81 min Told you. Doyle is sent off as he is penalised for using his elbow when rising for a header.
RED CARD - IRELAND - KEVIN DOYLE
80 min Simon Cox leaves the field as Jon Walters enters the game. Cox worked very hard in the game but I would have taken off Doyle given he is on a yellow card.
78 min Armenia continue to plug away but Ireland's hard work is paying off and the 10-men have started to tire slightly.
76 min Keith Fahey comes on for Glenn Whelan, who is limping as he leaves the field. Fahey can keep the ball which will be a help in the closing stages.
74 min Cox is flagged offside after good work by Andrews. The comfort for Ireland is the minutes are ticking away and Armenia still need two goals.
72 min Hayrapetyan tries an ambitious effort from 35 yards out that fails to trouble the Irish goal.
70 min Edgar Manucharyan rolls off to the back post and heads over the bar from an Armenian corner. Even if we do sneak through to the play-offs, how can you be confident when we're being outplayed by 10-man Armenia?
68 min Kevin Doyle is booked for a foolish foul 30 yards from the Irish game. He will miss the first leg of play-off game, if we get there.
67 min McGeady's last action of the game is to spurn a wonderful opportunity to put this game to bed. Duff's clever turn and pass gives the Spartak Moscow man time to shoot from the edge of the area. He hesitates and the weak effort is cleared.
65 min Ireland are outclassed in midfield as Armenia pass it around for fun. Their problem is picking out a man in room to shoot, with Movsisyan knocking it wide when under-pressure from St Ledger.
2008 They didn't even give me the chance to make the "Yes, Richard Dunne, that is the right goal to shoot towards" joke.
62 min They deserve this goal and Ireland are punished for more sloppy play. The home side switch off after Dunne's goal, allowing Mkhitaryan to wait on the edge of the area for the ball to be played into his path and he curls it towards goal. Given goes down, but he can't get a strong enough hand on it and Armenia have given themselves hope.
GOAL - ARMENIA - MKHITARYAN
60 min The play-offs beckon as catastrophic Armenian defending gives Ireland another goall. McGeady's cross is brilliant but the goalkeeper is afraid to claim the ball as he comes out of goal and Dunne bundles it home.
GOAL - REPUBLIC OF IRELAND - RICHARD DUNNE
58 min Cox is unlucky once more as Whelan flicks it over the top for the West Brom man to reach but it doesn't drop for the shot and Hovsepyan knocks it away.
55 min Just when I think we are making it easy for ourselves, McGeady's sloppy pass allows Armenia to break again. They have some wonderful footballers but Ireland's hard work pays dividends as Mkhitaryan is blocked and Ireland can go forward again.
54 min Keith Andrews has a pop from 25 yards with the ball going just wide of the post with Petrosyan trying to get down to the ball. It looked as if he had it covered.
52 min This is better from Ireland as they keep the ball and pass it about with Doyle and Cox combining for the onrushing Kelly to come onto the ball. Kelly is in the penalty area and is tackled by two Armenians to get the ball away to safety.
50 min McGeady, who has had a poor night so far, wins a free near the corner flag after beating two Armenian defenders. He takes it quickly, Dunne nods it on to Cox and the shot from eight yards is gathered by the goalkeeper.
49 min Ireland hold the ball in defence and midfield, using their extra man as Armenia chase the ball.
47 min Armenia are still outplaying us and a fine break gives Yura Movsisyan another opportunity. They work the ball upfield and roll it to Movsisyan to turn and shoot low for Shay Given. If I was not an Irishman, I would be cheering on Armenia. They play football. We insult it.
46 min No changes for Ireland for the second-half.
1948 "Eleven against eleven, they had a very good chance of beating us. I think their chance is gone now but I wouldn't be surprised if they gave us a few frights."
Liam Brady.
1944 "There is lots of anger in Armenia against the way Irish are playing and the actions of the 'referee'.
"The replays shows more of the Irish player touching the ball with his hand.
"Anyway, despite the goal, you have to give Armenia the credit of being the better side."
Sevag Davidian, Armenia fan
1938 "The ball will be black and blue by the time we are finished," John Giles states as he criticises Ireland's style. The panel are hugely critical of Ireland's performance.
1936 Half-time in the Aviva and, somehow, Ireland are on the way to a Euro 2012 play-off. I am stunned by the finish to that half. A red card and a comical own goal has put Ireland in charge but it is an advantage they do not deserve. We will take it, however!
Half-time: Republic of Ireland 1-0 Armenia
1935 Half-time in the Aviva and, somehow, Ireland are on the way to a Euro 2012 play-off. I am stunned by the finish to that half. A red card and a comical own goal has put Ireland in charge but it is an advantage they do not deserve. We will take it, however!
1935 Russia are four goals up against Andorra. That is the last you will hear from me on that game!
45+ 1 min We are into the first of two added-minutes.
45 min Amazingly, the substitute Armenian goalkeeper is booked for handball as he slides outside the area when gathering the ball as Kevin Doyle chased it down. From the free-kick, McGeady plays it straight to the first defender.
43 min We'll take anything and this is one of the worst own goals you will see. The ball is played across goal for Kevin Doyle to backheel home but he misses the ball and it is left to Aleksanyan to just clear it away. There is no pressure. A simple pass away from goal is all that is needed and he knicks it into the corner of the net.
GOAL - IRELAND - ALEKSANYAN
42 min McGeady's cross is blocked by the Armenia defence and it rebounds to Arsen Petrosyan to gather.
1929 "This is a disaster for Ireland, an extra man and they are being run around. Trappatoni will feel justified if Ireland get the result which is not down to his tactics as we can see from the lack of possession, and is due to a referee error.
shocking stuff."
Colm in France
40 min Stephen Kelly has had a very poor half, losing the ball on three occasions when coming forward and each time Ireland look vunerable from the Armenian breakaway. Mkhitaryan goes down on the edge of the area but the referee waves play on.
38 min Armenia's gameplan is to get to half-time with the match still scoreless. An amazing statistic informs us that in the last five minutes Armenia have had 71% possession. Ridiculous.
36 min Pizelli's shot from distance is well off-target. Since the red card, Armenia have had more of the ball. Ireland should be trying to control the ball now. They don't have the players to do so.
1922 From RTÉ.ie's Micil Glennon: "Now it's buzzing, not quite full but great noise here. I know it's not full because as we exited the lift about five security personnel were escorting a young gentleman out.
He was shouting something about "right-wing, bringing down the country".
He spotted Jimmy Magee and said "Jimmy Magee, they're trying to put down the little man, me and you!"
33 min The pace of the game as dropped now with Armenia trying to regroup after the red card. Their supporters are making themselves heard but it is a tall ask.
1920 Two quick goals from Russia mean they are cruising against Andorra. Russia 3-0 Andorra.
30 min It is up to Ireland to take the initative now. Can they do that?! Edgar Malakyan was the man to make way as Arsen Petrosyan comes into goal.
29 min McGeady steps up to take the resulting free from 22 yards out but it goes just over the bar.
28 min As Armenia prepare their reserve goalkeeper, the Aviva crowd are in fine voice. Ireland can only throw it away now.
27 min I'm not sure if it was handball to be honest. Cox may have controlled itusing his arm but the goalkeeper had hit hands up so I think that made the referee's mind up.
26 min Cox chases down a long ball with Berezovski coming out of the area. Berezovski gets in the way of Cox's shot with the referee judging that the Armenian goalkeeper used his arm to stop the ball. He sees red and it is advantage Ireland.
RED CARD - ARMENIA - BEREZOVSKI
22 min This is an interesting one as Cox jumps with the Armenians goalkeeper Roman Berezovski and the referee waves play-on. It looks to be an advantage. The goalkeeper drops the ball seconds later as he goes down with an injury and Cox rolls the ball into the net. The referee goes back and awards the foul as it was an advantage to Armenia. There are no complaints but there is an ironic cheer from the home crowd.
21 min Duff's free-kick from 45 yards out and close to the sideline is easy for the Armenian defence.
20 min A poor ball from Duff runs out for a throw with Kevin Doyle chasing. The open nature of the game has receded slightly but it is entertaining.
18 min Simon Cox receives treatment for a head injury but he will be okay to continue.
16 min Armenia are threatening again and Yura Movsisyan is the man they are targetting. You get the feeling they see weakness in our defence with O'Shea and Kelly out of position.
14 min Shay Given shows all his experience as Yura Movsisyan picks up the ball on the left of the area and the Aston Villa goalkeeper refuses to dive for the ball.
It would have been a penalty if Given had made any contact with the player but he pulls away, Movsisyan takes a heavy touch and the ball rolls out of play. End-to-end at the moment.
13 min Simon Cox has started quite well and after a fine flick-on by Doyle, the West Brom man is looking to put Ireland one-up. Cox is 15 yards out and surrounded by Armenian defenders but the ball will not drop for him to shoot. He does fantastically to lay it off for Doyle who shoots straight at Berezovski.
12 min Roman Berezovski punches away the corner. This is better from Ireland as Armenia had a lot of the ball early on.
11 min O'Shea's cross is deflected out for a corner after build-up play by Cox and Duff. Set-pieces, as always, will be very important for Trap's men.
10 min Dunne hits a long ball forward that Duff controls well and lobs into the area. Mkoyan gets it away for the away team.
8 min Lovely passing move by Armenia, started in their own half and involving four players, but Andrews' challenge wins the ball back for Ireland. That was a sign of what Armenia can do.
1854 Russia have gone a goal up against Andorra. Dzagoev with the all-important opening strike for the group leaders. Russia 1-0 Andorra.
6 min Ireland clear two corners in succession as Kevin Doyle heads out at the near post.
5 min Armenia have a corner as St Ledger tries to see the ball out of play but he fluffs his clearance.
4 min Cox's flick from Given's clearance has the Armenian defence stretched but they get it clear with Doyle and McGeady looming.
3 min Henrik Mkhitaryan offers an opening threat for Armenia as his weak shot from 25 yards is seen past the post by Shay Given.
1850 From Micil Glennon for RTÉ.ie: "Aviva is about half-full but the Irish supporters are very loud."
2 min Malakyan's error gives Ireland a chance to start another text but Cox loses the ball in the attempt to pick out Doyle.
1 min Positive start from Ireland as Cox works space for Duff to cross but it eludes any Irish players in the penalty area.
1846 "It is a night for big players like Duff and Dunne to do something special," Ronnie Whelan says. Here we go....
1845 Ireland have moved 4-1 up against Liechtenstein thanks to Shane Duffy.
1843 From Micil Glennon, an RTÉ.ie reporter in the Aviva: "Poor crowd so far. Although there was an accident on the canal with quite a few emergency vehicles around it."
1841 You can feel the tension in the Aviva as the teams await the national anthems. I am getting nervous now. There are still fans entering the Aviva, which is understandable given the awkward kick-off time.
1839 That would not be good for the nerves, Alan!
1838 From Alan Doherty: "I predict it is going to be scoreless until 60mins and then we will start catching them on the break when they start taking a few more risks at the back."
1836 The teams are in the tunnel now. Keep your messages coming. Dunphy and Giles believe Ireland will win the game but Brady repeats his fears about in-form Armenia.
1834 Remember Russia's game with Andorra also kicks-off in 10 minutes time. Goal updates to follow, until it becomes pointless, which is about two goals.
1832 Collins has put the U21s in front on 32 minutes. The Aviva Stadium is beginning to fill up. It remains to be seen if Shay Given's call for more vocal support works.
1830 Rep of Ireland: Given, O'Shea, St. Ledger, Dunne, Kelly,
McGeady, Whelan, Andrews, Duff, Doyle, Cox. Subs: Westwood, Coleman, Walters, Long, Hunt, Fahey, O'Dea.
1826 James Collins has equalised for the U21s. I agree with John Giles who believes Ireland will start similarly to the game against Andorra last Friday. That attacking threat didn't last too long though.
1822 Some of you are saying that if Ireland win we will be top seeds, unless Bosnia and Serbia claim victory tonight. I hope Trap knows that. Liam Brady is "very, very nervous about tonight".
1820 John Giles thinks Ireland will be more adventurous tonight than in previous games.
1818 I'm predicting a 1-1 draw with St Ledger to get the goal. It wouldn't be Ireland without a long wait for the full-time whistle to secure a play-off.
1815 A worrying start to the day as Liechtenstein have gone a goal up against Ireland in the U21 match.
1805 Liam Brady has picked out Pizzelli and Mkhitaryan as the danger men for Armenia. Eamon Dunphy feels they are weak in the air and that is why the exclusion of Long is "perverse".
1800 Noel King's Under-21s are in Liechtenstein this evening for a qualifer in their European Championship campaign. They have just kicked-off in Vaduz. I will inform you of any goals.
1757 Users in the Republic of Ireland can tune into Bill and the boys in a few minutes. They are on air at 6pm on RTÉ Two.
1750 Only 55 minutes to kick-off lads. He must not be reading!
1749 "Racing down from work in Westchester County to New York City to join Ollie Baker look-a-like Ger Prender and Sligoman Ray Hunt to watch the game.
"Someone tell the bus driver on the number 40 to hurry up!"
Joe Buggy
1744 That is a very attack-minded bench. Excuse me for clutching at straws!
1742 The Irish subs are: Westwood, O'Dea, Coleman, Walters, Long, Hunt, Fahey.
1739 "We are easily two our three goals better than Armenia.
"What worries me is all the negative talk, a product of Trap's style. Go out, play ball positively and I'll see you all in Poland/Ukraine next year."
Graham Gavin
1736 Jedward are in RTÉ today and with them an army of 150 young girls. It can be tricky to work around them when they are in such a frenzy.
1734 Apologies for the lack of updates, I went for a quick break and found myself in the middle of Jed-mania.
1708 I'll keep you updated on the other groups as the night goes on. Don't expect me to work out if we're seeded or not if we do get through. It is close to impossible!
UEFA will inform us before the night is over I understand.
1658 Shay Given on being Irish captain: "It is always a huge honour to captain your country, in any sport. It will be an honour for me but the most important thing is the result. It is about getting the right result and getting us into the play-offs."
1655 From Fiona Lynch on Twitter: "Come on Ireland. Is it a bad sign that everyone is so worried about playing Armenia at home?"
You know, we were just debating that in the office.
1644 Eddie Gormley warned of dangers of Ireland sitting back when we appeared on MNS last night.
“I would be a little bit worried, particularly the way we have played the last couple of games, that it will be the mindset to sit in there. We don’t really retain the ball very well. If we give them possession of the ball they could hurt us.”
1635 Mark Kinsella, who had his fair share of big games with Ireland, thinks the defence will have to keep their concentration at a very high level tonight: “It could be a busy night. They will come in as underdogs. It will be a game where Ireland will be favourites to win it. But they have a hit a bit of form at the right time and the wrong time for us. We just have to make sure that we are on our guard and mentally and physically prepared for it. Ireland have to work together as a team. It will be a team effort and it’s a big night.”
1630 A final word from Eamon Dunphy until the TV programme gets underway at 6pm.
"If we get the draw and we go the play-offs, you can say that he was justified. Every coach’s job is to get the most out of the squad of players available to him – to get the best out of that squad. If that’s the criterion, Trapattoni is not meeting it."
1625 A reminder that kick-off is 6:45pm. All three group games begin at the same time.
1617 Seamus Coleman, looking for a place on the bench tonight, previews the game:
"It's definitely a very tricky tie. They have improved massively in the last couple of games.
"It's a lot of goals to be scoring and the lads will be well aware of that, and obviously we will be trying to get a couple of goals ourselves."
The Everton star believes spirits are high going into the match.
When asked if the squad were confident of securing a play-off spot, Coleman said: "Definitely - not over-confidence obviously, but we are quite confident.
"We have done quite well, kept a lot of clean sheets and if we can keep a clean sheet tomorrow, that will be enough.”
1608 The Cox debate will not go away.
"I think Long would have been the perfect foil for Kevin Doyle tonight. I dont buy into the idea that Cox offers more by tracking back.
"Nonsense - the two up top are there to bang in the goals, thats their primary objective and Long is our best option at the moment ahead of both Cox and Doyle.
"A negative approach could kill us and bring an end to traps reign tonight. Im fearful that we are showing the Armenians too much respect."
Niall Kilmurray
1607 "I'm in Yerevan at the moment volunteering for nine months and the build up here is crazy.
"For a fortnight everyone has been mentioning this match to me.
"'Bambalahan enk anoom' - we are going to pluck you like a chicken (in Armenian).
"Unfortunately I can see us 'Nestoom enq het' - sitting back
"Hey to all the guys back home and elsewhere."
Fran Baker
Yerevan, Armenia
1605 If there are any League of Ireland fans that missed MNS last night, Kenny's analysis on the title race, and in particular Dundalk v Derry City, was brilliant. The link to the show is in the features to the right.
1600 Kenny Cunningham on Simon Cox on a big night for the West Brom striker:
"Simon Cox is a good footballer – I like him – and if you’re looking for a like-for-like replacement for Robbie Keane, he’s probably the nearest player we have. He’s a very clever footballer – he’ll play off the front but he’s the type of player that needs good service into his feet.
"The problem with us is that we don’t get a huge amount of possession in the central area of the pitch and when we do go from back to front it’s usually through the air and over long distances and if you’re going to play that route – and we may very well do that for long periods of the game - you want to have that physical presence high up the pitch.
"You want the speed and someone with real athletic ability, who can disrupt the opposition defence, who can really expose them into the space behind. Shane Long can certainly do that, Kevin Doyle to an extent.
"For me, although I wouldn’t be highly critical of the decision to include Simon Cox – I can understand the reasoning behind it – for this particular game against this particular defensive unit, for me the attributes of Shane Long would have been better employed alongside Kevin Doyle high up the pitch, but time will tell."
1552 Barry McGuinness has asked about the Irish bench and whether Coleman and Walters have made it. That will not be confirmed until around 5:45pm.
1550 This made me laugh:
"Can you give a shoutout to my new LCD 70 inch TV? Recessionery times have made things tough, I've been saving all year to buy this bad boy, haven't gone out once, and what better way to christen it that with the Ireland game tonight, which will hopefully see us into the play-offs."
Darragh
1545 Former Republic of Ireland midfielder Mark Kinsella on Ireland being without Robbie Keane tonight:
"It will be a big blow. That is where the goals have been coming from the last couple of games and he has got that experience. He leads the line very well and he will be missed.
"But you have Richard Dunne back in defence and hopefully it will make us a lot stronger. Doyle’s work-rate is second to none and he will have to do a lot up there on his own with Duff getting around him."
1537 "Expecting a completely dreadful game tonight with Ireland surviving one or two scary moments before playing out a 0-0 draw. Trapattoni will call it a mature performance."
Padraig from Geneva.
1534 Alan Hosey has made some slanderous accusations via e-mail about Eamon Dunphy's washing machine. I hope Eamon sleeps tonight after these scathing comments, regardless of the state of the linen.
"How on earth does RTE keep using Dunphy for analysis? He was a marginal player at best, and a useless manager yet he continuously criticises every Irish manager. He is nothing but a narcissistic idiot.
"The team Trapp picks currently has eight clean sheets in-a-row, Dunphy wouldn’t recognise a clean sheet if he slept on one; actually he would cause he never does laundry."`
1531 I jest, of course. I think the most positive thing Ireland bring into this game is the clean sheet record. Eight matches on, we just need to one more to secure the play-off spot.
Shay Given said: "As a unit the whole team has to take credit for that. We are proud of the fact we have kept some many clean sheets but tomorrow night is a totally different game. As I say it will cause different problems.
"They have scored 11 goals in the last three games, they are a team that are really in form at the minute. As a team we have to be right on our toes and get the basics right and defend as a group."
1526 Shay has even called for the fans to have a couple of pints before the game to get them riled up for it. It works for me.
1524 This, from Brian via e-mail, certainly adds to any nervous feeling the build-up to the game.
"There hasn't been much talk about how so many of our regulars probably won't be around for the next major tournament. Given, Kilbane, Dunne, O'Shea, Keane, Duff. Some of them might still be around in three years, but I doubt they'll be starters. Lose tonight and it could be the end for some of them internationally."
1520 What better way to start off than an appeal from Shay Given for the Ireland fans to get behind the team tonight.
"We hope we can have a 12th man and the fans need to realise how important they are as well. We need them right behind the team from the first whistle.
"The Armenians need to know they are coming into a caldron and I really believe the Irish fans can get behind the team and cause that sort of atmosphere. It will be a huge help to everyone."
By Ed Leahy
1500 Well would you look at that, 3pm already. Time for me to hit the road and hand you over to Rory Houston to take you through to kick-off and beyond. Don't forget the early 6.45pm kick-off. Enjoy the game. Let's hope we get a nice away day in the play-offs. Montenegro in November perhaps...
1450 Now potato references and the Irish have long been considered insulting and down right racist but what about this gem from Sean who obviously is using his time pretty productively working at Dunnes Stores: "I think Ireland will do it tonight, why you ask? As one of the lads in the warehouse here wearing an Irish Jersey went by me just a second ago pushing a pallet of potatoes I took it as a sign. The pallet contains 40 Bags at 25Kg each which equals 1 Tonne. Ain't nothing getting through that, much like the Irish defence!"
That's good enough for me, Sean. But were they Roosters or Kerr's Pinks??
1445 Any thoughts about Robbie's performance on Sunday night in Gibney's. Surely Garth Brooks is a bit outdated and Keano needs a few new songs for the repetoir. Any suggestions? What about a take on the Red Hot Chilli Peppers' Tallafornication??
1435 Stats update - It's true - thanks Narek - Armenia's stats for the group are impressive with 17 goals to our 11. We do win the fouls committed tally though. But looking at the stats, Armenia have had 56 shots on target and that's almost twice as many as Ireland. So expect lots of shooting from all sort of crazy van Basten type angles tonight. I'm really starting to like this Armenia side. Maybe their gaffer can take over at Rovers when/if Michael O'Neill is lured away to Windsor Park.
1425 Alex the Armenian has been on from France - "all armenians worldwide are standing behind out team tonight." Stop Alex, you're making me all emotional. I do love a good underdog story. Imagine Armenia and Estonia battling it out for a place in the Euros...
1420 Colman Hanley or Chanley as he is known in Twitter world (I like that Jedward thing you've got going on there, Chanley) has been tweeting #rteeuro2012 looking for a shout out for birthday boy, Seamus Coleman who is 23 today. Can't believe we missed that considering the amount of Bit O' Red that is knocking around Montrose. Happy Birthday, Seamie... how about another cap for the birthday boy, Trap. No, eh, okay, sorry for asking...
1410 BET OF THE DAY Dooley the Tipster has been on with a tasty bet to make some money for the chipper later on. "Giving morals and patriotism a wide berth for a moment. Armenia are 11/4 Draw no bet. "Trap logic" says Ireland will sit back and play for the draw, particularly in light of his team selection. If you only defend you can only concede. Worst case scenario it will be a draw and you'll get your money back."
Cheers for that, Brian. It is agreed here in RTE Sport Towers that that indeed is a good bet and may be worth sticking the lunch money on - insert RTE canteen food gag here...
1400 Alan Bourke with a photo related query - thanks for the email - not much we can do for you at the moment on that score but go to www.rte.ie homepage - it's the best we can do at the moment...
1350 Ghostie O'Toole reckons that Trap gets a hard time for his style of play: "I'm a big Trap fan, he has really turned our fortunes around. Big Jack and Big Mick hardly had us playing the most stylish football either, and those lads took got us qualified, that's all that matters! Also, it was a little easier to qualify in Jacks era, finish second and you were in! Trap has brought us to the brink once again, only two competitive defeats and I think tonight we'll do it."
In fairness, Ghostie (great name by the way), Mick had us playing some decent football as did El Greener of Faroe himself, Brian Kerr, while Jack's games were just a rollercoaster (even if we look back to realise the wojus attempt at football he had us playing). You're right though, you can't argue with Trap's results... Oh dear, I feel a big Thierry Henry debate coming up.....No, please no...
1340 Lots of permutations can be thrown up tonight regarding seedings, play-off places and automatic best-placed second depending on all the results happening throughout the other groups. This won't answer all your questions but it will give you a general idea as to where each group is at. Meanwhile, Liamo is wondering if Stephen Rice could do a job for Ireland in midfield. I think that's a rhetorical question. #ricerisking
1330 A view from the opposition - Armenia's Narek Alaverdyan would like to say: "No-one can actually come close predicting what’s going to happen tonight! It may be a boring game, it may also be a fantastic fast-paced game that we can all enjoy. The statistics on UEFA website clearly favour us (Armenia).. buts it's football, and we all know Everything can happen! I’m going for a 2-1 Armenia win! Massive-Massive task, but not unreal. The recent fantastic results hopefully boosts the confidence and motivation. Go Armenia BELIEVE!"
Thanks for that, Narek. I'm loving your confidence but have to query both your prediciton and UEFA website statistics comment (although, I stand to be corrected but just don't have time to be trawling through all that UEFA guff). Either way, who'd have thought your lot would still be in the mix come the final game. It must be great to see your team score a hat-full of goals. What does that feel like??
1320 Keep the comments coming - we'll be here all the way 'til the lads are doing their lap of honour later on - just try and keep them short and snappy - Long isn't appreciated either when it comes to reading through the email account...
1315 Penty of emails coming in with the decision split between Cox and Long to start up front. Personally, I think Trap has made the right call putting Cox in ahead of Long. He will drop into that space between midfield and attack and bring others into play. The Ireland centre midfield wouldn't be brimming with creativity so someone who can link up play is vital. What are the other options - someone like McCarthy with a free role in midfield with a lone striker? Here's the starting eleven: Shay Given, John O'Shea, Sean St Ledger, Richard Dunne, Stephen Kelly, Aidan McGeady, Keith Andrews, Glenn Whelan, Damien Duff, Kevin Doyle, Simon Cox.
1256: Marc is another giving Trapattoni the benifit of the doubt: "I'd love to jump on the anti-Trap bandwagon over his selection and his style of play, if it was up to me I'd have Coleman, Ciaran Clark, McCarthy and Newcastle's Ferguson in the squad. However for the 2nd successive campaign he has us on the verge of a major tournament, think about those bright days under Stan and be thankful!"
1250 Mr Cullen agrees with Trap's selection: "Nice to see that Trap still ignores the pundits and barstool 'experts' and goes for the correct choice. Simon Cox is the obvious replacement for Robbie Keane as he can do the all-important job of dropping back into midfield to prevent Armenia dominating numerically. Shane Long is a talented player but he's an out and out forward so he's a potential replacement for Doyle rather than Keane. And Long isn't really chosen ahead of Cox for West Brom. Peter Odemwingie is the man who is keeping Cox out of the Baggies' first eleven."
1247 Stephen in Germany is hoping for a full Aviva: "Defintely think Long should start and also think that Coleman should figure at some point. Trap needs to pick players that are playing well week in week out. I also hope for a full Aviva and a great atmosphere to help the lads. Was at the Slovakia game and it was disappointing to see so many empty seats. We really need the 12th man behind the team!"
1232 Graham in Belgium is nervous to say the least... "Hi from Brussels. I'm not sure if it's a sign of how unadventurous our system is or how much the Armenians have improved but I'm absolutely sick with nerves about tonight's game. Either way, the Belgian Rep. of Ireland supporters club will be out in force tonight to cheer the lads on. Come on Ireland!"
1230 Take five minutes to check out the half-time entertainment at the stadium tonight. You'd be mad to miss it. And here's Uncle Eamon's take on who should start up front.
1215 And in case you haven't heard, the Long Cox debate has been raging since Trapattoni announced his starting XI at lunchtime on Monday. The West Brom team-mates were battling it out for Robbie Keane's place in the starting line-up with Il Trap deciding to give the nod to Cox who is more of a like for like replacement for Ireland's record goalscorer. Nice of Trap to give Cox a start at international level, considering he has barely had a look in at club level all season.
1200 Good afternoon. Just over six hours to kick-off as Ireland are just one point away from a play-off for qualification for Euro 2012. It is another important night in Giovanni Trapattoni's tenure as in-form Armenia visit the Aviva.
Follow our live text as we build to tonight's game. We'll hear from Kenny Cunningham, Eamon Dunphy, Shay Given, Mark Kinsella and more so let us know your thoughts at the address above.
