The Republic of Ireland grind out a goalless draw in Hungary to record back-to-back clean sheets ahead of their opener with Croatia. Joris Mathijsen hopes to be fit for Holland’s opener with Denmark, Italy have concerns over Mario Balotelli and Andrea Barzagli, while Tomas Rosicky returns to full training for the Czech Republic:
Hungary 0 Republic of Ireland 0
Giovanni Trapattoni’s side chalked up their second clean sheet in a row after recording a goalless draw in the Ferenc Puskas Stadion. While they impressed at the back, Ireland’s toils in front of goal continued, though; they have scored just three goals in their last four matches and, with Group C matches against Croatia, Spain and Italy, Fantasy managers will struggle to justify any investment in the likes of Robbie Keane. Shay Given and John O’Shea both returned from injury and the former, priced at 4.5 in the McDonald’s game, looks a decent prospect, with the advantage of save points to offset any loss of clean sheets. Trapattoni revealed beforehand that his starting XI will be the same lineup to face Croatia next Sunday, with players such as James McClean destined to play a bit-part role, despite impressing for Sunderland under Martin O’Neill in the final two-thirds of last season.
Republic of Ireland Starting XI: Given (Westwood 45); O’Shea, Dunne, St Ledger, Ward; Duff (Hunt 63), Andrews (Gibson 66), Whelan (Green 85), McGeady; Keane (Cox 61), Doyle (Walters 45).
Other News
Joris Mathijsen hopes he will be fit and available for Holland’s group B opener with Denmark next Saturday. Priced at 6.5 in the McDonald’s game, the centre-half picked up a hamstring problem against Bulgaria last month and has failed to feature in his nation’s last couple of matches, with Wilfred Bouma stepping in alongside Johnny Heitinga, but Mathijsen is convinced he is on course for a return:
The first test in the dressing room seemed to indicate that there was no evidence of a tear, only a strain, and the MRI scan happily confirmed that. I have been able to sprint again and it felt good. If I can join the group training on Tuesday or Wednesday it should be sufficient to be back for the Denmark game. The way I feel now, I will be fine.
Italy’s Andrea Barzagli could be set to miss the group stages after picking up a calf strain. The Juventus defender sustained the problem in the recent 3-0 loss to Russia and, with a three-week absence likely, he is to be monitored until Friday – Cesare Prandelli will then make a decision whether to replace him in the squad, subject to Uefa’s approval. With Domenico Criscito already out due to a match-fixing scandal and Giorgio Chiellini fighting for full fitness, the problems at the back are clearly building ahead of their opener against Spain.
Prandelli’s problems continued with the news that Mario Balotelli pulled out of a training session after picking up a knee knock. Medical staff are currently examining the City forward, though it’s thought the problem isn’t too serious.
Croatia were dealt a blow yesterday with the news than Ivica Olic has been ruled out of the upcoming tournament. The forward lasted just 26 minutes against Norway at the weekend before being subbed off with a torn hamstring – Nikica Kalinic has been called up as a replacement, with the team doctor admitting:
Medical tests surprisingly showed a rupture and partial tear of the muscle and his recovery is going to take from four to six weeks.
Michal Bilek has confirmed Tomas Rosicky has returned to full fitness and is available for the Czech Republic’s opener with Russia on Friday. The Arsenal man has failed to feature in his nation’s recent friendlies due to a calf problem but returned to training yesterday without any problems. Priced at 7.0 in the McDonald’s game, Rosicky is the sixth most popular midfielder, with his 19% of owners no doubt relieved over his manager’s positive comments:
All my squad is fit. Tomas will play in the opening match. He showed his class during the training session. When he gets the ball, he can create space, make that clever pass, and he is quick on the ball. You could see today how much he is looking forward to playing. I believe he will increase the quality of our lineup.
Sweden received some mixed news on the forward front yesterday. Markus Rosenberg has been ruled out of this evening’s friendly with Serbia after picking up a knee problem in the 3-2 win over Iceland, though is expected to be back “in a few days”, according to team doctors. Johan Elmander, who has yet to feature due to a foot injury, has revealed he is on course to be ready for the opener against co-hosts Ukraine next Monday, going on to say:
“It feels a bit stiff and painful. If it continues like this, then absolutely I’ll be ready.
Nani, Joao Moutinho and Fabio Coentrao all missed training for Portugal yesterday prior to the squad’s departure for Poland. The trio are thought to have picked up foot, heel and hip injuries respectively – all three players’ problems are said to be minor, though, with their absence no more than a precaution.
Laurent Blanc revealed he intends to field a strong team for tonight’s friendly with Estonia. The France boss was slightly cagey over his tactics but admitted he already has one eye on his side’s opener against England and refused to rule Yann M’Vila out of the reckoning for next Monday’s match, going on to say:
It’s not certain that tomorrow’s team will be the one that starts against England. But the idea is to put out a team that will resemble the one that will face England as closely as possible.
