Football News

News

  • News
  • Teams
  • Tables
  • Leagues/Cups
  • Fixtures
  • Results
  • Transfers
  • Video
  • On Sky
  • Sky Bet

Key battles

Republic of Ireland head into battle with Estonia on Friday evening aware that victory in Tallinn would leave them with one foot firmly in the Euro 2012 finals.

Last Updated: 11/11/11 3:50pm

The Republic of Ireland head into battle with Estonia on Friday evening aware that victory in Tallinn would leave them with one foot firmly in the Euro 2012 finals. Here, we look at three individual battles that will likely decide matters at the A Le Coq Arena.

RAIO PIIROJA v ROBBIE KEANE

Estonia skipper Piiroja, who plays his club football in Holland with Vitesse Arnhem, boasts vast experience having amassed 107 senior caps. However, the central defender is likely to have his hands full with fit-again Ireland skipper Robbie Keane, who is his country's record international goalscorer with 51 in 111 appearances. Keane, who scored in the Western Conference final win over Real Salt Lake at the weekend, has conceded this is likely to be his last chance to help Ireland qualify for a major tournament.

KONSTANTIN VASSILJEV v GLENN WHELAN

Attacking midfielder Vassiljev was Estonia's leading scorer during the qualifying campaign with five goals, and is given freedom to roam by enforcer Aleksandr Dmitrijev. Stoke's Whelan has been a constant alongside Keith Andrews in the middle of Giovanni Trapattoni's midfield for the last two campaigns, and the degree to which he can limit the Amkar Perm man could prove crucial. Although some Ireland fan have voiced misgivings about whether there is enough creativity in Ireland's midfield, with Seamus Coleman's omission a continued moot point, Whelan is a steady performer. He'll need to be on his game to ensure the talented Vassiljev is kept quiet.

Also See:

  • Breaking newswire
  • Experts
  • Transfers
  • £10 Free Bet
  • Radio
  • Sky on Twitter

JARMO AHJUPERA v RICHARD DUNNE

Hungary-based Ahjupera is likely to play as a lone striker with support from Vassiljev and Middlesbrough's Tarmo Kink. Ahjupera provides a physical presence but this being his main attribute should play into the hands of the experienced centre-half. Dunne has been one of the Republic's star performers in qualification, spectacularly so in Russia in September, and another commanding display by the Aston Villa man would lay a firm foundation for his side.

How will Ireland fare in Estonia? Have your say by filling in the feedback form below...

Trending

  • 1
    CL: Man City draw Real, Chelsea face Bayern
  • 2
    Arsenal chiefs snapped leaving Arteta home at 1.20am
  • 3
    EL: Man Utd get Brugge, Arsenal play Olympiakos
  • 4
    Risky strategy as Fury splits with trainer
  • 5
    Ref Watch: Was De Gea fouled for Everton goal?
  • 6
    Nev: Greenwood looks the real deal
  • 7
    'Ozil deceived by fake news'
  • 8
    Ancelotti first choice of Everton board
  • 9
    Euro Papers: Barca, Real in van de Beek battle
  • 10
    The Formula 1 Gossip column
  • Video
  • Latest News
  • Home
  • Sports
    • Football
    • F1
    • Cricket
    • Rugby Union
    • Rugby League
    • Golf
    • Boxing
    • Tennis
    • Cycling
    • Racing
    • Darts
    • NFL
    • NBA
    • Motorsport
    • Netball
    • GAA
    • MMA
    • eSports
    • More Sports
  • Score Centre
  • Video
  • TV
  • Sky Bet
  • Games
  • More
    • Transfer Centre
    • Live on Sky
    • Get Sky Sports
    • TV Shows
    • TV Guide
    • Competitions
    • Sky Go
    • Now TV
    • Pub Finder
    • Sportswomen
    • Sports Scholarships
    • Tackling Racism
    • Podcasts
    • Mobile
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • Contact Us
    • Terms & Conditions
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Sky Sports
    • Get Sky Sports
    • Sky Sports Apps
    • Sportinglife.com
    • TEAMtalk.com
    • Football365.com
  • Partners
    • Sky Bet
    • Fantasy Football
    • Super 6
    • Sky Sports Pub Finder
    • Living for Sport
    • Planet Rugby
    • Golf365
    • Planet F1
    • Cricket365
  • Sky Sports Channels
    • Sky Sports Main Event
    • Sky Sports Premier League
    • Sky Sports Football
    • Sky Sports Cricket
    • Sky Sports Golf
    • Sky Sports Racing
    • Sky Sports F1
    • Sky Sports Action
    • Sky Sports Arena
    • Sky Sports News
    • Sky Sports Mix
  • More Sky Sites
    • Sky.com
    • Sky News
    • Sky Corporate
    • Sky For Businesses
    • Now TV
    • Sky Communal TV
    • Sky Academy
    • Bigger Picture
    • Store Locator
    • Work for Sky
    • Advertise With Us
    • Sky TV Accessories
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy & Cookies Notice
  • Privacy Options
  • Accessibility Information
  • Contact Us

©2019 Sky UK