The best thing (and worst thing) about football is that you never know exactly what is going to happen. We were all certain that Man City would win the league, except for those few weeks when we were convinced that Man United had won the league, except for that 6-1 at Old Trafford when we were convinced Man City were going to run away. You get my point. And if we have learned anything, it is that we actually know nothing. Which is why the Republic of Ireland will win Euro 2012. I am certain of it. And here is how...
Group Stages
Ireland start out their campaign against Croatia, a decent side that have punished England on a few occasions. But Trapattoni has built himself a squad that can get points off difficult teams. For Irish fans, that difficult game in Russia will live long in the memory, if only because Richard Dunne put in a performance that would make the Terminator shy away. Trap got his tactics spot on. Croatia are beatable. And Ireland can do them. Easily. A win. Then we get a game against some Spain team. Never heard of them. No, wait. Is that the Torres ones? The Champions of Everything? One of the finest football teams of all time? That one? Those ones that lost to the mighty Switzerland in the World Cup? Please. Have your Xavi and your Iniesta. And your pretty footballers and their pretty girlfriends. And your sunshine. And your beaches. Keep them. That sort of stuff doesnt interest the Irish. We have something much better than that. Damien Duff. Hat-trick. A draw. Then the one I am most excited about; Italy. Ireland play a similar style to Italy, what with defending like their lives depend on it. Only difference is that the Irish dont roll around if a drop of rain falls on them. Expect diving. Not a lot of goals. But Trap has got a game plan, as he has had for every team. And if there is one team he knows, its Italy. Talent, skill, poise, quality, long flowing locks. And thats just Stephen Hunt. A draw.