ESTONIA MAY SURPASS all of their dreams by reaching Euro 2012 but manager Tarmo Ruutli admits he has another: “Sometimes if I look at the videos, I dream that Ireland is my team. I could lead them! They have quality players, the team is very good.”
That kind of self-deprecating appraisal of opponents has been very much in keeping with the mood in Estonia, with captain Raio Piiroja also going so far as to describe Robbie Keane as a “world football legend”.
But it should not be confused with fear or even satisfaction with just getting so far.
At one point during today’s press conference, the English-speaking Ruutli broke off in order to engage in a long discussion with his press officer about what exactly the term “underdog” meant. Whether that is an omen or not, it reflects a very relaxed mentality within the Estonian squad.
They have a lot of respect for Ireland but absolutely no fear.
“If you ask simply what chances we have, they are 50-50 at this moment. We have tasted success so we know what it means.”
By success, of course, Ruutli is referring to the victories over Serbia and Slovenia which propelled Estonia into the pay-offs. And such results marked a very sudden jump forward on what has been a long road for the squad. With a population of just 1.3m, Estonia would be the smallest nation to ever qualify for the European Championships if they eliminate Ireland.
Ruutli, however, doesn’t put their progress down to alchemy. Just simple “hard work over a long period”.
“In this group it was not easy. You have maybe some luck that you need for success and that’s it. We got it. But, for more than 10 years we have been working hard and a lot of players have been playing abroad and so on.”
Of course, many people might have similar sentiments about Ireland. Particularly since Giovanni Trapattoni’s side were the least successful of the top seeds. But Ruutli claims he wasn’t exactly happy to draw Ireland.
“I can’t say that I was satisfied. Trapattoni is very experienced. And I will not be surprised if he finds some extra steps for tomorrow. We can say he is an old fox.”
Preparation
Midfielder Martin Vunk, however, revealed a pretty standard view of the Irish squad.
“We know that Ireland is a good team in defence, well organised. We have to prepare well.”
At the least, manager Ruutli seems to have kept any excitement within the squad in check. When asked what it would mean for Estonia to qualify for a first ever international tournament, he gave a very deadpan response.
“It’s hard to say. It’s the first time for us. We have no experience.
“We have been thinking that [Latvia] reached it. So why not us?”
The manager was also similarly flippant about what would constitute a good result for his team tomorrow.
“Two-nil. A win at home and draw away. It is important not to concede but more important to score.”
Jeez it’s looking like Leicester might actually do this. Unbelievable! Really hope they can keep it going.
Who the fck is late to a 4pm game?? Jeez Man Utd have become really unprofessional since Fergie left….
Your right Notthatguy they should have foreseen the serious car crash that held up traffic. Shame on them. It’s not like they hadn’t been making the same trip for years
They left it late to start with, thats the issue…. Others made it.
Ah! The comments of someone who never attends a premier league match. So refreshing.
Ahhh yeah, its hard from Canada, do my best to get to one everytime I get back home, but do not lie about it, or go hiding for a month every time my team loses then pretend that I was at the actual games.
Hiding? Who was hiding? I love the obsession Liverpool fans have with United. Can’t believe Ron moved to Canada!
You will be later, again…..
It took the bus 2 hours to make the 8 miles trip to the stadium from their hotel.
I think they gave themselves ample time in fairness.
Like getting through Lucan Village at lunch time.
Took me an hour to get from newlands cross to the redcow once. Thats after id gotten through the lights. I could have walked it ten times in the hour.
You must be from Liverpool then yea ?
Have not been by Newlands cross in years…. How bad is it now? Worked near Red Cow, was always better to cycle.
There’s a flyover there now. No more lights. It’s like a dream.
GET IN! Alli you little beauty!
Wow, a change from when I used to pass through on the 76, tiny intersection….. On the way to Belgard Inn….
2-0 now, BAHAHAHAHA!
LAMELA!!! 1, 2, 3.
Hooray. The clouds are gone and the sunshine supporters are out!!!!!!
Yeah, where was this eggy fool ten minutes ago?
Obsession? Rivalry ye mean, works both ways always will , pool fan
3-0 Karol, who’s the fool now? Dont be so bitter.
Untill the nass drivers can’t find witch lane to get into for naas , kildare drivers are crap
Eggy, to be honest you look the fool only commenting after the goal. (In my opinion)
You are Eggy, obviously.
I love the obsession Irish fans have of shit talking about English clubs. It is a bit pathetic. Liverpool obsessed with United. United obsessed with Liverpool. Who the F cares? Just watch some decent football
LOL! Nigel I expect bitterness from you, get over yourself man.
LOL!
Meanwhile, Niall did indeed disappear, or his mom slapped his as5 to bed….
United team bus stuck in traffic
Should have stayed in traffic!
Yes you should have , but what did mummy tell you about playing in the traffic
LvG probably took notes about the traffic, nothing getting through, good philosophy…..
LOL! I love bitterness so much.
Have a feeling United will win and Leicester will pretty much have it wrapped up today. Stoke might fancy it today against Skrtel and Kolo at the back, Be good to see Ojo and Stewart play.
Hope ur right.
Spurs will go for it now, nothing to lose, so any kind of result for Man Utd would be a bonus…. Sickens me to say that, but for the fairytale that is happening this year, many fans are embarrassed, sickened but proud at the same time. Hoping to see Man Utd win it controversially at the end, and many people turn against them….. Thats the best I can hope for. As for Liverpool, good to see other given a chance, expect a good performance.
Looks Like MU Afraid Too Turn Up
Don’t ever go with your gut instinct Ciaran do the complete opposite
Talk about getting it wrong ^^^
Jeez I’d really hate to be a Man Utd fan with Van Gaal as boss. He’s hasn’t a clue. Blind is way to slow to play at centre half, Schneiderlin is a liability in midfield, bringing on a winger to play up front with a striker on the wing. Look at Pochettino playing his players in positions where they’re most effective. United should’ve stayed on that bus earlier.
Don’t forget mata on the wing and a useless tool (lingaard) in the no. 10 position. Baffling really, the team selection.
Oh Nigel don’t get me started. Van Gaal reminds me of the famous Trappatoni during his Ireland reign. How can the so called biggest club in the world have so many bad players. Depay, Rojo, Schneiderlin, Schweinsteiger, Fellaini, Young, Lingard, Januzaj, Jones and Valencia should all get shipped out. How much money has Van Gaal wasted on pure deadwood
Getting truly sickening watching Utd under this megalomaniac LVG , he has to go , ferguson and his ego also need to butt out for a while .I think he is too proud to admit he has backed another nag in LVG . They are destroying the club
Hopefully he’s still charge on Wednesday!
Jesus! I think Man Utd are now officially the most hated team in England, Europe, World maybe…. What a collapse….. Terrible!
Lads, it’s Tottenham.
Classic fergie
A Man Utd friend used to call WHL
3 point lane
Because they always won there.
How the tables have turned
Moreno finally scores! Lets hope he can also do defensive duties!
Well, that did not last long…
Set piece strikes again. Must be 5 years or more since we could defend set pieces properly
Never helps that there is never the same back 4……
Nice play there from Oyo.
Ojo!
Big game this for 3 teams! C’mon United!!!
Can united even create a shot on goal! Jaysus!! Yawn.zzzzzzzzz
3-0 to Spurs..
All I want to say is thank God for TG4 for the small bit of motor sport we are allowed. Someday we might get a little bit more
To be fair Alan we were overdosed on motor sport for years.
Hi Jane maybe on UK channels but certainly not on the Irish ones .
RTE used to show all the F1 races for years. It got huge coverage from them.