Confirmed: We’re in Euro 2012

Last night, Ireland drew 1-1 with Estonia. Thanks to that 4-0 win on Friday, it means we’re now officially in Euro 2012. The real build up to the tournament will start on December 2nd when the draw for the group stages is made…

Historic Night

Last night was the first time Ireland had qualified for a major tournament on Irish soil. It was also probably the most relaxed we’ve ever been going in to a competitive match. Everyone knew the outcome, including the opposition. The Aviva Stadium is usually filled with pockets of plastic green seats but last night there wasn’t a plastic seat to be seen, the place was full… finally.

Some pictures;

The reason there appears to be litter on the pitch is because 3 Ireland decided to sponsor green sheets of paper which they wanted everyone to hold up at the start of the match. This was crap quality paper which could be torn easily and as with any unwanted promotional trash, people started throwing them around in balls and then as airplanes. It became a competition to see who could throw their paper plane the furthest. If your plane hit the pitch, your reward was a massive cheer from certain sections of the stadium. Not what the FAI & promoters had in mind, i’m sure.

We went 1-0 up and just as Estonia equalised, this guy broke on to the pitch and mooned in the direction of the RTE studio. A bet, no doubt. Once the act was carried out he gave himself up easily, too easily to be classed as a spur of the moment / veteran streaker.

Celebrations

Last night was one big celebration and a very surreal situation to find ourselves in. Play-offs are not supposed to be that easy, not supposed to be decided in one leg. Still, it’s mission complete and we can now look forward to Euro 2012..