Soccer Digest: Giovanni Trapattoni finalizes changes Irish team for World Cup opener

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Changed Irish Team for Cup Opener

Giovanni Trapattoni has finally received a World Cup boost with confirmation that Richard Dunne is to continue with Ireland, just days after Damien Duff retired from international football.

Dunne met Trapattoni in England on Saturday when he told the Italian that he wants to help Ireland to the 2014 World Cup finals in Brazil.

But Duff, who won his 100th cap at Euro 2012, is to retire and concentrate on his club football with Fulham.

The FAI confirmed Dunne’s decision in a statement released on Saturday. It read, “Giovanni Trapattoni and Marco Tardelli held a positive meeting with Richard Dunne.

“Richard reconfirmed that he will be available again for international duty once he makes a full recovery from his current injury.”

Dunne, 33 next month, has won 76 caps for Ireland and scored eight goals.

He will miss the World Cup opener in Kazakhstan next month after undergoing groin surgery.

His decision to stay on follows confirmation that Robbie Keane will also play for Ireland in the bid to reach Brazil and the 2014 finals.

But Duff and Shay Given will be watching the qualification effort on TV after both veterans retired in the wake of a disappointing Euro finals effort.

Duff told the Football Association of Ireland’s website, “I found it very difficult to make this decision, not least for the respect in which I hold Giovanni Trapattoni.

“I have enjoyed so many good times in the green jersey and want to thank everyone involved, especially the fans for making the last 14 years so special.

“I want to wish Giovanni, Marco Tardelli and everyone involved with the Irish team every success for the future and will be supporting them every step of the way.”

Trapattoni said, “Damien will be missed by us and by Irish fans everywhere.

“He was immensely skilful and a great example to the players who come after him. I give him my warmest best wishes for his future career.”

FAI boss John Delaney added, “I have no doubt that Damien Duff will go down in history as one of Ireland’s greatest ever players.

“He has been an extraordinary servant to his country and has given us all some wonderful memories as well as being a true gentleman. Thank you Damien and all the best for the future.”

Trapattoni has named a 23-man squad for the Republic of Ireland’s opening 2014 World Cup qualifier against Kazakhstan in Astana on September 7.

The same players will then play against Oman in a friendly fixture at Craven Cottage in London just four days later.

“It is important to get off to a good start at the opening match of our 2014 campaign,” Trapattoni said.

“Kazakhstan is a good side who have caused difficulties at home for a number of leading teams, but we know our strengths and will be relying on them when we travel to Astana in September.
“We will be without Damien Duff who has been a truly great player for his country. I thank Damien for his immense contribution and hope his professionalism and dedication will be an inspiration to the wingers who are now emerging in his place.”

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Nster.com