The Republic of Ireland are gunning for their first points in UEFA EURO 2024 qualifiers when they face Greece this evening (Friday, June 16).
Stephen Kenny's side will take to the Opap Arena in Athens, hoping to follow up a spirited performance against France at the Aviva Stadium in March.
Tonight's fixture presents a key opportunity in the qualification process, with further outings against Netherlands and France ahead. Three points would go a long way to solidifying an impressive campaign and a statement road victory.
It's here and it's beautiful... ?????-??? ?
⚽️ | Greece v Ireland
? | @EURO2024 Qualifying
⌚️ | 7.45pm (9.45pm local)
? | Opap Arena, Athens
? | @RTEsoccer
? | https://t.co/FWC6hkbPQW2600 supporters set for Athens, ?? ???? ??? ????? ?? pic.twitter.com/cBSYvUzbIY
— Ireland Football ⚽️?? (@IrelandFootball) June 16, 2023
Kenny confirmed that he has a fully fit squad to select from, welcoming back a recovered Alan Browne from an injury which ruled him out of the Bristol training camp.
"We’re looking forward to the game, it’s the first competitive game in the new stadium, you want to be involved in that, we want that historic away win," he said.
"Greece have a very good home record and have been in good form over the past year, we have got to respect that, nothing will be easy, we are going to have to fight for everything, it’s only the second game in the group, nothing will be decided so early. It’s certainly an important game for both teams
"One of the main objectives coming into the week, the training camp we had prior to here, it’s always a concern with a six-week gap and some players who hadn’t been playing there is a temptation to do much, we have to get the balance right, one of our objectives was to get everyone fit here tonight, so credit to the backroom team that this is the case, everyone is available, we’re very pleased about that."
This is the first meeting between the sides since November 2012 - a 1-0 friendly win for the Greeks, who are unbeaten in all three meetings with the boys in green.
Ireland will face Gibraltar at the Aviva Stadium on Monday, with supporters hopeful for a six-point turnaround.
Match Officials
Referee: Harald Lechner (AUT)
Assistant Referee 1: Maximilian Kolbitsch (AUT)
Assistant Referee 2: Andreas Staudinger (AUT)
Fourth Official: Markus Hameter (AUT)
Video Assistant Referee: Christian Dingert (GER)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Christian-Petru Ciochirca (AUT)
Republic of Ireland Squad - Greece & Gibraltar
Goalkeepers: Gavin Bazunu (Southampton), Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool), Mark Travers (AFC Bournemouth).
Defenders: Matt Doherty (Atlético Madrid), Mark Sykes (Bristol City), Callum O'Dowda (Cardiff City), James McClean (Wigan Athletic), Nathan Collins (Wolverhampton Wanderers), John Egan (Sheffield United), Dara O'Shea (West Bromwich Albion), Darragh Lenihan (Middlesbrough), Liam Scales (Celtic).
Midfielders: Josh Cullen (Burnley), Jayson Molumby (West Bromwich Albion), Jeff Hendrick (Newcastle United), Alan Browne (Preston North End), Will Smallbone (Southampton), Jason Knight (Derby County), Jamie McGrath (Wigan Athletic), Jack Taylor (Peterborough United).
Forwards: Adam Idah (Norwich City), Michael Obafemi (Burnley), Evan Ferguson (Brighton and Hove Albion), Troy Parrott (Tottenham Hotspur), Mikey Johnston (Vitória de Guimarães, on loan from Celtic).
UEFA EURO 2024 Qualifying - June Fixtures
Friday, June 16 - Greece v Ireland, OPAP Arena, 7.45 pm (9.45 pm local time)
Monday, June 19 - Ireland v Gibraltar, Aviva Stadium, 7.45 pm
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