Fans of Liverpool or Arsenal, or Shamrock Rovers or Bohemians might not have the same sense of nervous exhaustion that the threat of relegation brings, but it is very real.
Tonight and Sunday night, it will impinge on the Republic of Ireland Men’s National team, who go toe-to-toe with Bulgaria to remain in the second tier of European football, where we have been since the dawn of this competition seven years ago.
Some decry it as meaningless but think back to the time of endless, truly merit-free, friendly internationals, and this does at least have a narrative.
It also has meaning for the prospects of qualification for play-offs to major tournaments, but that gets complicated, too, and it is always best to do the sums only when they are calculable.
Bulgaria have been down into the darker regions of League C and the lack of confidence that brings will likely be visible in a near empty stadium tonight.
That won’t be the case on Sunday when the team returns to the Aviva Stadium and a buoyant atmosphere where hope is always evident until, perish the thought, it is not.
Getting a win tonight will ease the nerves, and the bookies make Ireland the favourites to do just that. It’s not a position we have been in much of late, but sporting memories are short, and the celebration of a win comes back very quickly when we get one.
Fans retain an enjoyment in this team, and a warm sense of this manager being a decent skin.
Let’s hope that is proven to be well placed; come on, Ireland.
Further Reading for Sport for Business Members: Ireland World Cup Hopes and Dreams Intact after World Cup Draw
SPORT FOR BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE
Sporting memories are short. We forgive defeats with haste once a win has come along, and the emotions of following a team are a bit like a roller coaster. Avoiding the threat of relegation is a distinct pleasure, only really understood by supporters of teams away from the brightest lights of finals and trophies. But it is real and will hopefully be felt after tonight’s game and especially after Sunday’s
WHAT’S UP NEXT?
The game tonight is on RTÉ 2 with a 19:45 kick-off. The game on Sunday at the Aviva is at the same time.
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