We're going to be seeing a lot of international football over the next few months as 32 teams gear up for the World Cup in Russia this June. Though Ireland will be notable by their absence in Russia, they are playing a few friendlies in the run up to the tournament.
The boys in green fell to a 2-0 defeat to France on Monday and will face the U.S.A. on Saturday in the Aviva at the arbitrary time of 8.08pm.
But however disappointing Ireland's failure to reach the World Cup this summer, and however meaningless these friendlies might seem in the grander scheme of things, they do often tend to give rise to some entertaining match-ups.
I think its fair to say that Ireland has had a very modest quality of player over the past 15 years or so, which has led to some *ahem* David and Goliath scenarios both in competitive and friendly games. Here are some of the biggest mismatches.
Paul McShane V Angel Di Maria
Di Maria got the better of McShane in 2010 friendly, lobbing Shay Given for the only goal of the game.
Lee Carsley V Robinho
Robinho never stood a chance.
Darren Potter V John Dahl Tomasson
Two Champions League winning players.
Leon Best V Giorgio Chiellini
Leon Best came up against one of the best defenders in the World in Ireland's 2010 World Cup qualifier in 2009. He did not make much of an impact but Ireland did snatch a 2-2 draw at Croke Park.
Noel Hunt V Gianluca Zambrotta
Serie A, World Cup and European Championship winning defender Gianluca Zambrotta up against Dunfermline Athletic Young Player of the Season: 2003–04 season Noel Hunt.
Keith Andrews V Andres Iniesta
The class between Ireland and Spain is best summed up in this picture as Ireland were resoundly beaten 4-0 in the Euros in 2012.
Andy Reid V Alexis Sanchez
Two diminutive playmakers of varying quality.
Darren O'Dea V Miroslav Klose
O'Dea was part of the Irish set-up that lost 6-1 to Germany in the Aviva Stadium i 2012. He didn't manage to keep Klose quiet either.
Paul Green V Robert Lewandowski
Paul Green pictured with Bayern Munich star Lewandowski, Ireland securing a 0-0 draw in an away friendly.
Andy O'Brien V Henrik Larsson
The game marked Steve Staunton's reign as Ireland manager, a 3-0 win where Andy O'Brien left the game with Henrik Larsson in his arse pocket.
Anthony Stokes V Philip Lahm
Stokes wasn't able to get the better Philip Lahm as Ireland lost 3-0 in 2014.
Conor Sammon V Gerard Pique
The Sammon of college failed to get by Barcelona star Piqué as Ireland lost 2-0 to Spain in New Tork in 2013.
Graham Kavanagh V Ronaldo
Ireland's grey haired stallion tries to beat the Brazilian Ronaldo at his own game in a friendly in 2004.
Stephen Kelly V Ronaldo
Stephen Kelly was able to keep Ronaldo quiet but not the entire Portugal team, as the boys in green were defeated 5-1 in a friendly in 2014.
Liam Lawrence V Kaka
Lawrence v Kaka, Brazil v Ireland, Stoke v Real Madrid.
