Question: International Friendlies - Worthwhile Or A Waste Of Time?

Its a matter of opinion really, isn't it? Many people may argue that international friendlies provide a guide to management and squads about fitness levels, team formations, tactics, etc. Others will state that they are worthless. A waste of resources and a risk, a risk that players might pick up an injury before a vital game.

Personally, I believe it depends on the fixture. Take for example, Ireland's match against Oman last Wednesday night. In my opinion, a complete and utter waste of time. A lacklustre encounter. A meaningless fixture which was highlighted by a dismal turnout of barely 14,000 people in the Aviva Stadium.

 With an important Euro 2016 qualifying match on Sunday against Georgia, it seems rather trivial as to why such a game is even organised. Worryingly enough, Ireland were hardly impressive against the team lying 67th in the FIFA world rankings. A header from Kevin Doyle in the first-half and a close range shot from Alex Pearce providing the only entertainment for the night. Hardly rip-roaring stuff. Not exactly the return from retirement that Shay Given would have dreamed of. What with him practically remaining stationary while he was between the posts.

Friendlies are, of course, opportunities to give the new kids on the block a run out for their country. And I don't want to take anything away from how special a night it must be for any young lad who makes their debut for their country on such an occasion. It must be a dream come true to put on the jersey and run out onto the pitch to join their teammates. But apart from that, I can't see any logic in organising a friendly against a lower ranked team.

On the other end of the scale however, if a friendly were to be played against a much higher ranked, well respected team, I doubt many Irish fans would be complaining. Lets face it, even if we get beaten we still extract such joy out of fixtures such as 'Ireland v Spain' or 'Ireland v Portugal'. Not to mention the delight and anticipation before a clash against 'the old enemy' England! We love to witness how our boys fare against the worlds greatest stars. Not to mention how beneficial it would be to a player to play against the likes of Ronaldo, Iniesta, etc. And you could bet your house on a sellout crowd. 

These are the type of friendly fixtures the FAI should be trying to capture. Every match should have the aim of improving the squad in any way possible. Can we really say that games such as that against Oman accomplish this? Of course we can't. It was of no benefit to Ireland, ahead of the Georgia game, whatsoever. Its quite likely that only three of the players that started on Wednesday will retain their places for Sunday. So realistically, it cannot have taught Martin O' Neill anything about team line-outs or formations that he hadn't already identified.  

Keep presenting fixtures such as that against Oman and pitiful performances will continue to be the result. However, a mouthwatering friendly, such as the upcoming fixture against England in 2015, will signal the return of the passionate Ireland team we love and adore. Not to mention the sea of green jerseys, not green seats, that will occupy the Aviva Stadium.