Soccer

Euro 2016 qualification was written in the stars: Richard Keogh

Republic of Ireland's Richard Keogh always had faith they would qualify for the Euro 2016
Republic of Ireland's Richard Keogh always had faith they would qualify for the Euro 2016 Republic of Ireland's Richard Keogh always had faith they would qualify for the Euro 2016

EVEN before he walked out onto the pitch at the Aviva Stadium Richard Keogh was convinced that Ireland’s progress to France was written in the stars.

Four days previously as a pea-soup smog shrouded Zenica, Keogh had kept Edin Dzeko at bay to help secure a 1-1 draw for the Republic of Ireland in the first leg of their Euro 2016 play-off against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Going into the second leg they had the advantage of Robbie Brady’s away goal, but were far from nailed-on to progress. However, that night at the Aviva two Jon Walters goals meant there were no dramas and Keogh’s sixth sense proved correct.

“The feeling of actually playing those two games and the adulation of securing qualification, it was an amazing moment,” he said.

“I’ve played in big games, luckily enough, the play-off final, but that one, there was just something special about it. That night was just… I felt like we were never going to lose.

“The team felt so confident and with the fans behind us, when Jonny’s second goal went in, I don’t think that feeling will ever be replicated.

“Shane Long’s goal (against Germany) was very close.

“Because we were so close and the group has been together for that long, and for everyone to write us off and not really think we had a chance of qualifying, to come through how we did and do it all together, it was just special to be a part of it.”

Keogh became a father for the first time six weeks ago. His wife and new-born son Sebastian – who holds an Irish passport – will join him before the final Group E game against Italy in Lille.

Ireland could be through to the knockout stage by that point, out of the tournament or battling for the result they need to progress. So much depends on how the defence cope with the challenge of Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the opener and multi-talented Belgium in the second.

With John O’Shea certain to start, Keogh is competing for the second centre-back spot with Shane Duffy and Ciaran Clarke. Both have done well in warm-up games but given how he handled Dzeko in the play-off, the Derby County defender could well get the nod from Martin O’Neill.

“I think I've got more confident with every cap I've got but the Bosnia game was a big moment, for sure,” he said.

“It was a pressure game and to play how we did, not just me personally but as a team, to finish that game off was great for the country and was something I'll never ever forget.

“Dzeko is a very good player, he has won Premier Leagues and has played at a very high level. Again, I’m just excited. I’m excited to play against brilliant players like Lewandowski. It’s what we are in the game for.

“You want to test yourself on the biggest stage and there is none bigger than the European Championships.”

And if he does play? Sweden at Stade de France… the razzmatazz of the hordes of fans there for the sing-song in the stands… You can guarantee atmosphere and excitement and in his mind’s eye Keogh will picture his first tackle, his first header.

“Whether it’s on, Ibrahimovic or whatever, you want to try and settle into the game as quick as possible,” he said.

“Obviously being a defender, you want to win your headers and be composed and be in control of your game.

“I just think it’s an exciting time to play as a professional. There is no better time to play for your country than at a massive tournament.

“Whoever is selected, it's going to be a great moment. I think that's what we'll be focusing on. We are going to be playing against world-class players because that's the nature of the tournament.”

Ibrahimovic is the one world class player in the Sweden ranks but he’s not their only threat. ‘Ibra’ turned provider for Emil Forsberg’s opener against Wales last weekend and Mikael Lustig and John Guidetti got the other goals in a 3-0 win.

“The manager has touched on that, sure we know that Ibrahimovic has had a wonderful season, the player that he is and he is a talisman for them,” said Keogh.

“But they have good players, they have qualified for the tournament, they have a good squad as well.

“We will do our homework on them and know their strengths and weaknesses and we will be ready for the first game.

“We get clips and things like that on the opposition, it’s nice, as a player you want to know what players you are coming up against, what their strengths and weaknesses are, the spaces they like to play into.

“Every little bit helps and it's a good thing, you want to be as prepared as possible.”