Damien Duff On The World Cup

Ahead of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, What’s The Craic DubEye sat with former international soccer star Damien Duff to chat about his World Cup experience and what he expects from this year’s tournament.

What was the 2002 World Cup experience like for you?

It’s amazing to pull on the green jersey, regardless of level and age, but to be able to do it at the World Cup was the pinnacle and is something I look back on fondly. I played well from a personal point of view, but from a collective and the country’s point of view, it’s always the what if. Obviously, getting knocked out by Spain was disappointing as we could have gone further in the tournament. Overall though, it was a brilliant time of my life.

Your celebration that year after scoring – the famous bow. What was the reason for that?

You see lads with their funky celebrations, Robbie with the cartwheel. He got to celebrate a lot more times than me! But everybody over in the Far East was such respectful and humble people, constantly bowing and saying thank you. It was just a little way of saying thank you to the host nations.

Are you optimistic about Ireland’s qualification chances for 2026?

The future is bright for Ireland with young players coming through, which we haven’t had for quite a long time. There are some excellent young players, especially in defence and goalkeepers, so I would be optimistic. Even though I left the FAI for personal reasons, I will always cheer the team on.

What effect does a mid-season World Cup have on the competition?

Excluding the political side of things in Qatar, I’m hoping it might be a better World Cup than the regular Summer slot. Players aren’t tired. It’s mid-season, so they’re up to speed. Managers and coaches these days are so good that a week or ten days together is no problem, so I’m expecting a special World Cup.

Would the shortened World Cup of just 29 days affect your plans as a manager?

The gaps between the games are so short that training will be at a minimum, so it will depend on how good you are with analysis, meetings, rest, recovery, etc. It’s crucial teams plan, and they plan well.

Who are your favourites going into the tournament?

I’m a romantic at heart, so it has to be Argentina. Messi’s last tournament, and I’d love to see him go out on top.

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What do you think of England’s chances?

Their route to the final will have a significant impact, but a million per cent, they won’t win it.

Who are your dark horse team going into the competition?

Japan, just because of their Celtic contingent. I love watching them play, as their movement is so good. I’ve actually purchased a Japan jersey for myself!