As the pride of Ireland step onto Danish soil to begin their final push towards a place in the World Cup Finals, a unique breed of human will emerge...the football fan.
Known for it's unbridled passion, the football fan wears it's emotion on it's sleeve, unable to hide it's pride for the nation.
Tomorrow night, fans across Ireland will emerge from the woodwork and unite as one as the boys in Green fight it out against the Danes.
Travelling in packs, the football fan can be identified by a number of distinctive characteristics.
Here are six ways you can identify a fully-fledged football fan:
The doubtful one:
''Ah you never know with Ireland though...'' These fans have been hurt before...They know fully well not to raise their hopes too high, although they desperately want too. Even at 3-0, this fan won't be comfortable until the final whistle has gone.
Strength: Loyal as they come.
Weakness: Doesn't handle a loss too well.
The commentator:
''He's been doing that all night ref!'' Seemingly able to defy physics, this fan fully believes the Referee is able to hear him through the TV. It's almost just as entertaining watching them fly off the handle all night as it is to watch the match. You can't fault their passion though!
Strength: Very loud
Weakness: Being correct
The part-time fan:
''Just explain the offside rule to me one more time...'' Sure this fan isn't the most avid football watcher. But when the pride of the nation is on the line, they grab their face paint and stand shoulder to shoulder in the army of green.
Strength: Generating excitement
Weakness: Knowing what's actually happening
The one who stays silent:
Fearing they may actually be sick if they open their mouth, this is one nervous fan. A singular expression on their face for the entire 90-minutes. There really is no point trying to speak to them, prying their focus from the screen is as unlikely as a 20-degree day in December.
Strength: Focus
Weakness: Socialising
The teacher:
Be careful if you ask a question around this one! With seemingly endless knowledge about every single rule, ref and player this fan could go on for hours. You're also likely to see this fan commenting messages of congratulations to players on their social media accounts.
Strength: Very knowledgeable
Weakness: Too knowledgeable
The coach:
'That's it, play with intent lads!'' This fan speaks only in motivational cliches, such as ''play the ball not the man,'' and ''hold the line boys!'' It's unknown if this fan is capable of speaking in a non-sports related manner.
Strength: Motivation
Weakness: Small talk
Football fans...wouldn't sport be boring without them?!
No matter what kind of fan you are, we'll all be singing the same tune tomorrow night!
Let's go Ireland! #COYBIG
