“If you think we’re not going in the right direction, you’re writing the wrong thing,” Shane Duffy suggested gently after the Republic of Ireland players refused to celebrate a goalless draw with a cautious Portugal, clearly intent To avoid a disaster earlier, Serbia’s visit to Lisbon on Sunday to find out who will automatically qualify for Qatar 2022.
“We’re not thrilled. There was no music in the changing room. ”
The music can be smacked after the final game of a failed but encouraging World Cup qualifying campaign on Sunday that saw a remarkable 16 players make their Stephen Kenny debut.
“I love … I think Stephen is brilliant,” Duffy said when asked if the manager could continue to lead this team – a question that sounds more and more ridiculous at the end of Group A.
“I had the feeling that we started a bit nervous,” said Kenny, who was visibly more comfortable than after losing to Luxembourg last March. “Halfway through the first half, we got it. Chiedozie Ogbene and Callum Robinson were very influential. In the second half I thought we were the better team.
“The players are rightly disappointed that a legitimate goal was excluded,” said Kenny of Matt Doherty’s injury final, which was turned down by referee Jesús Gil Manzano, who believed that Wigan striker Will Keane fouled Portugal goalkeeper Rui Patrício in advance would have . “Will is clear on his point of view. The goalkeeper is the proactive. Any barging that is done is his. It looked like a clear goal.
“It’s not an enthusiastic dressing room but this tie means we can go to Luxembourg because we know that with a win we will have third place ahead of them.”
Ireland are seven goals ahead of Luxembourg and are currently three points behind.
“I loved the back three,” added Kenny. “Callum is the man of the game, but I would have given it to Shane Duffy. It was the best i have ever seen. Séamus Coleman defended really well because there was an aerial threat there.
“In my opinion, John Egan should play in the Champions League. I think he’s good enough. “
“I think we’re improving overall as a team, but we can still improve. The two most expensive goals we conceded at home were long-range fights. “
The strikes in Luxembourg and Azerbaijan in an almost silent Aviva stadium have destroyed any hope of participating in the first winter World Cup, but that no longer preoccupies the collective mindset.
“We played the ball very well, stayed calm and are disappointed not to have won.”
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