Republic Of Ireland Boss Trapattoni Refuses To Give Up On World Cup

Veteran coach backs his players to achieve glory in France.

Nov 15, 2009 9:55:57 AM

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Giovanni Trapattoni - Ireland (PA)
Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni is in bullish mood ahead of his team's trip to France on Wednesday for the second leg of their World Cup qualifying play-off.
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The Irish are 1-0 down after yesterday's first leg in Dublin, but the experienced Italian is refusing to rule out a comeback from his players.

"Football makes us suffer, but there is another great opportunity in Paris because France have conceded many goals away and also at home," he told reporters at the Irish training camp in Malahide.

"We must think about this situation, this balance, our performance, our mentality and also what they have allowed opponents in the past.

"They concede goals and, like us, they ended in second place in their group - and we think our group was stronger.

"We have to think about the positives in the situation and not the result because, in the end, football can come down to a deflection, the crossbar, the referee - there are many situations which can change the result.

"I don't wish to speak about luck, but one year, we won a championship with Juventus when an opponent hit the ball against my striker and we scored a goal.

"If you look at our performance last night, we played a good game. I have heard also opinion from Italy and other countries, and they said Ireland played a good game against this France team."

The famously cautious coach will not have his team going out all guns blazing in France in search of victory though.

"I don't want to concede five goals, three goals or two goals. One-nil is enough to take it to extra-time and maybe penalties," he affirmed.

"This is a game for calm heads. Okay, take risks in the last few minutes, but if we go forward and concede goals, it's finished.

"I am confident. The team was a little bit disappointed, sure, but I know my team.

"They have character, they are proud and we must get the same reaction we have had before."

Zack Wilson, Goal.com

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