Ireland Czechs out of Euro 2008

GOING into the second half they were one goal down, a short time later they were one man down.

In fact, Ireland were in every conceivable sense on a downer last night when they were decisively Czech-mated in the Euro 2008 qualifier.

“It was just one of those things,” said Republic manager Steve Staunton, with his now characteristic and unconvincing post-match stoicism.