A severe lesson for us, says Trap

OH dear. Yes, it was only a friendly. And yes, the first round of the Premier League is only days away but there is something about a 3-0 defeat that just sets those alarm bells ringing.

This was Ireland’s heaviest defeat in a non-competitive game since Holland put four past Steve Staunton’s side back in August 2006. Ireland’s next result? That 5-2 defeat to Cyprus in Nicosia. Hmm.

Giovanni Trapattoni was eager to point out that the trip to the Mediterranean will be a very different affair. Australia, he said, were like Poland and the USA. Physical opponents. Cyprus, while dangerous, would pose a different set of problems.

That said, he was honest enough to admit that last night was an eye-opening experience.

“It was a severe lesson for us,” Trapattoni said. “I am a little bit disappointed, like the team, but the situation happened. After the first half Australia deserved to win. We had a great chance with Robbie Keane that may have made the difference, may have changed the result.

“In the second-half we couldn’t score a goal but we had a better mentality and direction. I suppose a few players had only played a few times, not four, five or six 90 minutes.

“The question for myself was how many players could play 90 minutes and give a good performance. I have faced this situation many times in my career.”

So then, aside from the summer spent lazing on the beach and the lack of competitive fixtures under their collective belts, were there any other reasons for Ireland’s lacklustre display?

“I said before I came here that I saw the little mistakes. There were no mistakes like that today but the performance was not 100%. Normally our team is compact. Today, in the first-half, they were not compact.”

Cyprus’ 6-1 defeat to Albania will have eased last night’s disappointment somewhat but the fact remains that Trapattoni could have done without such a comprehensive defeat ahead of the crucial Group Eight qualifier.

Is he worried?

“No. I knew before the game which player could play his best performances. We lost the midfield. They were superior to us and that was clear. This is not disappointing because we have four weeks of league action to come and players can improve their performances.”

No psychological damage then?

“It’s normal in the dressing room that the players are a little bit down but I gave them words of encouragement. They can play better when the season gets underway. I myself am a little disappointed but we deserved to score one or two goals.”

Trapattoni’s opposite number, Pim Verbeek, was understandably thrilled with the evening’s events. He was in such good form, in fact, that he wished Ireland well in Cyprus next month before departing.

“We played well. We were well organised. We were winning most of the first balls and we were under control. We showed that we are a very good team with the ball with good combinations. We worked hard and we have some players with special qualities.”

But 3-0, Pim. A tad flattering?

“Yes, I think 3-0 is too much. The third goal was a fantastic goal but it wasn’t a chance. Ireland created some chances too. Robbie Keane, as always, was a handful. We scored some good goals in the first half and were in control in the second half.”

The air of levity continued when Verbeek was asked about Tim Cahill, the Everton player who scored Australia’s two first-half goals and who, apparently, has an Irish grandmother.

“I didn’t know he was Irish. I thought he was Samoan but I am very happy he plays for Australia.”

Hopefully Trap will have something similar to chirp about in Nicosia.