Trap perplexed by ‘fearful’ Ireland

After Ireland’s worst competitive defeat in 41 years, Giovanni Trapattoni quite simply put it down to timing.

“I think that, unfortunately, for the second time we conceded a goal after three minutes. Of course, just like against Croatia, this means it throws any tactical plan you have out of the window. It makes your task very difficult indeed.

“It makes it very hard to get back into the game, without conceding space to your opponent who are already very good technically. Of course, we are very disappointed. But, what I have to say is that the lads did everything within our power. Of course, the mistakes we made against Croatia and the same mistakes that we made here means that we had a psychological blow.”