Loew not down on Irish chances

The press conference room in the bowels of the Aviva Stadium has housed many a pantomime moment over its short life, but never was there a chance of Joachim Loew adding to the theatrics.

His address to the awaiting media delayed due the late arrival from Dublin airport of his media officer, the Germany manager filled the time by perching himself against the top table while staring silently towards the back of the rising rows of seats.

It’s the same table we’ve become familiar with, witnessing Giovanni Trapattoni bang with his fist in fury in an attempt to enforce his many mangled messages to the assembled press.