World Cup: McCarthy praises team

Mick McCarthy piled praise on his Republic of Ireland team after they reached the World Cup finals despite a 1-0 defeat by Iran in Tehran.

But it could not overturn an aggregate Irish victory, with goals from Ian Harte and Robbie Keane from the first leg at Lansdowne Road putting the Republic through.

McCarthy's team also had first-leg hero Shay Given to thank for a save from Ali Karimi which ensured the manager had taken the Republic to a World Cup finals as both player and manager.

A tearful McCarthy could not hide the emotion of the moment and was almost lost for words.

"I might articulate it better when I'm not as emotional," McCarthy said.

"We've waited a long time for this. It's a wonderful group of players and staff, they deserve it."

McCarthy knew that when the home fans started taking out their frustrations by throwing missiles on the pitch and lighting fires in the stands in the second half it meant his team had done their job.

"It's great to see them doing that because it meant we were through. What a wonderful campaign," he added.

While happy to celebrate his team's qualification, McCarthy was upset that a late goal had cost them a draw.

"I'm bothered we lost, I don't like that," he said. "I'm being a bit hard, but we were brilliant."

McCarthy praised the performance of the whole of his team. But he picked out Wimbledon striker David Connolly for special praise and also felt Steve Staunton and Jason McAteer had risen above criticism directed at them before the game.