- Ben Blake reports from the Stade de Bordeaux
“KEEP YOUR head up” was the message coming from Ireland goalkeeper Darren Randolph and a number of the Ireland players after yesterday’s 3-0 defeat to Belgium.
The Boys in Green went in 0-0 at half-time after keeping their superior opponents at bay during a tense first 45 minutes.
However, they failed to weather the storm in the second half and were caught with a couple of counter-attacks — Romelu Lukaku scoring either side of Alex Witsel’s header.
This Wednesday sees Ireland face Italy in Lille at the same time that Belgium face Sweden in Nice.
Three points against the team certain to finish top of Group E is a must if Martin O’Neill’s side are to avoid exit at the group stages, and Randolph has called on fans to believe.
“It’s not the end of the world — the be-all and end-all,” said the West Han stopper. “We still have one more chance. As a few of the boys said: ‘Keep your head up, we still have another game’.”
The last few years we’ve gone out against the top teams and got results. You’re looking at the last games, one more game to qualify.
“We know what we need to do, I know it’s a cliché, treat it as a cup final.”
Listen to The42′s Ben Blake on the 98FM Euro 2016 Daily podcast throughout the tournament
