IRELAND MANAGER Giovanni Trapattoni watched his side chase shadows for 90 minutes tonight against the world and European champions.
But the Italian admits they didn’t make it any easier for themselves once again, gifting the opposition goals at crucial times.
“We know Spain are superior but after two minutes you concede a goal, all the planning that you did goes. Because nil-nil you can try some different situations but we could’t do anything,” he said.
“I will speak to the players tomorrow. Because the same goal this evening was the same as the first goal against Croatia. Maybe it was too much intense. In training the team was happy, was ready, was also comfortable. But the start of the game was 1-0 and we started this game 1-0.
Asked by Tony O’Donoghue if the Irish team are good enough to qualify but not then compete at major championships, Trap agreed.
“I think, maybe in this particular situation because we met two very good teams. Spain were number one in the ranking, Croatia are at seven. We are in 18th but it’s no excuse, I hope it could be better.”
We’ll have full reaction from the press conference later tonight.