^I'm having a hard time deciding whether or not I agree with Keane's post match comments.
Quote:
Andrews went on to pay tribute to the Irish fans who made up the majority of the crowd in the stadium, saying: "The fans were an absolute credit to their country and unfortunately we have not been able to give them what they deserved." "We're playing (against Italy) purely for the fans and for our own pride. They've travelled in their thousands.
"With seven or eight minutes to go all you can hear is the Irish fans and we're losing three or 4-0."
But Andrews' reaction drew a furious response from former Republic captain Roy Keane, who insisted his nation needed to change their mentality if they wanted more success on the international stage.
Keane said: "I think the players and supporters have to change their mentality.
"It's just nonsense to say how great the supporters are. The supporters want to see the players do a lot better and not give daft goals away like that.
"Let's change that attitude towards Irish supporters. Let's not kid ourselves, they want to see their team winning, Let's not just go along for the sing-song now and again."
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http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/euro-...s-performance/
On the one hand I can't help but agree with his sentiments that they need to change their mentality in games like that and play their opponents tougher. Far too much respect was shown today.
On the other hand ...... living in the real world he's got to realise that Ireland basically have ...... no-one. I was sorta hoping to see what McLean could do on this stage.
And .... what Roy I feel doesn't really grasp is that in his small country soccer (which it is called there) is a distant 3rd most popular spectator sport and frankly whilst people would like to see them win, it's not the be all end all of other countries. Why mourne a loss when you can celebrate the occasion? It's a bonus that they qualified in that it's an excuse for a party. Anything after that is gravy.
Having said all that, and reading all the conundrums that could play out in the last day I wouldn't rule them out of being major spoilers and taking a draw from the Italians.
Best fans on the planet.